Brick is an attractive and sturdy material. Cleaning it once every few years removes stains and reveals the surface’s original coloring. Follow these tips to safely clean walls and hardscapes made of this material.

Do:

Choose the right cleaning methods.

Some sources recommend sandblasting to remove stains, but that can damage the brick. Instead, use a pressure-washer on low to medium settings to remove dirt and marks.

Fill the washer with a masonry cleaning detergent, or mix equal parts laundry detergent and water to make your own solution. Whatever products you use, test them on a small, less visible section of the surface to see if they cause stains before proceeding.

Rinse thoroughly.

Left sitting for a prolonged period, detergent may create stains and attract dirt.

After applying the cleaning solution, promptly pressure-wash the area to rinse it away. The cleaning solution may sink into the brick’s porous surface, so you might need to rinse several times to get it off completely.

Don’t:

Apply detergent dry.

Only use the detergent mixture on wet brick to prevent the product from sinking in too deeply.

Pre-wet the surface by hosing or pressure-washing it before applying detergent. For extra efficiency, start at the top and let the water flow toward the ground to wet the lower sections naturally.

Clean damaged brick.

If the masonry is chipped or the mortar is crumbling, washing it can cause further breakage. 

Have any repairs completed before cleaning the wall. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to let the surface set completely before washing it.

If you need supplies to repair your masonry, find them at Weckesser Brick Co. in Rochester, NY. This fourth-generation family-owned company has served Monroe County for over 85 years. They offer quality products from trusted suppliers, including Belden®, Continental®, and Old Carolina®. They can also refer you to contractors to perform the installation work. Call (585) 247-1100 to ask about their stock, or visit their website for more information about their brick products.