Cleaning Brick Work

Cleaning Brick Work
Featuring master mason Bryan Light, the "Brick Masonry Techniques for Builders" DVD demonstrates construction techniques with brick that masonry craftsmen can use to speed up job completion, maximize work quality, reduce call-backs, and increase profitability.
The information and suggestions contained in this Video are based on the available data and the combined experience of engineering staff and members of the Brick Industry Association, Southeast. The information contained herein must be used in conjunction with good technical judgment and a basic understanding of the properties of brick masonry. Final decisions on the use of the information contained in this Video are not within the purview of the Brick Industry Association, Southeast and must rest with the project architect, engineer and owner.

[@Clark-Mills]

I do like the "Wet the bricks thoroughly *before* applying cleaner/acid", makes perfect sense.

[@GreatLocalBizReviews]

Gotta love the look of bricks on a house. Especially clean ones. :-)

[@jaymacmullen6879]

Sure klean 600 is a great cleaner about half a gallon to 1/2 up to 5 gallons. But wet brick generously let sit for 1/2 hour after applying if there's alot of excess mortar

[@Sharecropperingprepper]

about 5 years ago, they turned my paved road into a dirt road. During the summer the dust is terrible. Last year I noticed that the dust has settled on the brick, discoloring it. I tried to pressure wash it, but it wouldn't cut the dust. What can I use to make my brick home to look like new again.

[@Artiej0hn0]

RE: outdoor brick patio and walkways: As far as thoroughly saturating the brick before using a cleaner---even a "Safe" cleaner such as "Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula" on a red brick walkway or patio, the same goes? thoroughly wet the brick and stone first? Thank you for the excellent post.

[@josephcofrancesco4123]

Great information. Had my own Masonry company and we washed all our brickwork. If you don't know what your doing it can ruin a good brickjob

[@sparkerfivethousand1374]

"Bricklaying is one if not the oldest and Greatest trades in the 🌎! I'm very honoured to have learned and experienced the trade for eight years as a Brick and Stone Mason!"

[@gimperdaniel]

The video fails to tell us to use. Instead it just tells us what not to do

[@jaymacmullen6879]

Daniel Faria ..sure k lean 600 I'm told by many masons Gonna try it tomorrow .on some red and brown brick colums

[@deonfeliz7327]

Daniel Faria k

[@studiohq]

He did they are called proprietary brick cleaners. He said "Use >brick cleaner< " that's made for brick cleaning without naming a particular product

[@Matthewd1811]

Soap, water and a broom

[@claudekim7876]

@@Matthewd1811 yea thats never gonna work, you need to dissolve the lime in the mortar to get it to come off

[@paulhegarty4612]

what about an inside brick wall? We can not spray volumes of water inside? How would we we saturate the brick inside a house? we can clean brick as we plan to replace carpet floor after. Thanks for any shared experiences?

[@jirip368]

I did several fire places with wooden floor but is pricy and to much work U have to cover the floor with plastic and tape then u have to use paper towels to take water out do not use to much water Just buy little sprayer If you do it your self will coast you almost nothing Me one fireplace is like $1000-$4000 So here you go

[@Theoz1412]

I’m trying to figure it out Why that Half brick 🧱 is In the wall 🤔

[@acostin4004]

I have a major problem with handmade bricks with very high suction its just drying my mortar out in 5minutes turning mushy and dry what do i need to do.

[@peterremke]

Robert de Niro's finest performance

[@bethbartlett5692]

Yes - someone did that (window etching from a chemical cleaner) to this studio and it is so horrible - I am think8ng about adding a shade to the glass surface, which give the look of glass made to provide design and conceal visibility. It's a shame - the windows were big beautiful light allowing and the property is loaded with vegetation. I rent - and owner it absent of care - so it will not likely receive attention - probably been like th8s for years.

[@abbyanderson4171]

Your not showing us how you would do the job...

[@BrickIndustry]

There are some techniques you can use indoors. One, you can use chemical-impregnated pads that can be placed on the wall that don’t require a lot of moisture. Products such as Peel Away or others might fit the requirements. Second, you can also use techniques that capture the water that runs down from the wall. This is more difficult, but can be done. In any case follow the cleaning product manufacturer’s recommendations for handling the product. Finally, why are you cleaning the wall down? There are techniques, other than cleaning with liquids, that can work, such as dry brushing. If this is new masonry, make sure the masons take as much care in laying up the wall that a lot of cleaning is not necessary. This can help reduce the need for a lot of cleaning.

