How to Clean Brick Inside and Outside the House

Cleaning brick inside and outside your house is an important part of home maintenance. Over time, brick can accumulate dirt, grime, mold, mildew and other buildup that can detract from its appearance. Properly cleaning brick removes these issues, restores its look and prevents further damage.

With the right techniques and products, cleaning brick isn’t difficult. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively clean brick surfaces inside and outside your home.

Gather the Proper Supplies

Cleaning brick requires having the right supplies on hand. Here are the essential items you’ll need:

Bucket – A bucket is useful for mixing cleaning solutions and rinsing. Use two buckets – one for washing and one for rinsing.
Stiff brush – A stiff, short-bristled brush helps scrub away dirt and grime. Look for a brick cleaning brush or a short, stiff scrub brush.
Sponge – A sponge is great for applying cleaning solution and rinsing. Get a large, porous sponge that can hold liquid.
Cleaning solution – Specialty brick cleaners help break up and dissolve built-up deposits. See the recommended cleaning solutions below.
Garden hose – Use a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle to rinse away cleaning solution.
Drop cloths – Drop cloths protect plants and surfaces from cleaning solution runoff. Canvas tarps work well.
Safety gear – Wear rubber gloves, eye protection and old clothes to stay safe while cleaning.

Pre-Wet the Brick Surface

Before applying any cleaning solution, it’s important to pre-wet the brick. This prevents the brick from absorbing the cleaner too rapidly, which can lead to staining. Follow these pre-wetting tips:

Use a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle set to a light spray. Avoid high pressure, which can damage soft or deteriorating brick.
Thoroughly dampen the entire brick area you plan to clean. Soak any dry spots so the surface is completely wet.
Let the water soak in for 5-10 minutes before applying the cleaning solution. This gives the brick time to become uniformly damp.

Pre-wetting ensures the cleaning solution remains on the brick surface rather than soaking in. This gives it time to effectively break up dirt and buildup for removal.

Apply the Cleaning Solution

After pre-wetting, apply your chosen cleaning solution according to the product instructions:

Acidic cleaners – Dilute acidic cleaners like phosphoric acid as recommended on the label. Apply using a masonry brush in a circular scrubbing motion. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Detergents – Mix detergent concentrates with water in a bucket per label directions. Use a soft bristle brush or sponge to liberally apply the solution over the surface. Allow it to dwell for 5-15 minutes.
Oxygen cleaners – Make an oxygen cleaner solution according to package directions. Apply with a sponge or brush and let sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing.

Apply a thick, even layer of the cleaning solution over the entire brick area. Let it sit for the recommended dwell time before rinsing. This gives the cleaner time to lift dirt and buildup from the brick.

Scrub Away Surface Grime and Stains

For heavily soiled or stained brick, use a scrub brush to work the cleaning solution into the surface:

Use a short, stiff bristle brush and scrub back and forth across the bricks. Apply light pressure to avoid damaging the brick face.
Concentrate on scrubbing stained or excessively dirty areas to help break up and remove buildup.
Rinse the scrub brush frequently to remove residue and keep it clean.
Let the cleaning solution sit for another 5 minutes after scrubbing before rinsing.

Scrubbing helps agitate dirt and stains so they can be dissolved and removed more effectively. Take care not to scrub too vigorously, as this can erode brick surfaces.

Rinse Thoroughly with Water

Once the dwell time is complete, thoroughly rinse away all cleaning solution residue:

Use a garden hose with a light spray nozzle to gently rinse the brick. Avoid high pressure rinsing.
Rinse from top to bottom to prevent cleaner streaks. Rinse any overspray on plants or surfaces.
Use a sponge to wipe bricks and remove excess water. Take care not dampen mortar joints too much.
Allow the brick to fully air dry. Drying time depends on humidity but is typically 1-2 hours.

Proper rinsing is key to ensuring cleaning residue is completely removed. Left over cleaner residue can interact with mortar and stain brick surfaces.

Follow Up with Brick Sealer (Optional)

For added protection, apply a clear brick sealer after cleaning:

Choose a penetrating sealer made for brick and masonry. Silane/siloxane sealers provide good protection.
Only seal clean, fully dry bricks. Follow the product application directions.
Use a paintbrush, paint roller or pump sprayer to evenly apply a thin coat of sealer. Avoid over-application.
Allow the sealer to fully cure for 24-48 hours. Avoid getting the wall wet during this time.

