How to Clean Facing Brick? Methods for Removing Efflorescence and Black Stains

To clean the brick facade, first remove dust and surface contamination with a soft and dry brush. If contamination remains, use a small amount of clean water and a mild detergent compatible with the building materials. Try the selected method first on a small part of the view that is less visible; Because the type of brick, type of coating, color, state of bonding and type of stain have an effect on choosing the right method. Direct use of acid, wire brush or high water pressure may destroy the surface of brick and mortar.

Start cleaning the facade from the higher parts and before using the detergent, clean the surface from dust and loose particles. For this purpose, a soft brush with natural or plastic fibers is a more suitable option. You can then test a small amount of clean water on the surface and see if the stain is removed without detergent.

If water is not enough, choose a detergent that is produced for brick facades such as Isfahan English brick facade. Carefully read the instructions for use, the amount of dilution and the contact time of the substance with the surface. Try the detergent on a small part of the facade and after a few minutes, wash the surface with clean water. Color change, spotting, whitishness or surface roughness indicate that the material is not suitable for brick.

For old stains, dried mortar, extensive dandruff or a surface that needs to be cleaned from a high height, it is safer to use the services of a professional. Cleaning the facade, especially on the upper floors, in addition to choosing the right material, requires equipment to work at height and control the outgoing water.

Brick cleaning method based on the type of stain

Scale is a white deposit that is caused by the movement of water in bricks or mortar and the transfer of dissolved salts to the surface. In most cases, removing dandruff starts with a dry, soft brush. Remove surface salts slowly and avoid immediate wetting of the entire facade; Because water can transport more salt to the surface.

If dandruff reappears after drying, simply wiping the surface is not enough. Water enters the wall through a damaged caulk, crack, seam, hole, or other part, and the source of the moisture must be found and removed.

Removing blackness and soot from brickwork

For blackness caused by dust, car smoke or soot, first use a soft and dry brush. Then test a small part of the facade with water and a mild detergent for bricks. Spread the detergent on the surface with a soft brush and do not let it dry for a long time on the brick.

Old soot stains or blackness from a fire may have penetrated the brick void. In this case, more water pressure does not necessarily produce a better result and can even wear out the strapping. Such stains may require a specialized cleaner, a topical method, or the services of a masonry cleaning contractor.

Removing mortar and cement stains from brickwork

Collect the fresh mortar stain as soon as possible without spreading it on the surface. Do not remove the dried mortar from the brick with a metal tool or strong impact; This can chip the corner of the brick or scratch the surface.

For mortar and dry cement, use a specialized brick cleaner; But before use, test its compatibility with the type of brick, surface color and bonding mortar. Acidic cleaners may work for some cement stains, but overuse of salt or strong acids can discolor the brick, weaken the bond, and damage surrounding metals.

Due to its high acid strength, salt ink is used to remove some construction stains; But this material is not always the right choice for cleaning the brick facade. The direct and unprincipled use of salt ink can change the color of the brick, damage its surface and erode the mortar joints.

Cleaning the grease stain from the facade brick

First, collect the extra greasy material with a napkin or non-abrasive tool and do not spread it on the surrounding areas. Then test the suitable detergent for grease stains and compatible with brick on a small part of the facade.

For fresh stains, mild detergent and warm water may be sufficient. Older stains require a stronger cleaner or special absorbent paste. After cleaning, rinse the surface well so that the detergent residue does not remain on the brick.

What materials should we use to clean the brick facade?

dry and soft brush; Then check the source of moisture

Specialized cleaner suitable for brick and mortar

Detergent suitable for grease stains and local testing

To choose a brick cleaner, pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions and the recommendations related to the type of brick. Any material that is suitable for stone, ceramic or concrete is not necessarily suitable for brick and plastering.

What methods damage the brick facade?

Wire brush, sandpaper, sandblasting and abrasive tools can remove the outer skin of brick and mortar surface.

Do not use ink salt, strong acids and household chemical compounds without testing and instructions. Acid may stain brick or damage flashing, window frames, and surrounding metalwork.

Water jet can only be used if the resistance of brick and tie is checked. High water pressure can push water to the back of the facade, wear out the mortar and transfer contamination to other parts. In the industrial guide, it is recommended to use a chamfer nozzle and controlled pressure for washing bricks; It is not a good decision to implement it on the whole screen without preliminary testing.

How to prevent the brick facade from getting dirty again?

If the dandruff returns after cleaning, check the seams, seams, cracks, caulking, and the points where the facade joins the window or ceiling. Unless the water infiltration path is corrected, dander removal will not have permanent results.

Dust the brick facade with a soft brush at regular intervals and spot clean the stains before the pollution gets worse. Also check the strapping condition; Cracked or worn straps can both cause water infiltration and keep dirt on the surface of the facade. Use any kind of protective or waterproof coating only after making sure it is compatible with the brick.

What is the best detergent for cleaning brick facade?

A mild detergent for bricks or building materials is a better first choice. The type of detergent should be selected based on the stain and the type of brick and tested on a small part before using it on the entire facade.

How to remove the white dander of the brick facade?

First, let the surface dry and remove the dandruff with a soft, dry brush. If dandruff returns, find and correct the source of moisture infiltration, such as a crack, worn strapping, or faulty reputation. Vigorous washing without dehumidification usually does not solve the problem.

Can the brick facade be cleaned with ink salt?

Arbitrary use of ink salt is not recommended. This material can damage the color and texture of bricks, plaster and surrounding metal parts. For cement stains, use a specialized and approved cleaner suitable for the type of brick. [Washing brick facade with ink salt] guide should be followed only if safety and conditions of use are checked.

Is waterjet suitable for washing brick facade?

Pressure waterjet is not suitable for all brick facades. The water pressure should be controlled and the resistance of the brick and tie should be tested before extensive washing. For old, cracked or poorly bonded brick, professional cleaning is a safer option.

Why does the facade brick turn white again after cleaning?

The return of whiteness is usually related to continued water penetration and the transfer of dissolved salts from inside the wall or mortar. In this situation, just cleaning the surface is not enough and the source of moisture, cracks, cracks, and leaks must be investigated.

To learn about the selection of suitable materials, you can visit Ajarnama sales centers across the country.