Cleaning brick floors requires some special considerations compared to other hard flooring types. Brick is porous and susceptible to staining, so using the right techniques and products is key to keeping your brick floors looking their best. With the proper process, you can safely clean brick floors without causing damage.
Supplies Needed
- Broom or vacuum
- Mild detergent or brick floor cleaner
- Scrub brush with stiff bristles
- Clean mop and mop bucket
- Clean water
- Microfiber towels
- Grout brush (optional)
- Grout sealer (optional)
Preparing to Clean the Brick Surface
Before cleaning, you’ll want to thoroughly sweep or vacuum the brick to remove any loose dirt or debris. This prevents spreading around grit that can scratch the surface during cleaning.
Check the floor manufacturer’s recommendations. Some specially treated or sealed bricks have specific cleaning guidelines. Using the wrong products can strip off protective finishes.
Test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first. Find an out-of-the-way spot and test any new cleaners you want to use to ensure they don’t discolor or damage the brick.
Protect surrounding surfaces. Use painter’s tape to cover baseboards and trim. This prevents splashing and drips from damaging other surfaces.
Improve ventilation. Open windows or use fans to circulate fresh air. This allows the floor to dry faster after cleaning.
Mixing a Brick Floor Cleaning Solution
For routine cleaning, mix an all-purpose mild detergent or a specialized brick floor cleaner with warm water according to label directions.
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, vinegar, or ammonia, as these can etch, discolor, or otherwise damage brick surfaces.
For older floors with heavy dirt buildup, you may need a stronger cleaner like trisodium phosphate (TSP). Test TSP in an inconspicuous area first and rinse thoroughly, as residues left behind can lead to efflorescence.
Washing Brick Floors
Once you’ve swept and prepped the surface, follow these steps for washing brick floors:
- Dip your scrub brush in the cleaning solution and work over small sections of the floor. Apply enough solution to lightly coat the area you are cleaning.
- Scrub bricks using a back-and-forth motion. Apply moderate pressure, but avoid aggressively scrubbing, which can damage the brick face.
- Let the cleaning solution sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows it time to break down stubborn dirt and stains.
- Use a clean mop to pick up dirty solution. Rinse frequently and use fresh cleaning solution as needed.
- Work in sections, cleaning and rinsing as you go until the entire floor has been washed. Fully removing dirty solution prevents streaking.
- Use a sponge mop and clean water for a final rinse. Go over the floor a few times until rinse water runs clear.
- Wipe up spills and moisture with microfiber towels. Allow the brick surface to fully air dry.
Tip: When washing brick floors, work your way out of the room systematically to avoid walking over wet areas. Work in manageable sections of about 10’ x 10’ for easiest cleaning and drying.
Cleaning Brick Grout Lines
For brick floors with visible grout lines, regular grout cleaning is a must. Dirt, grease, and grime easily build up in grout, leaving it looking dingy.
Follow these steps to clean brick floor grout:
- Use a grout brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub grout lines. Apply diluted cleaning solution and work it into stained or discolored areas.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing again. This allows cleaner time to break down soil buildup.
- Wipe away excess moisture with a clean cloth. Ensure grout dries fully to prevent mildew growth.
- For stubborn stains in grout, use a grout pen or whitening cleanser formulated for grout. Test first and carefully follow product instructions.
- Once grout is clean, apply a penetrating grout sealer to help protect it from future stains.
Tips for Cleaning Stubborn Brick Stains
Brick is prone to staining from spills, weather, and everyday use. For stubborn stains or discoloration, try these targeted stain removal techniques:
- Oils/grease stains – Use degreasing cleansers or diluted citrus solvents. Avoid harsh caustics, which can react with oils and permanently etch brick.
- Mold/mildew stains – Apply oxygen bleach cleaners or limescale removers. Soak stains, let sit, and scrub.
- Food/drink stains – Spot clean with hydrogen peroxide, salt paste, or baking soda paste. Do not use acid cleaners.
