Best Ways to Clean Brick

How often do you clean the brick of your house or your brick fireplace? Brick is durable and low-maintenance, but it still collects dust, dirt, and grime over time. Whether you’re cleaning interior and exterior brick, regular upkeep helps preserve its beauty and prevents stubborn stains. You may pay more attention to indoor areas like a brick fireplace while neglecting outside walls exposed to the elements.

If you rarely clean your brick, try wiping a section with a damp cloth – you might be surprised at the dirt that comes off. Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

Here are some powerful cleaning tips and techniques to restore your brick surfaces to their original charm.

Cleaning Interior Brick

Tools Needed

• High-powered vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a long-handled brush
• Nylon brush (ideal for fireplaces)
• Bucket
• Laundry detergent and an ounce of salt (for regular cleaning)
• TSP (Tri-sodium phosphate) for heavy-duty cleaning
• Damp cloth for applying cleaning solutions

If you’re cleaning hard-to-reach areas, consider placing your vacuum cleaner on a trolley for easier movement. It saves time and makes the cleaning process smoother.

Brick Cleaning Process Around the Fireplace

Follow these steps to clean soot and grime from your brick fireplace:

1. Mix laundry detergent with an ounce of salt and just enough water to form a paste.
2. Use a damp cloth to apply the paste thoroughly to the stained bricks.
3. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes.
4. Once dry, scrub the bricks with a nylon brush.
5. For persistent soot stains, apply white vinegar with a wet rag and scrub gently.

This method delivers immediate and long-lasting results, leaving your bricks clean and fresh.

Heavy-Duty Interior Brick Cleaning with TSP

For more stubborn stains, TSP is a powerful cleaner used by professionals. Handle it with care, as it can be harsh on skin and fabrics.

1. Mix 1/2 cup of TSP with 1 gallon of hot water (increase to 1 cup for tougher stains).
2. Use a scrub brush to work the solution into the brick.
3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Repeat the process if stains persist, ensuring a deep clean that restores your interior brick.

Cleaning Exterior Brick

Exterior brick and face brick are designed to withstand the elements but still require occasional cleaning. Regular maintenance, especially after heavy rain or months of sprinkler exposure, keeps your home’s brick facade looking fresh. Aim to clean your exterior brick at least once a year.

Normal Dirt and Grime

Tools Needed

• Gloves
• Hose with a spray nozzle attachment
• Stiff brush or broom
• Rake (for debris cleanup)
• Heavy-duty vacuum cleaner (optional)

Cleaning Process

1. Wear old clothes – cleaning exterior brick can get messy.
2. Use a hose on full pressure to rinse off accumulated dirt and debris.
3. Work from left to right, ensuring you remove cobwebs and grime. Adjust the spray settings as needed.
4. Sweep away remaining dirt using a stiff brush or broom.
5. Collect and dispose of debris using a rake or vacuum cleaner.

Removing Stubborn Stains from Exterior Brick

For tougher stains on your exterior brick, use an ammonia solution:

1. Mix 1/2 cup of ammonia in a bucket of water.
2. Scrub the affected areas with a stiff broom or brush.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Cleaning Brick of Moss and Mold

Damp conditions can lead to moss and mold growth on your brick. Tackle the problem with a bleach solution to prevent further spread.

Tools Needed

• Safety goggles
• Rubber gloves
• Firm plastic spatula or stiff broom
• Bucket (with a bleach solution)
• Hose with a spray nozzle

Cleaning Process

1. Mix a solution of 4 parts water to 1 part bleach.
2. Wear protective goggles and gloves.
3. Scrape off moss or mold using a spatula or broom.
4. Apply the bleach solution generously and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
5. Rinse thoroughly and check for any remaining mold.

For persistent mold, increase the bleach concentration to a 50/50 mix, apply with a spray bottle, and repeat as needed.

Important Cautions When Cleaning Brick

• Avoid High-Pressure Washing: Using a pressure washer on brick surfaces can damage the brick face, especially if the brick is old or crumbling. Use low pressure if you must power wash.
• Efflorescence: If you notice a white, powdery film on your brick, it may be caused by moisture pulling salts to the surface. Address the moisture source before cleaning the brick with plain water.

Whether you’re cleaning interior and exterior brick, a little time and effort will preserve its classic beauty and keep your home looking its best.

Related Articles

Cleaning Brick

Cleaning Fireplace Brick