When you think of using bricks for an exterior or even on the interior, no one ever realizes that just like any other material, you have to occasionally clean brick. Bricks are a very durable and considered an attractive product. This is one of the many reasons that people decide to install brick in their home. Every once in a while you will have to maintain brick and clean them.
One of the biggest ways brick get's dirty is from mold. When water splashes, mold eventually forms and spreads up the brick. The result is a greenish slime that spreads across the brick facade. The once beautiful stone texture is now beginning to look old and run down.
Another way brick gets dirty is from algae, mildew and smoke. These stains can be resilient to clean if not handled properly. Another concern is discoloring of the brick when you are cleaning them. A rule of thumb is while cleaning your brick, prior to starting the entire surface, test a small area first. Test the small area and then let it dry. Look for any discoloring. If there are no changes in the color, then you will be safe to clean the entire area of brick.
There are several ways to clean brick. No matter what cleaner you use, always follow the manufacturer's directions. If the cleaner requires mixing, make sure you follow the mixing directions. If you decide to use detergent or soap and water solutions, these solutions will most probably work on bricks that are soiled with mud, dirt or plain soil.
Another common way to clean brick is to use a muriatic acid. For acid solutions, it is recommended that you have experience using this chemical. Always make sure that you have protective clothing and guard yourself from being exposed from the chemical. Mixing muriatic acid to the proper solution combined with water needs to be mixed exactly to the manufacturer requirements. There is a big misconception that adding too much muriatic acid will clean brick better but that is exactly the opposite. You may be harming the brick such as permanently staining it.
On the market now are products, premixed specifically formulated to clean bricks. These premixed brick cleaning products eliminate the need to mix potent chemicals. For those that want to clean brick, this is an easier solution. Many come in a spray bottle premixed. Spray the cleaner on, let stand for the required amount of time and wipe accordingly. You will find that these premixed brick cleaning solutions are a much easier solution for those that want to clean bricks without wanting to mix various solutions.
Author:
Mr. David Pangione
of
Pangione Developers Inc.
Note: All this information is 100% original. Every word is spoken from experience of being a NJ Home Improvement Contractor for over 30 years. All material is copyright protected.
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Lot's of good ideas on brick cleaning. Although I'm probably going to stick with the ready-to-use cleaners.
ReplyDelete-Kyle @ home repair tips