How to Clean Brick Inside and Outside Your Home
Interior Brick Cleaning
Brick is a durable material that can add character and warmth to your home’s interior. However, like all surfaces, it can accumulate dirt and dust over time. To keep your interior brick looking its best, follow these steps:
- Clear the area: Remove all furniture and items from the room or area where you will be cleaning.
- Vacuum or sweep: Use a vacuum cleaner or broom to remove any loose dust or debris from the brick surface.
- Prepare the cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bucket of warm water.
- Spray the cleaning solution: Using a spray bottle, apply the cleaning solution generously to the brick surface. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the pores of the brick.
- Scrub stains: For any stubborn stains or dirt, use a nylon-bristled brush to gently scrub the area.
- Rinse the brick: Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe down the brick surface with warm water to remove the cleaning solution and any loosened dirt.
Exterior Brick Cleaning
Exterior brick is exposed to the elements and can become dirty and stained over time. To clean exterior brick, you will need a pressure washer.
Safety first: Before you begin, check for any cracks or gaps in the brick. Pressure washing can further damage weakened brick, so it’s important to repair any issues before cleaning.
Materials:
- Pressure washer
- Bleach
- Grout sponge
- Nylon-bristled brush
Instructions:
- Protect windows and electrical items: Seal all windows and cover electrical outlets with duct tape to prevent water damage.
- Cover plants and shrubs: Use a tarp to cover any plants or shrubs near the area you will be cleaning to protect them from chemicals.
- Start on low pressure: Begin by washing the entire exterior on low pressure to loosen dirt and debris.
- Apply the cleaning solution: Mix bleach and water in a bucket. Dip the grout sponge into the solution and apply it to the brick surface. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to allow the bleach to work its magic.
- Scrub tough stains: If you’re cleaning an area that doesn’t receive much sunlight, you may encounter moss or mildew. Use the nylon-bristled brush to scrub these areas after the cleaning solution has had time to sit.
- Rinse the brick: Turn the pressure washer back on to low pressure and rinse the brick from top to bottom. This will help remove the cleaning solution and any loosened dirt.
Additional Tips
- Inspect your brick regularly for any cracks or damage.
- Clean your brick every six months to a year to prevent dirt and grime buildup.
- Vacuum or sweep interior brick regularly to keep it clean and dust-free.
- For exterior brick, remove any overgrown moss or plant growth to prevent damage.
When to Call a Professional
If you have a historical home with brick exterior, it’s best to call a professional cleaning company. The mortar used in older homes is softer than modern mortar and requires specialized cleaning techniques.