Exterior surface cleaning can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with surfaces like brick. Brick is a highly durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, brick can also accumulate dirt, grime, and stains over time, making the surface look dull and unattractive.
To make your brick surfaces look as good as new, you need to adopt tailored cleaning techniques that suit the surface. Here are some techniques that you can use to clean different brick exterior surfaces.
Cleaning Brick Walls
Cleaning brick walls requires a different approach compared to cleaning other exterior surfaces like concrete. Brick walls are porous, and the surface can trap dirt, grime, and other pollutants. Here’s how you can tackle dirty brick walls.
What You Will Need
- Garden hose
- Buckets
- Stiff-bristle brush
- Soft-bristle brush
- TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a brick cleaning detergent
- Safety gloves
- Goggles
How to Clean Brick Walls
- Fill a bucket with water and add trisodium phosphate or a brick cleaning detergent.
- Put on your gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from the cleaning solution.
- Use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the cleaning solution onto the brick surface.
- Allow the cleaning solution to sit for a few minutes.
- Use a garden hose to rinse off the cleaning solution from the brick surface.
- Repeat the process until the brick surface is clean.
- After cleaning, leave the brick to dry for a few days. Do not rush the drying process by applying heat or pressure as this can damage the brick surface.
Cleaning Brick Patios
Brick patios are a great addition to any outdoor space. However, they can become dirty and stained from exposure to the elements. Here’s how you can clean stained and discolored brick patios.
What You Will Need
- Garden hose
- Buckets
- Stiff-bristle brush
- Soft-bristle brush
- Oxygen bleach
- Safety gloves
- Goggles
How to Clean Brick Patios
- Clear the patio of any furniture or debris.
- Use a garden hose to wet the brick surface.
- Apply oxygen bleach to the stained areas of the brick patio.
- Allow the solution to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the solution onto the stained areas.
- Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the rest of the brick patio surface.
- Rinse the brick surface with a garden hose.
- Repeat the process until the brick surface is clean.
- Allow the brick surface to dry for a few days.
Cleaning Brick Driveways
Brick driveways can be challenging to clean, especially when dealing with oil stains. However, with the right cleaning technique, cleaning a brick driveway can be a breeze.
What You Will Need
- Garden hose
- Buckets
- Stiff-bristle brush
- Soft-bristle brush
- Laundry detergent
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Safety gloves
- Goggles
How to Clean Brick Driveways
- Clear the driveway of any debris or parked vehicles.
- Use a garden hose to wet the brick surface.
- Apply laundry detergent to the oil-stained areas.
- Allow the detergent to sit for a few minutes.
- Use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the stained areas.
- Rinse the brick surface with a garden hose.
- If the oil stains are stubborn, use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stained areas and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
- Use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the stain.
- Rinse the brick surface with a garden hose.
- Allow the brick surface to dry for a few days.
FAQs
Q. Can I use a pressure washer to clean brick surfaces?
A. Yes, you can use a pressure washer to clean brick surfaces. However, you need to be careful when using a pressure washer, as the high pressure can damage the brick surface. Use a low-pressure setting on the washer and hold the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the surface.
Q. How often should I clean my brick exterior surfaces?
A. It depends on the location and the exposure of the brick surface to the elements. Generally, you should clean brick surfaces at least once a year to keep them looking clean and prevent dirt buildup that could damage the surface.
Q. Can I remove moss and algae from my brick surfaces?
A. Yes, you can remove moss and algae from brick surfaces using a mixture of water and bleach. Apply the solution to the affected area and scrub the surface with a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse off the surface with water and let it dry for a few days.
Conclusion
Cleaning your brick exterior surfaces doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By adopting tailored cleaning techniques, you can restore the brick surface and make it look as good as new. Always remember to wear protective gear when handling cleaning solutions and tools to avoid injury or harm.