Exterior Brick Cleaning: How to Clean Brick in 7 Steps

As a proud homeowner, you want your brick exterior to look its best. Brick is tough and meant to stand the test of time, but it still requires occasional attention and unique maintenance care when dirt and grime leave it looking lackluster over time. 

Unfortunately, cleaning your home's exterior can seem like the ultimate chore, especially in harsh or cold weather. But this easy, DIY guide to brick cleaning will help give your exterior the revitalization it deserves so you can impress guests at your next outdoor shindig.

Step 1: Choose the Right Brick Cleaning Solution

Not all brick is created equal. The type of brick you have can impact the effectiveness of the brick cleaning solution you use. The last thing you want to do is use the incorrect solution and damage your lovely brick exterior. Do your research and find out what type of brick you have, then head to your local hardware store to find the perfect cleaning solution for it. Your home will thank you. 

If you’d prefer a brick cleaning solution that avoids harsh chemicals and isn’t hard on your wallet, there are affordable natural options, one of which uses a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water.  These solutions are perfect for giving your tired old brick a refresh, and they’re safe for little ones. 

Step 2: Protect the Area Surrounding the Brick

Before cleaning your brick, protect the natural environment nearby by laying down a tarp or plastic sheet over any soil, plants, or vegetation. Even mild solutions like vinegar can damage plant life. Plus, brick cleaning agents can react differently on other surfaces like windows or siding, so be extra vigilant and protect those, too.

Step 3: Test Brick Absorption Rate

As a porous material, brick can react strongly to different cleaners, so run an experiment to see how absorbent your bricks are. Give one area a quick spritz with your garden hose and see if the bricks darken instantly. If they do, clean small sections of brick at different intervals. If not, you can tackle up to 100 square feet at once. And if you're unsure how big 100 square feet is, imagine the size of a cozy little living room or a quaint kitchen.

Step 4: Saturate with Water

Get your brick wet before cleaning it. Grab that garden hose and drench the area you want to clean, starting from the top and working your way down. This simple step is key to achieving a picture-perfect finish and will leave your brick looking great.

Step 5: Prevent Streaking

To avoid unwanted streaks and prevent any potential damage to the surrounding area, make sure you thoroughly saturate the space below the brick you're cleaning too. With this tip in your back pocket, you can achieve a pristine finish.

Step 6: Apply the Brick Cleaning Solution

Once you've soaked the area, get your cleaning solution ready and apply it to your brick. Follow the instructions on your brick cleaner package to find out whether you need to brush, hose down, or scrub the surface. And if you're using a vinegar and water solution, you’ll likely need to give it a good scrub with a hard-bristled brush, or you can power spray that dirt away once the solution is applied.

Step 7: Rinse Thoroughly

For the final step, give your freshly cleaned brick a good rinse. Use lots of water to wash away all remnants of the brick cleaner. And be sure to perform your rinse while moving from top to bottom to give your brick an even luster as it dries. With just a little elbow grease and a lot of determination, you'll have your brick looking brand new in no time.

Show your brick who's boss. If you're tired of gazing at grime-covered brick and don't want to pay for a pricey pro clean, you can restore your brick’s exterior to its former sparkling glory in a jiffy with these seven simple steps. Bid farewell to dull brick and say hello to some serious curb appeal. Speaking of curb appeal, discover stunning homes with More Life Built In® when you explore Pulte's new home communities today!