White stuff on brickwork - can it be removed

[chrisd1967]

There are plenty of threads on white stuff coming out of brickwork, but I'm not quite sure exactly what the stuff in my photos attached is.

I've tried scrubbing it but to no avail. Is there some kind of cleaner that could get this stuff off? It doesn't look like it's going to shift on its own any time soon!

Many thanks for any pointers

 

[jj4091]

Google Search

 

[noseall]

There are plenty of threads on white stuff coming out of brickwork, but I'm not quite sure exactly what the stuff in my photos attached is.

I've tried scrubbing it but to no avail. Is there some kind of cleaner that could get this stuff off? It doesn't look like it's going to shift on its own any time soon!

Many thanks for any pointers

They are crusted lime deposits that leach out (lime leaching) when dissolved in water, that seep out onto the surface, dry, then crust.

Some gentle and accurate brick cleaner application will remove it.

 

[JohnD]

It's called efflorescence. Trying to wash it off with water will make it soak back into the wall. The more water in the wall, the more it will happen.

Eventually, if the wall stops getting wet, it will stop coming out and will weather away.

You can use a stiff dry brush to rub off loose crystals.

 

[noseall]

It's called efflorescence.

Slightly different stuff to efflorescence.
See above post.

 

[^woody^]

If it's lime bloom, as opposed to efflorescence try white vinegar which will gradually dissolve the crystalline coating.

Alternatively, hydrochloric acid (aka brick cleaner) but make sure you dilute it well and wash it off.

 

[JohnD]

If it's lime bloom, as opposed to efflorescence

What is the difference?

 

[noseall]

What is the difference?

The presence of water (leaching) as opposed to to drying out (efflorescence).

One is a crusted mass that builds up (leaching), the other are friable dusty crystals that can be brushed off (efflorescence).

 

[^woody^]

What is the difference?

Efflorescence is salts in the material and is white powdery deposits, whilst lime bloom is "free" lime (calcium carbonate) and is a more harder crust or crystalaline appearance, but can be just a stain to begin with.

Efflorescence tends to disappear when it's wetted and then reappear when the surface dies, Lime bloom tends to stay visible

Lime bloom is more common in concrete and stone material.