Bricks are designed in a manner to last, but if they have to be in the best appearance ever, it is quite important to be aware of how to spot clean the bricks. Subtle stains/eyesores are an indicator of some underlying issue, and if this is understood in time, the issue can be solved. Else, these tiny blemishes might become serious issues and might reduce the longevity of the bricks of your house. You can even opt for brick painting in Mississauga to give your home a makeover.

The dirt on the bricks might be 100% harmless, but dirt and stains simply make the house look like it has not been taken care of well. Just like everything else, the bricks need to be checked on a timely basis. If the exterior of the house starts looking dull, stained, and dirty, it is time to get the spot cleaning started.

Steps to Spot Clean and get rid of Efflorescence

Efflorescence builds up on bricks over a period of time or even once the construction is done. The reason behind efflorescence water absorption which evaporates naturally out of the wall leaving behind minerals and white salts. Efflorescence cannot be prevented completely but you can take certain measures during the application of bricks to reduce it. However, at some point in time, spot cleaning will be required to get rid of the efflorescence. You can follow the below steps for spot cleaning:

Step 1: The exterior surfaces of bricks have to be rinsed

You need to rinse the exterior of any affected bricks by using a garden hose. Once this is done, make use of a hand-bristled brush and scrub the areas gently, where the efflorescence is quite stubborn. Before you move to the next step, rinse the area once again.

Step 2: Make use of a Homemade Cleaning Solution

For the preparation of a homemade cleaning solution for the bricks, you require:

• A Spray bottle

• 10 portions muriatic acid

• Safety glasses

• Rubber gloves

• Breathing mask (this is optional)

Mix the water and acid in the spray bottle. Ensure the spray bottle is sealed tight. While you apply the solution on the bricks, ensure you have your gloves, glasses and breathing mask on. Spray this solution on the areas that are affected and let it stay for some minutes.

Step 3: Rinse off the Cleaning Solution

Once the solution soaks in, you can scrub the affected areas. Once the scrubbing is completed, rinse any excess solution off the bricks by using a hose. A dryvac also helps in drying the bricks. In case the smell of the solution remains, use baking soda and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes and rinse it. Bear in mind that, once efflorescence appears, it might surface once again.

Efflorescence vs. Other Brick Stains

Efflorescence is just one cause of stain on bricks, however, there are many other stains which have an impact on bricks. For example, stains on brick chimneys appear black and the reason for this is soot and creosote, which leaks via the flue or the openings in a chimney. Green stains indicate algae.

If you are not sure about the reason behind the staining of your bricks, get in touch with a masonary contractor in Mississauga to make sure the needful is done.