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Brick surfaces are considered a symbol of durability and sophisticated style. They add charm to a home, creating an atmosphere of reliability and comfort. However, even this durable material can become dirty over time.
Interior brick walls accumulate dust and soot, while facades are exposed to weather conditions, moisture, dirt and even moss. MarthaStewart tells you how to properly care for brick surfaces without damaging their structure.
How often should you clean bricks?
One of the main advantages of brick is its low maintenance. In fact, regular cleaning is necessary more for aesthetic reasons than for practical ones. Clean brick looks well-groomed, makes a house more attractive, and gives it a neat appearance. However, in some cases, cleaning is necessary not only for beauty, but also to maintain the strength of the material. For example, soot stains in a fireplace or algae and fungus on exterior walls can signal excessive moisture accumulation. And white deposits, known as efflorescence, can indicate problems with waterproofing, which over time can lead to serious damage to the structure. That is why it is worth carefully monitoring the condition of brick walls and not postponing cleaning in case of contamination.
How to clean interior brick
If your home has a brick fireplace, wall, or decorative features, they may need periodic maintenance. For this you will need:
- Bucket of warm water
- Masonry sponge
- Brush with soft bristles
- Soft soap
What shall I do:
- Before you start cleaning, check the masonry for cracks or damage. If you notice any serious defects, fix them first.
- Remove nearby furniture to give yourself enough space to work.
- Soak a sponge in warm water (for better results, you can add a few drops of mild detergent) and gently wipe the brick surface.
- If there are particularly difficult stains, gently rub them with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse the brick with clean water, using a sponge.
- Allow the surface to dry naturally or wipe with a dry cloth.
How to clean exterior brick
Brick facades are constantly exposed to the sun, rain, snow and wind, which over time leads to their contamination. First of all, it is worth determining the type of stains you need to remove. Dirt and algae can be easily washed off, but rust stains or traces of efflorescence require a special approach.
You will need:
- High pressure washer (with 25 or 40 degree nozzle)
- Special cleaning agent
- Masonry sponge
- Brush with soft bristles
- Water repellent
What shall I do:
- If there are any major cracks or damage, repair them before cleaning.
- If you are using a special cleaning solution, try it on an inconspicuous area first.
- Remove the toughest stains by hand using a sponge or brush.
- Wet the brick with water at low pressure.
- Use the device at low speed to avoid damaging the brick.
- Rinse the surface with clean water, let it dry.
- If necessary, apply a hydrophobic agent to prevent moisture accumulation and future efflorescence.
Advices
Most modern bricks do not require any additional maintenance if used as intended. However, if you have soft or porous bricks, it is worth taking care to protect them.
It is recommended to use water repellents to help prevent moisture penetration and reduce the risk of efflorescence and staining. This is especially important for older or porous types of brick, such as Mexican adobe or old brick.
Also, if you are using a pressure washer, be careful not to bring the nozzle too close to the wall surface, as excessive pressure can damage the brick structure, making it more vulnerable to moisture and dirt in the future.
Brick surfaces add character to a home, making it stylish and cozy. With proper care, they will remain clean and attractive for many years. Cleaning brick is not a complicated process, but it requires a delicate approach. By following the advice of experts, you can not only restore brick walls to their original appearance, but also extend their durability. Your home deserves care, and clean and well-groomed brick can be its best calling card.
