3 Simple Tips For Cleaning Your Brick Exterior
Posted on: 11 April 2018
The exterior of your home is an imperative part of its curb appeal and overall value. Fortunately, it is also simple to maintain as long as you understand the best techniques to clean your specific type of exterior. If you live in a brick home, you may believe cleaning and maintenance are not necessary. However, dirt, dust, mold, and mildew can still build up on your brick, decreasing its look and fading the color of your brick. With these simple solutions, you can clean and brighten your brick exterior with ease.
1. Pressure and Water
You may be surprised to learn cleaning chemicals are not actually necessary for cleaning your brick exterior. To remove light dirt and debris, pressure, water, and a bit of elbow grease may be sufficient.
Make sure to choose a pressure washer that uses 3,000 PSI or less. A higher level of PSI may damage the brick and mortar on your home.
Use a tip with a wide angle, which is capable of sweeping away larger amounts of dirt and debris from the siding. Once connected to your outdoor water spigot, stand a few feet away from the home's exterior. Use side-sweeping motions to move the sprayer across and up and down the brick exterior.
Combined together, the pressure and water will rinse away even stubborn patches of dirt, dust, mud, and grass clippings from your home.
2. Heavier Cleanser
If you do have areas with high amounts of dirt and mud, applying a layer of cleanser to the brick may be necessary.
Fill an outdoor sprayer with a few gallons of warm water and add a small amount of outdoor surface cleanser, which can be purchased at your local home improvement retailer.
Spray the solution on one section of brick at a time, allowing it to sit and soak for a few minutes before rinsing it away with the pressure washer nozzle.
Repeat the process all around the exterior of your home, spraying on the cleanser and rinsing away with your pressure washer.
3. Mold and Mildew Removal
If you have mold or mildew, you may notice a darker discoloration or actual patches of growth that are green, brown, or black in color. Mold and mildew can occur if you live in a moist or humid climate or on an area of your brick that is not exposed to much sunlight.
Chlorinated bleach is your best weapon against this growth, but you must use caution when working with both bleach and mold or mildew. Wear safety goggles and rubber gloves to protect yourself from exposure to the cleaning chemicals and harmful growth.
Spray the bleach onto any affected areas of your brick. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away stubborn patches of discoloration and growth. Then, rinse the entire brick surface with your pressure washer.
Brick is durable and attractive, but it can still become dirty. This guide will help you clean and enhance your brick exterior with ease. For more information, contact your preferred pressure washing service.
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