Sealing brick creates a protective barrier against moisture and water damage. This helps preserve the freshly cleaned look. Reapply sealer every 3-5 years.

Clean Indoor Brick Walls

Indoor brick walls can collect dust, smudges and other grime over time. Follow these tips to properly clean interior brick:

Vacuum loose dust using a soft brush attachment. This removes surface debris before wet cleaning.
Mix a mild detergent solution. All-purpose cleaners or dish soap work well.
Use a sponge to wipe brickwork with the detergent solution. Avoid excessive water.
Scrub gently with a soft cloth to remove stubborn dirt. Take care not to abrade the brick face.
Rinse by wiping with a clean, damp cloth. Fully dry the wall with a towel.

Check for water sensitivity before cleaning antique or old bricks. Use mild, phosphate-free cleaners to prevent potential damage.

Clean Exterior Brick Walls

Outdoor brick walls need periodic deep cleaning to look their best. Follow these exterior brick cleaning tips:

Inspect for cracks, deterioration or missing mortar before cleaning. Harsh cleaners can further damage compromised brick.
Choose an exterior brick cleaner designed for removing mildew, efflorescence and other buildup.
When working high off the ground, use a pole brush and work from top to bottom. Rinse from the top down as well.
Take extra care around decorative brickwork, carvings or detailing which can be easily damaged.
Cover or divert any exterior electrical fixtures like outlets to keep them dry during cleaning.

Properly maintaining exterior brick helps prevent permanent staining or damage from moisture issues.

Tips for Safely Cleaning Brick

Follow these safety tips when cleaning brick:

Wear protective goggles, gloves, long sleeves and closed toe shoes when working with chemicals.
If using acidic cleaners, apply a neutralizing rinse of baking soda and water after cleaning.
Never mix cleaners together – this can create toxic fumes.
When working from a ladder, maintain three points of contact for stability.
Contain and properly dispose of used cleaning solutions. Do not dump them in the yard, street or storm drains.
If power washing, use the lowest pressure setting and keep the nozzle at least 18 inches from the brick face.
Wet plants and grass around the work area to prevent chemical runoff damage.
If any cleaner gets on skin, immediately rinse for 15 minutes and seek medical help if irritation persists.

Taking appropriate safety precautions helps prevent injury or accidental damage when working with cleaning chemicals.

FAQ About Cleaning Brick

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cleaning brick:

How often should I clean brick?

Outdoor brick should be deep cleaned every 2-3 years. Indoor brick may just need surface cleaning every 6-12 months. Clean immediately if you notice heavy staining or buildup.

What’s the best way to clean brick pavers?

Use a pressure washer on brick pavers, keeping the nozzle at least 8 inches away. Pre-wet pavers and apply a driveway cleaner before rinsing. Avoid excessive pressure.

Can I use bleach to clean brick?

No, avoid bleach (sodium hypochlorite) which can react with mortar and stain or damage brick. Use specialized brick cleaners instead.

What removes efflorescence from brick?

Phosphoric acid-based cleaners effectively and safely remove efflorescence from brick. Light scrubbing can help. Avoid muriatic acid.

How do I clean old brick?

Gently clean old, antique brick using mild detergent and water. Test for water sensitivity and avoid pressure washing. Use extra caution when scrubbing to avoid damaging the aged surface.

Why does my cleaned brick look darker?

This is likely from the brick being uniformly dampened. As it fully dries, the original color will return. Differing absorption rates can temporarily make some bricks appear darker.

How do I clean brick fireplace soot?

Sooty fireplace brick needs a degreasing brick cleaner. Sodium percarbonate or TSP substitute work well. Wear a respirator to avoid breathing soot.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning brick surfaces keeps them looking fresh and prevents lasting damage. With the proper supplies and techniques, you can safely and effectively clean brick inside and outside your home. Always test cleaners first and take safety precautions when working with chemicals and power washing. Your diligent brick cleaning efforts will help preserve the beauty of your masonry for many years to come.