Since brick is a very durable, low-maintenance material, you could assume that it doesn’t need cleaning. However, it is critical to clean brick structures occasionally. Not only does it restore the original luster, but it also keeps the bricks structurally sound.
Here are a few brick structures you should clean to ensure they look their best and maintain their function.
Twice a year is ideal, however depending on the structure, weather and climate the frequency may change.
Retaining Walls
If you have a retaining wall around your garden or home, you need to clean it. These walls can have plenty of dirt and grime that build up on them over time, eroding the brick and the mortar of your walls. Moss, mildew, and algae can also grow on these walls, causing damage to them.
How to Clean Retaining Walls
If you need to clean your retaining wall, start by using a mild-powered pressure washer filled with water with a PSI of about 500 to 1000 to wet the brick. Any stronger than this and you risk damaging the structure.
If you have mold, moss, and algae present on the bricks, prepare a solution of warm water and vinegar at a ratio of half and half in a spray bottle and treat the areas first. For a more potent option, consider using warm water and bleach at a ratio of ¼ bleach to ¾ water in a spray bottle.
After treating the area with a bleach or vinegar solution for about 10 minutes, gently wash away the treatment with water from the pressure washer. Then, mix a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with a gallon of warm water in a bucket and scrub the brick structure with a sponge.
For caked-on dirt, consider using a bristled brush. Make sure you use gloves to protect your hands. After cleaning the area, rinse it thoroughly with the pressure washer and allow it to dry.
Patios and Walkways
The patios and walkways can use a little TLC every now and then, too. Over time, dirt and grime can build up on the surfaces of the brick and make it look darker than usual. Also, weeds and moss can push through the brick, making them look unkempt.
Besides natural buildup, your patios and walkways can have other blemishes on them, such as gum, oil, and food stains. Keeping these areas clean will keep them looking their best and minimize damage.
How to Clean Patios and Walkways
Cleaning the patios and walkways is similar to cleaning retaining walls. However, you will put the specially formulated cleaning liquid in the pressure washer along with water and spray away all the dirt, grime, oil, and food stains from the surface.
After pressure washing the dirt away with the soapy solution, you’ll use clear water from a garden hose to rinse the soapy residue away and allow the surface to dry.
Firepits
Firepits can be a very dirty place, full of soot and ashes. It’s good practice to clear debris from your fire pit after each use to avoid buildup and minimize rust and corrosion. However, since it’s always dirty from burning wood, it’s a good idea to deep clean it every 2 to 3 months.
How to Clean Brick Firepits
Ensure the surface is completely cool before you begin to avoid getting burned. Proceed with sweeping away any accumulated dirt, ash, or soot. You can use a simple solution of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid to a gallon of warm water in a bucket and wipe away the dirt with a sponge from your firepit. Follow this up by rinsing away the soapy residue and allowing it to dry.
Another option is to dilute muriatic acid in water at a 1 to 10 part ratio of muriatic acid to water in a bucket, ensuring that you pour the muriatic acid into the water. This will minimize the chances of a chemical reaction.
Protect your hands with gloves and use a sponge or a scrubber to clean the pit, both the inside and outside parts. Use a garden hose to rinse away the solution thoroughly. Then, allow the pit to dry for about two to three days before using it again.
Chimneys
Over time, chimneys can develop lots of soot, ash, and creosote in them. This buildup of creosote could cause a chimney fire. Creosote could even block proper airflow in your chimney, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Ideally, you should clean a chimney before and after using it during the cold season.
How to Clean Chimneys
When it comes to cleaning chimneys, you may want to sit this one out and rely on professional help from a chimney sweep. Not only is cleaning chimneys unsafe, but you may cause more damage than you realize if you’re not knowledgeable about what you’re doing. Besides, a professional will also make you aware of any problems lurking, like cracks in the flu or damaged flashings, that could jeopardize your safety.
Fireplace
Just like the chimney, your fireplace can get really grimy. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you may have plenty of ash and soot all over the firebox. This buildup could put you at risk for a home fire that could burn in more than just the fireplace.
How to Clean Fireplaces
Before cleaning your fireplace, ensure the entire fireplace is completely cool, particularly if you’ve recently used it. Start by removing any wood or other decorative items from the area while you clean. Then, clear out any dust and soot that has accumulated here by sweeping or vacuuming it away.
Prepare a gallon bucket of warm water and ¼ cup of dish liquid, and use a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe the walls and floor of the firebox. For caked-on dirt, consider using a scrubbing brush. Rinse the area clean to remove any soapy residue and allow the area to dry completely for about two to three days before using.
Brick Masonry Services and Pressure Washing
If you have a brick structure in your home or property that needs to be cleaned, it’s best to let a professional contractor like Primo Contracting in Rochester Hills handle it. We are a general construction company that specializes in brick masonry services including pressure washing brick surfaces and structures.
Our technicians will skillfully blast and get rid of dirt, mildew, mold, paint, and other contaminants from all kinds of surfaces including exterior flooring, driveways, concrete or tile patios, retaining walls, brick home exteriors, buildings, equipment, and more.
We offer a wide range of masonry and construction services including custom masonry as well as brick repair for both residential and commercial properties alike. Visit us online and check out our services, 5 star reviews, and get a Free Estimate!