Brick walls can add unique aesthetical elements to both the interior and exterior of your house. However, when it comes to maintenance, interior brick walls need special care and attention to maintain their beauty and texture. While regular cleanings will help you keep debris and dust off brick interiors, they will likely develop mold and algae overtime when exposed to elements of nature.
On the other hand, chimney walls will accumulate soot which will likely need professional intervention to clean. Regardless of where brick veneer is used in your homes, you will need to clean them periodically. Fortunately, interior brick structures are easier to clean and maintain than exterior walls. Here is a step by step guide on cleaning brick interiors.
Clean The Surface
This is the most important step and you must not skip it as it will likely lead to more issues down the line. If unchecked, debris will convert to sludge which is harder to clean and may even end up staining your brick veneers. Start by removing dirt and debris with a broom then wipe with a cloth. To get the dirt from hard-to-reach corners, we recommend vacuuming the surface and in-between the grout lines.
Apply Cleaner
A rule of thumb when cleaning brick veneers with a cleaning agent is to avoid direct application. Bricks are highly porous and will likely absorb most of the chemicals in these solutions. As a result, this will discolor the bricks overtime. The best way to clean bricks is to start by spraying them with water first.
Once damp, use a recommended brick cleaner or a DIY cleaning solution (add 2-3 drops of mild dish soap to 1 liter of water). You can also make a DIY solution with white-vinegar and water to get the same results. Take a brick sponge, soak it in the cleaning agent, and scrub the walls to remove dirt and grime. Rinse and repeat the process until the entire wall is clean. Do not press too hard while scrubbing as it may wear out the sponge too quickly.
Rinse Off
Letting any cleaning agents sit on the brick wall could damage their color. You should quickly rinse out to get rid of any additional soap left on the walls. To do this, take a brick sponge and wipe down the walls immediately after treating them with a cleaning agent. Once clean, allow the walls to dry out and they should start to look as good as new.
Seek Professional Assistance
While the process of cleaning interior brick structures is fairly easy, you may not always have the time to do so yourself. On the other hand, if you want the best results, it’s wise to seek professional assistance. Professional cleaners have the right tools and cleaning agents to get the job done without endangering the inhabitants in the house. They can also advise you on how to take good care of your brick walls to maintain their appearance and texture in the long run.
At Turnbull Masonry – Toronto’s best masonry contractor – we understand that brick structures are timeless and an integral part of your home. We are a family owned business who offer many masonry services including brick, concrete, chimney, and foundation repair, among others. Our experts have many years of experience in handling Historic and Commercial brick repair. If you or a close friend are looking to get your interior or exterior brick walls repaired or restored, our team will go above and beyond to help you achieve the look your house had when it was built. To get your quote, get in touch with our friendly team right away.