[@inquisitvem6723]

what brush can i use from walmart? i plan to use mold armor product since my brick siding is really black with residue.

[@beluapi8865]

I didn't like this guys tone. There are a lot of condescending comments towards washers. Also I heard a lot of "do nots" and not enough" do's'". If you can't use muriatic acid (which is the correct spelling btw) then, what can you use? We need specific chemical names and not generalizations.

[@1stwashandseal]

just do an small area like a sample with the weakest acid mix kzbin.info/www/bejne/npTchJuvopyLrqs

[@bonanzatime]

The real reason you don't want to use pure muratic acid-water mix is because no matter how water saturated you get the bricks before applying the muratic acid goes straight into the pores of the brick. With Sure Klean and Vanatrol they have surfactants that keep the acid on the surface of the brick inhibiting it from entering the pores. So not only protects the brick from keeping the acid out, but also helps cleans faster by keeping the cleaning solution on the surface while keeping the surface wet, so it cleans faster, but doesn't etch the skin off the mortar joints (if you mix it right, 7 to 1 works good for most situations), leaving nice smooth mortar joints. If you want to etch the mortar joints with a pressure washer, THEN WHY BOTHER STIKING THE MORTAR JOINTS IN THE FIRST PLACE?! A WASTE OF TIME AND EFFORT! I'm talking to you commercial masonry companies!

[@JamesBrown-li3io]

But, What Do You Use?

[@Nativtexan2]

So if you don't use muriatic acid, what do you use? I've tried concrete and masonry cleaners and it doesn't remove the mortar like muriatic does. You make it sound like these companies are making muriatic in a back alley "guessing" how strong it is. A company is going to be pretty strict and use just enough chemical for cost reasons alone so one bottle being "10x stronger" than the next sounds pretty far fetched to me.

[@jirip368]

Sureclean600 This is the proper solution

[@darth_veda]

I been using the power of steam for 3 days now trying to clean my fireplace and it still looks the same.... more or less. After watching this video im more confused than before.

[@1stwashandseal]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/npTchJuvopyLrqs

[@hyperdrivee7922]

That explains what not to ✅ Great? So wheres the real one?

[@californiatilerestoration4827]

There's no other way to get mortar residue and calcium efflorescence removed EXCEPT muratic acid. You are absolutely right, so what we do to combat that challenge , put all the muratic acid gallons into a 5 gallon bucket and make a master batch... DUH You are talking in riddles! Why didn't we see any after pics if the job turned out so great? I'm not old but that stone age technique of using a brush by HAND has been a proven winner for many years.

[@orthodox9415]

Dont use muratic acid ok.So whats the best acid to use?

[@bonanzatime]

It's called Vanatrol. Best stuff I ever used.

[@flore93]

Never muriatic acid, so what I can use please??. I need to clean a whole apartment and paint it white. Someone??

[@twing21able]

+CIn flor elbow grease, a sponge, rags, detergent, maybe some bleach mixed with ammonia and egg whites with a dash of salt of course.

[@flore93]

twing21able wait...wut?

[@9988ScooterGirl]

twing21able Bleach mixed with ammonia? Are you trying to kill people? NEVER mix bleach with ammonia. It releases toxic chloramine gas. Bad outdoors, deadly indoors.

[@demolitiondavedrillandblast]

@@9988ScooterGirl Your on the money 9988, if the fumes don't kill you it is likely to blow up in your face.

[@hassanhussaini429]

I Been clean brick for past 8 years with muriatic acid with no problem. If you got better product then proof Plz

[@jirip368]

try Sure Clean 600

[@JeremyRemele]

+Hassan Hussaini Any tips for me on removing old paint from brick on a house? I was able to remove the first few layers but the coat of paint from the 1950's won't come off.

[@hassanhussaini429]

if you have multiple layers of paint you might need a few applications of paint remover.its very time consuming and expensive process make sure you charge accordingly

[@pavandeepsinghbirk9428]

how can I clean old sandstone ? it's all old and dirty looking . tried stone cleaners but not all that.

[@bonanzatime]

If you use mortar pans instead of mortar boards, and the masons are above average. YOU DON'T HAVE TO CLEAN THE BRICK.

