How to Clean Brick: An Interior and Exterior Guide

Bricks have been used to build homes and structures for thousands of years, thanks to their stability, strength, and aesthetic appeal.

But, unlike some building materials, brick requires a bit of basic care to stay looking its very best. And, this rule applies to your home’s exterior, as well as internal details like fireplaces and accent walls.

Not sure where to get started with cleaning and maintaining your brickwork? No worries. This is your guide!

We’ll break down how to clean brick, no matter where it’s found in your home. Keep reading for all the details.

Proper Prep

Before you can properly clean your home’s masonry, you’ll want to make sure the area is ready for maintenance.

Start by removing decorations and accents, as well as nearby furnishings. If you’re working indoors, you’ll want to put down tarps, newspaper, or dropcloths to prevent splatter from cleaners and solvents. If you’re outside, move any vehicles parked nearby and remove other obstacles such as yard furniture.

Then, you’ll want to remove dirt, dust, and anything else on your brick’s surface. You can use a brush, broom, or vacuum cleaner to accomplish this.

Start Cleaning

Whether you came here wondering how to clean fireplace brick or something larger like your home’s exterior, the next step will remain the same.

Because dry brick will quickly absorb cleaners and solvents, you’ll next need to thoroughly wet the surface. This prevents fading and discoloration and helps your chosen product do a better job of penetrating the surface.

Up next, it’s time to clean! But, you’ll first want to verify that you’re using the right tools and technique. And, if possible, you’ll want to do this entire job by hand to avoid destroying all the hard work put in by your brick layer.

Standard Soap

When it comes to how to clean brick, the easiest answer is often the right one! Plain dish soap and a rough scrubber are likely all that you’ll need for low-traffic indoor brick walls and accents.

Alternate scrubbing and rinsing small areas, being mindful to remove as much soap residue as possible.

Add Some Salt

Are you dealing with stubborn smoke or grease stains? This tip is essential if you’re wondering how to clean a brick patio where you’ve been barbecuing or entertaining.

Simply add salt to your soap until it forms a gritty yet spreadable paste. Then, apply it with a damp rag in small sections, scrubbing each area with a bristled brush as you go. Then, rinse.

Boric Acid

If you came here hoping to learn how to clean a brick house, this is an essential trick. It’s also excellent for brick pavers and other surfaces prone to algae, mold, and fungal growth.

Start by diluting a tablespoon of boric acid powder into a gallon of warm water. Then, use a soft brush dipped in your solution to scrub small areas, rinsing before you move on to the next section.

This step can be followed up with another round of soap and water to ensure outstanding results.

Beautiful and Clean Brick

Now that you know a bit more about how to clean brick, you’re ready to get the process started! That’s great news. Armed with this guide, you’ll never go wrong – and your home’s masonry will be back to looking its absolute best before you know it.

Was this blog post helpful? If so, don’t forget to share it with a friend or two. And, stop by our homepage for more hot content focused on home, news, lifestyle, and technology.