Most houses in the UK are built with brick.
However, many homeowners overlook the fundamental role of clean brickwork in their property’s appearance.
But how exactly do you clean bricks on a house?
Read on to find out.
Why should I clean bricks on my house?
Over time, the bricks on your house will inevitably get dirty. They slowly become discoloured and stained.
Cleaning them gets rid of this grime and keeps your house looking beautiful for passersbys and potential buyers.
You might be extra concerned with your house’s appearance on several occasions, including:
- Hosting viewings, (i.e., staging a property)
- Having friends or family round
- Getting a survey on your property
- Getting a valuation for your property.
Or you may simply want your property to look better for its own sake.
Ways to clean your property’s brickwork
There are several ways to create clean bricks. Below are five popular examples.
(Stone houses require more specialist cleaning services than brick ones. This is largely due to the different types of stone available, but also the age of the buildings.)
1. Warm water and detergent
You’ll be amazed at how much impact the simplest solution can make. Combine some warm water with detergent.
For cleaning brickwork, a detergent could be either a commercial brick cleaner or a household cleaner like dish soap.
The detergent helps loosen the dirt and grime from the brick surface, making it easier to rinse away with the warm water.
Cleaning tools
You can apply this to a grout sponge if you’re looking to clean the property gently.
Or, for a slightly tougher approach, think about using a nylon-bristle brush.
2. A trowel and an algaecide brick cleaner
You often have to use chemicals when you’ve got algae or moss on your house bricks.
Step one only involves a trowel, though, as you can gently remove loose growth.
At this point, a brick cleaner with algaecide properties is needed. This can kill the growth of the algae.
A power washer or a nylon bristle brush will be ideal for removing what’s left.
3. Powder cleanser and salt
Another way to clean your bricks is to use a combination of powder cleanser and salt.
You should create a paste using these two things, and then coat it across your bricks. The coating should only be thin.
After letting it sit for around 20 minutes, use a nylon-bristle brush and warm water to slowly scrub the bricks.
Don’t do it too hard! Even with a delicate touch, you’ll hopefully notice that your bricks are cleaner underneath.
4. Power washing with care!
You should only follow this step with enormous care. Using a power washer that is too powerful can damage the bricks.
Some experts suggest that you use 800 PSI or lower. This is low pressure, which won’t damage the brickwork but is still strong enough to clean your bricks. You should also:
- Stand at a distance
- Steer clear of old brickwork
- Wear safety goggles
- Avoid muriatic acid.
It’s crucial that you buy the right equipment for this step.
Or it might be worth bringing in a professional if you feel nervous about power washing your brickwork. See more on this below.
5. Hire a professional
Hiring a professional can be ideal if you’re feeling nervous about cleaning the bricks on your house, or you simply don’t have the time, energy or equipment.
This method is ideal for any more elaborate dirt found on your bricks. Moss and algae are a common example.
Your professional should also be able to reach the highest points of your property, perhaps including the ceiling.
They will hopefully have scaffolding or a sturdy ladder on hand to achieve this. They’ll also have insurance to cover any falls or damages to your house.
Research all the best professionals in your area and get several independent quotations.
How long does it take to clean bricks on my house?
This depends on the size of your property.
However, when you do this yourself, it usually takes a few hours.