[@chick262]

Wire brush ,elbow grease,water ,,repete

[@joecrisco7944]

Dont agree acid when used the corect way is the best cleaning job for brick stained with mortar

[@tobymofield6597]

Just smear a Peanut Butter Sandwich on brick. Sprinkle some Lays potato Chips and 1 Pickle. Rinse with a Large glass of sweet tea. Now use your pressure washer, and your done.

[@somameatemporium8002]

i feel like im being trolled

[@williamflynn8257]

You're full of it hank

[@Honjonck]

Then how in the F..ck are we supposed to clean it with?

[@CartwrightFour]

The little square brick to the left of his head irritates me

[@jeromeduffy9270]

I agree acid is not a good choice. But to say the chemical % is not included on label. Is flat out wrong. Household bleach has this info. Or Muriatic is a specific solution of much,much, stronger ones. Sulfuric and so on

[@davidsteele4463]

Good luck cleaning a dirty cream without acid then you just use phosphoric to get rid of the burn if it burns not hard brick manufacturers will never live up to their warranty

[@tamararowland1533]

I'm using muriatic acid on a brick wall, 430 ft. long, 6 ft high wall. soaking the wall by small sections at a time, with water, is the key, as you clean. and making sure you are not cleaning brick, to soon after laying of brick. other wise, it will eat through the mortor. causing extra work, using a squeeze bag, with mortor inside, to go back over damaged joints. also diluting the acid in bucket with water before you attempt this cleaning, is crucial. it's dangerous stuff. toxic. I have to hold my breath and turn away when just pouring the chemical in the bucket. you have to use special gloves also. it will eat right through, even really good gloves. I learn everything the hard way.

[@inquisitvem6723]

what about bleach?

[@jamesadams7846]

This guy doesn't know what he is talking about or is lying. He says you buy acid and it's concentration can vary widely, that is a flat out lie. All acids are labeled as to their concentration. When you buy a case, it is all the same concentration within just a very small variance.

[@hhrey1892]

+James Adams This guy reminds me of a politician lol from the bush family. Never trust a politician.

[@mlkmlk4026]

Lying is a strong word. Relax. It's just his opinion. I have seen variations in concentrations. Of course, I work with many different sources.

[@queeaper1971]

What a crock !

[@danielcelis7089]

I think the variation he is referring to iswhen people run low on acid and then refill their bucket with another dilution ratio making the end product variable, well thast if they are diluting it

[@timwcronin]

He's clearly not a chemist. Buffering is not diluting. Diluting is not buffering.

[@doreenquimby6360]

get to the point, don't need to listen to your commentary.

[@johnfehringer]

Totally Unuseful video. Daddy scolding is all

[@BrickIndustry]

Brickwork should not be cleaned with a cleaner that is not recommended by the brick manufacturer, and no brick manufacturer that I am aware of has ever recommended cleaning their brick with unbuffered muriatic acid. If a cleaner is used that is not recommended by the manufacturer, the warranty provided by the manufacturer is void and they are not obligated to provide replacement brick. So why is muriatic acid such a problem? Because it: 1. is sold in varying strengths; 2. is frequently not diluted in the proper strength; 3. can and usually does damage the mortar joints between the brick; 4. can damage some types of brick - especially when the brick has a color other than red such as buff, brown, grey, yellow, or black brick; and 5. can damage some slurries or coatings applied to some types of brick. There are many cleaners for brickwork that are on the market today that are made specifically to clean brick and do a much better job than muriatic acid and at a significantly lower risk.

[@bethbartlett5692]

Brick Industry Association What can be used that is Non Toxic - Acid Free?

[@shanewoods2448]

Ive been cleaning brick for 20 years. The key to successful cleaning is knowledge,the right equipment and using what works. Brick cleaning is a skill that takes time to learn and perfect. Not something your gonna buy a home depot or lowes pressure washer and a box of chemicals and go out and start doing. I think on my next job i clean ill post a video and let my work speak for my skills and knowledge. Alot of so called brick cleaners will shoot you some bs just to see ypu fail or damage a substrate

[@wilwiljames1]

@@shanewoods2448 it's been 8 months and we're still waiting for your video, what's the hold up?

[@deant1499]

Please upload your video!

[@TheBoomtown4]

T-t-today junior. Spit it out. Like one sentence a minute.

[@shephusted2714]

what kind of corny disinformation is here - some good points and some bad points - oxygen bleach may be the best option - sodium percarbonate