Tips On How To Clean Brick Surfaces
Image from Freepik
Using bricks to construct residential and commercial buildings is beneficial for creating solid structures. Although bricks can withstand Australia's climate's daily wear and tear, regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep them in pristine condition. To ensure your material's longevity, below are practical tips on how to clean your brick surfaces.
Understanding Brick Composition and Types
Brickworks building products come in various compositions. Thus, it's important to know what type of brick you have in your home since their composition can affect their cleaning needs. For instance, the porous surface of clay bricks is prone to water absorption and stains if they're not sealed well. Thus, you'll need to inspect them regularly for stains and apply sealant periodically to keep them in top shape.
Furthermore, here's how other composition factors can affect your brick maintenance:
Surface texture: Textured bricks tend to trap dirt between surfaces, so they require more frequent cleaning than smoother surfaces.
Durability and resistance: Strong and durable bricks are more resilient to weather conditions, so they'll need less maintenance to retain their structural integrity.
Colour retention: Bricks with natural colours tend to fade over time, so you'll need to re-apply sealant from time to time to keep the bricks vibrant.
General Brick Maintenance Tips
Here are general cleaning tips you can keep in mind to help keep surfaces spotless:
Conduct regular inspections for cracks, stains, and mould.
Repoint or repair worn mortar joints.
Periodically reapply masonry sealer on brick surfaces to reinforce moisture protection.
Ensure proper water drainage around the brick foundation to prevent water accumulation.
Cleaning Techniques for Brick Surfaces
It's best practice to follow brick manufacturers' instructions for maintaining your materials. But if you want to go the distance, here are cleaning techniques you can use to help keep brick surfaces in good condition:
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing involves using a stiff-bristled brush to remove dirt from the brick's surface. This is a recommended method on how to clean brick surfaces from loose dirt, dust, and cobwebs. Nylon or natural bristle brushes cover large areas, while you can use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach spots. Remember not to apply too much pressure when brushing to prevent scratching or chipping the brick's surface.
Water and Mild Detergent
Brick suppliers recommend using water and mild detergent to clean dirt and grime. To do this, use a nylon brush to apply the solution, and do not apply too much pressure. Avoid using a wire brush or metal tools for scrubbing, as they can damage the surface. Don't forget to rinse after cleaning to remove excess soap suds.
This method is great for removing grime and surface stains, but avoid it in the winter. Wet bricks can freeze, causing permanent damage.
Specialised Brick Cleaners
Consider using a specialised brick cleaner if you're dealing with tough stains or limescale on your brick walls. These cleaners are formulated to target specific stains, such as efflorescence, mould, or grime. So, pick a cleaner that suits your cleaning needs.
In addition to that, most brick cleaners are made with harsh chemicals, like muriatic acid or phosphoric acid. So, it's best practice to wear a mask and gloves when cleaning to protect your eyes and skin. It's also recommended you follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning to ensure you won't damage the brick wall's surface. Another advice on how to clean brick surfaces is to never leave the cleaner on for too long since it can be corrosive. Thus, it is best not to forget to rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove any residue.
Pressure Washing
When done properly, pressure washing can remove stubborn stains and algae buildup. However, there are best practices you should follow to avoid accidentally damaging the surface.
Before washing, it's best to inspect your walls for cracks and damage. That's because pressure washing can exacerbate distressed mortar and brick, so it's important to make necessary repairs before cleaning. When you're ready, here are tips you can use for pressure washing bricks:
Use a 25 to 50 deg. fan-shaped nozzle tip.
Spray the bricks at a minimum of 12 inches away from the surface.
Do not use water pressure exceeding 400 pounds per square inch (psi).
Spray the nozzle using circular motions instead of concentrating on one area.
Get Quality Bricks with Austral Bricks
Despite its durability, bricks need regular cleaning and maintenance to prolong their longevity and aesthetic appeal. Thus, cleaning the surface with soap and water is often enough to remove dust and grime. Specialised brick cleaners are great for removing stains, but follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent surface damage.
For quality bricks that last, consider getting your materials from Austral Bricks. Homeowners don’t need to go deeper into how to clean brick surfaces with our top product offers. Contact us today to book a free colour consultation!
You can learn more about our story from humble beginnings to where we are today.