When Should You Clean Bricks After Laying Them?
If you’ve spent the time and effort to lay beautiful masonry then the last thing you want is for it to look dirty and smeared with mortar. But the problem that many people have is being unsure of the correct cleaning schedule; so, when should you clean bricks after laying them?
You should aim to clean your bricks within seven days of laying them. Although the sooner you do it, the easier it will be to remove mortar. Brushing off excess mortar on the same day as installation is the easiest method.
However, you might also opt to wait until the second day and wash the bricks down using fresh water, cleaning off any mortar with a brush. While there are a number of chemical cleaning agents designed especially for brick, many of these can result in discoloration if they are not used correctly.
Will Vinegar Clean Mortar Off Bricks?
Chemical cleaners for bricks contain acid which is there to soften the mortar making it easier to remove. Considering that vinegar is also an acidic product, it stands to reason that it would have the same effect. Not to mention, it’s much more cost effective.
It is true that vinegar will bring you bricks up to a good standard and that the acid in the liquid will help to remove mortar smears. However, it is advisable to be extra careful when using this method.
Will Vinegar Damage Bricks?
When not used correctly, vinegar will affect the quality and appearance of your bricks. To avoid this, it is essential that you first dilute the vinegar with water, using a 2:1 water/vinegar ratio.
It’s also important to correctly prep the wall by rinsing it with clean water beforing starting. Failing to do this may make it more difficult for the vinegar to loosen and release the mortar.
How Do You Brighten Dull Bricks?
It is possible to use high pressure cleaning to remove excess mortar from bricks as well as brightening them by removing stubborn dirt. However, this should never be done unless the installation is more than seven days old; most experts would recommend waiting no longer than 30 days.
But there are plenty of other ways to breathe new life into your brickwork and some methods can be done with things you already own. For example, it is entirely possible to vacuum your brickwork to remove dust and debris, which will vastly improve its appearance. Of course, this may not remove all traces of dirt that cause the brick to appear dull.
After vacuuming, you can apply a solution of dish soap and salt to the bricks. You’ll need to make the solution to the consistency of paste and work it into the brick using a brush. Once you’re done, it’s as simple as wiping away the excess with a wet cloth. You’ll notice a vast improvement in the appearance of the bricks.
Does Bleach Harm Bricks?
One of the most common household cleaners is bleach. This powerful chemical is used for everything from cleaning sinks and toilets to mopping the floor and whitening clothes. There’s seemingly nothing it cannot do but what about cleaning bricks? Will using bleach cause their quality to deteriorate?
Bleach is an excellent product if you are looking for something to remove mold and mildew from brickwork. However, since it is incredibly potent, too much can affect the quality of the brick. This happens also when the brick is allowed to absorb the bleach so it is essential to dilute it before applying.
You’ll need to use just one cup of chlorine bleach for every gallon of water; it might not seem like a lot but as we have mentioned, this is a potent product. You can then apply this to the brick and work it in with a bristle brush. It’s a good idea to apply some fresh water to the brickwork beforehand as this will prevent it from soaking up too much of the bleach solution. When you’re done, be sure to fully rinse the brick and allow it to dry.
How Do You Keep Bricks Clean?
You’ve spent a lot of time getting your brickwork looking its best but how do you keep it looking immaculate? Well, let’s be honest; time and the environment are going to cause your bricks to get dirty but you can slow down the process.
Sealing your bricks is one of the most effective ways to ensure they remain as clean as possible. This can be done shortly after cleaning the area but you will need to ensure that the bricks are left to dry thoroughly before applying any sealant.
There are several types of sealant available but it’s important to look for one that is silane or siloxane based. Be sure to apply an even coat of sealant to cover the entire area and if you live in a very wet area, it is also a good idea to apply a water repellent to further protect the brickwork.
Conclusion
There’s nothing worse than unsightly brickwork that is smeared in leftover mortar. While this smearing is often unavoidable at the time of installation, there are ways to remove it. It is recommended that you wait no more than seven days to remove excess mortar otherwise it will harden too much and become very difficult to clean.
But even after you have done this, it is essential to maintain your brickwork through regular cleaning and applying a sealant to provide it with the best protection.