Cleaning old bricks???

[liam546]

I am looking to clean the brickwork on my Victorian property. They are yellow bricks but covered in dirt and grime. The house has a lime mortar so I don't want to damage this or the brick work. I know not to use a pressure washer or anything that could damage the brick or mortar.

I've read that perhaps a chemical cleaning acid is the best choice. Can anyone recommend how to clean my external brickwork without damaging the mortar or bricks themselves? [/b]

 

[liam546]

Untitled

• liam546
• 26 Sep 2013
• 1

 

[gregers]

brick acid?dont know if this will harm the mortar?

 

[Newboy]

It may seem a stupid question but have you tried cleaning with a hard brush and a decent detergent?

Avoid acids and aggressive cleaners as they are likely to damage the face of the brick and may make the problem worse in the future

 

[liam546]

It's not a stupid question at all. I haven't tried this no. It has crossed my mind to try but thought I should try seeking advice first.

Any particular detergent to try? I have a stiff wire brush I could use

 

[Newboy]

Don't use a wire brush - you may leave fragments behind which will rust and stain the faces.

Try diluted sugar soap - wear suitable gloves and eye protection

Try to avoid scrubbing along the mortar lines - try diagonal strokes.

If it makes a difference then try with a broomhead - whatever you do test on a small area first!

 

[liam546]

Thank you newboy. I'll try that as I already have some sugar soap kicking about