Red brick can be a beautiful addition to your home, but it requires some cleaning and maintenance to keep up its rustic charm over the years.You can either vacuum or spray the brick with a garden hose.You can wash the surface with a mixture of water and bleach.You may need to use a chemical cleanser for tougher stains.
Step 1: You can use a high-powered vacuum.
You can use the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner to clean your brick.If you want to get into all the nooks and crannies, you need to go over the entire surface of the brick.You can try different settings, but you will probably need the highest one to remove most of the dirt.You can use a standard floor vacuum for interior red brick flooring.The brush roll should be turned off to protect your flooring.If you sweep your brick floor with a broom, make sure that the crumbs and debris don't get stuck in the rough grout.
Step 2: Salt and laundry detergent can be used to make a cleansing paste.
Add just enough water to create a paste and mix 2 c (120 mL) of mild laundry detergent with 1 oz/28 g of regular table salt.Let the paste sit for 15 minutes, or until it is dry, and use a clean, damp cloth to apply it.A mixture of salt and dish soap can be used.The remnants of the paste can be removed with a nylon brush or another hard-bristled brush.If there is any soot or dirt, you can use a wet rag to wipe it clean.
Step 3: It's a good idea to wipe with some kind of liquid.
Use a clean rag to apply a bit of distilled white vinegar.Put the cloth on top of the brick and wipe it clean.After a few minutes, wipe it off with a damp cloth.Put some warm water in the container to get rid of the remaining vinegar.
Step 4: You can wash off dirt with a hose.
You can wash the brick with the strong force of the hose spray if you turn your garden hose on full spray.Work from one side to the other so that you don't have to clean it again.You can use a bucket with soapy water to wash the exterior red brick.Some of the harder to reach places can be accessed using different hose settings.You may need a steadier stream to get rid of the cobwebs.
Step 5: The moss and mold can be eliminated with a bleach mixture.
Water and bleach are used to make a cleaning solution.In a bucket, combine it all.If you want to remove moss or mold, use a stiff-bristled brush or spatula.Allow the bleach mixture to sit overnight and apply a generous covering to the brick.You can rinse off the bleach with a hose.If there is still mold remaining, you can make a stronger mixture of half water and half bleach and put it on the red brick for 2 days before rinsing it off.
Step 6: The bricks need to be sealed for future protection.
The exterior red bricks should be sealed with a siloxane- or Silane-based sealer after you have cleaned them.It will help protect your bricks from stains in the future, and it will prevent dirt from building up on them over time.You can buy these products at any home improvement store.
Step 7: You can use a trisodiumphosphate cleaning solution.
Add 2 c (120 mL) of trisodiumphosphate to a US gal of hot water.Rub the red brick with a scrubbing brush after dipping it into the cleaning solution.Warm water can be used to rinse the brick after it's been scrubbed.Wear rubber gloves when handling this cleaning solution.You should be able to buy trisodiumphosphate at any store that sells cleaning supplies.
Step 8: The brick should be scrubbed with ammonia.
Add 2 c (120 mL) of ammonia to the warm water in the bucket.Rub the red brick with a scrubbing brush to remove the stains.The rest of the ammonia mixture should be washed with warm water.Gloves are worn when handling ammonia.This method can be used on exterior red brick or in aventilated area.
Step 9: Call a professional.
It is a good idea to let a professional handle your red brick if it is stained or covered in paint.These cleaning and removing processes can involve harsh chemical applications that should be left to professionals.A qualified professional can be recommended by most construction or home improvement companies.