- Hard water marks – Use limescale removers formulated for masonry. Soak then scrub marks gently with a stiff brush.
- Tire marks – Rub gently with fine steel wool and solvent-based cleaner. Test first.
- Efflorescence – Remove mineral salt deposits with diluted muriatic acid or buffered acidic cleaners made for efflorescence. Use extreme care and rinse thoroughly.
For any stain removal, always start with the gentlest option first. Test cleaners in an inconspicuous spot to ensure they won’t damage the brick. If one method fails, move to a slightly stronger option. Repeat stain removal periodically as needed.
Maintaining Clean Brick Floors
Regular cleaning keeps brick floors looking fresh and minimizes the need for heavy-duty cleaning. Follow these maintenance tips:
- Sweep, mop, or vacuum daily to prevent dirt buildup in the pores.
- Apply floor sealers to help protect against stains. Reapply as needed per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Spot clean spills right away to prevent stains.
- Clean floor mats and area rugs frequently. Soil buildup underneath can stain brick.
- Have HVAC systems cleaned regularly to reduce airborne dust.
- Remove shoes when entering the home to minimize dirt tracked inside.
-Rearrange furniture and rotate area rugs periodically to prevent uneven wear patterns.
- Clean grout lines every few weeks to keep grout looking fresh.
With proper care, your brick floors can stay beautiful and intact for many years. Avoid waiting until floors are heavily soiled before cleaning. Consistent maintenance is key to maintaining the look of brick flooring.
FAQs About Cleaning Brick Floors
Can I use a steam mop on brick floors?
Steam mops can be used to help sanitize brick floors and remove some light staining. However, steam should be used with caution. Excessive heat and steam pressure can damage some brick surfaces, especially on floors with worn or porous bricks. Test steam mops in an inconspicuous spot first and avoid applying too much steam pressure.
How often should I clean brick floors?
For light duty residential floors, brick typically only needs washed once every few weeks or as needed. Heavily trafficked floors may require cleaning every 1-2 weeks. Clean spills right away to prevent stains.
What’s the best way to clean outdoor brick pavers?
Outdoor brick pavers are under constant assault from dirt, grime, moss, and other pollutants. Use a stiff broom and mild cleaner to scrub pavers. For stuck-on grime, use a pressure washer on a low setting. Avoid excessive pressure, which can dislodge pavers or damage mortar joints.
Can I polish my brick floor to shine it up?
Polishing is not recommended for most brick floors. The abrasion from polishing can damage the outer finish or patina that protects many types of brick. Porous bricks also won’t achieve a polished look. For bricks with a glossy glazed finish, use only polishes specially formulated for the specific type of brick flooring.
How can I get rid of efflorescence on my brick floor?
Efflorescence is a white, powdery mineral deposit left behind when water evaporates from brick. To remove it, use a diluted muriatic acid solution or buffered acidic cleaner made for efflorescence removal. Wear gloves and goggles and rinse the floor thoroughly after cleaning. Prevent efflorescence by improving drainage and sealing outdoor brick.
Are brick floors hard to take care of?
Brick floors are more high-maintenance than some flooring options but with a proper routine are easy to care for. Sweeping frequently, prompt spills cleanup, grout cleaning, and periodic washing are key. Avoid walking on floors with street shoes and using harsh chemicals. With careful cleaning and maintenance, brick floors can remain beautiful for decades.
Conclusion
Brick flooring brings classic style and durability to any room when properly cared for. By using the right techniques and products, you can safely clean brick floors without causing damage. Always test cleaners in inconspicuous areas first. For routine cleaning, sweep frequently and wash with mild detergent and water. For heavy soil, use a stiff scrub brush and stronger alkaline-based cleaners. Clean grout lines regularly with a grout brush and sealer. Remove stains with specialized cleaners for the type of stain. And be sure to clean spills right away before they have a chance to set in. With consistent, gentle cleaning and maintenance, your beautiful brick floors will provide many years of service and elegance.