Summary
Step-by-step instructions on how to clean a brick house with a pressure washer.
It’s no secret that a pressure washer can make quick work of cleaning outdoor surfaces like decks, driveways, and patio furniture. But did you know you can also use a pressure washer to clean a brick house?
When it comes to maintaining the curb appeal of your home, knowing how to clean a brick house properly can make a world of difference. Over time, brick exteriors can accumulate dirt, grime, and even unsightly algae or moss. Fortunately, a little know-how can go a long way in restoring your home’s charm. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to clean a brick house effectively. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to clean a brick house with a pressure washer so that your home looks its best.
Instructions – How to Clean a Brick House With Pressure Washer
If you’re wondering how to clean a brick house, rest assured it’s a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your home’s appearance. To learn how to clean a brick house effectively, gather the necessary tools and supplies, and begin by preparing the area around your brick exterior. Testing a small section first is wise to ensure the cleaning solution works as expected on your specific bricks. Applying the cleaning solution evenly, scrubbing, and rinsing with a pressure washer will yield impressive results. Don’t forget that knowing how to clean a brick house properly can make a remarkable difference in maintaining your home’s timeless appeal.
Check our full guide on the best pressure washers for cleaning brick houses for buying advice.
1. Maintain Structural Integrity
Remember that your brick wall likely has a coat of protection or sealant when it was first built. If that has not been maintained in a few years, the brick becomes more vulnerable to damage.
If you notice damaged mortar or any cracks, it is best to repair these first before washing your brick wall. After repairing, you’ll need to wait at least a week to allow everything to dry.
Doing this will prevent small cracks turning into large cracks and seal any damaged mortar to prevent moisture getting in both during the wash and weather proofing.
2. Close and Protect Windows and Electrics
Close all windows and doors and cover windows with plastic and don’t forget any electric outlets. It’s important to protect these during pressure washing.
Clear any garden furniture from around your house or other items that may impede as you walk around cleaning.
3. Put on Protective Clothing
You might not think of pressure washing as a dirty job, but in fact, once you get the water pumping, there can be lots of small debris flying around and that’s before you even consider getting wet. If you’re in a warmer climate, getting wet may not be a big deal, but it’s something to consider protection for if you live somewhere cold.
We recommend the following items as safety protection when pressure washing brick houses:
- Eye protection
- Gloves
- Closed-toe shoes
- Old clothing
4. Wet the Walls
Using just the hose or a light pressure at a distance, wet the first area you’re going to work on. When pressure washing brick walls always start from the bottom and work your way up. It results in far less streaking.
5. Use Detergent
You may want to skip this step if your walls are not particularly dirty or don’t have algae or any other live matter growing on them.
There are many cleaning solutions to try, but if you have mold or algae growing, it’s best to use something containing bleach that will not only treat your walls but prevent re-growth.
When spraying, always follow the instructions on the bottle specifically for brick and always err on the side of caution the first time you apply. This should safeguard against any nasty discoloration.
6. Test Pressure
When starting your pressure washer, never start on a surface, as the initial burst of pressure can be extra powerful. Once started, test the pressure on an inconspicuous area of your wall so in the event the pressure does some damage, it won’t be in the middle of your beautiful brick wall.
7. Pressure Wash
Use a sweeping motion with horizontal strokes. Start from the bottom and work your way up gradually and you may wish to go over it again in particularly stubborn areas.
8. Wait For the Brick to Dry
Once the brick is dry you may notice some white patches have appeared. Do not try to wash these off. They are salt deposits that can emerge from the brick once you get it wet. Simply use a soft brush and brush off the white patches.
By following these steps on how to clean a brick house, you can revitalize your home’s exterior and ensure it continues to make a lasting impression. Regular maintenance will help keep your brick house looking its best for years to come.
What Color Nozzle To Use on Brick?
Use the black nozzle when working with brick. You should not need a lot of power, especially if using detergent and it’s best to have a wider angle nozzle when dealing with brick to reduce the chance of damage.
Can I Use Muriatic Acid On Brick?
No, you must check that your detergent does not contain muriatic acid. It may look like it has worked wonders, but it is in fact, eating away at the surface of your beautiful brick walls.
What PSI Should I Use to Clean Brick Walls?
The ideal pressure per square inch to use on brick walls is between 100 PSI to 1500 PSI.
If pressure washing older brick, we recommend a maximum of 800 PSI. This will ensure you don’t damage the brick.
Will I Damage My Brick by Power Washing It?
To negate any risk of damage, you can make sure to:
- Use recommended PSI (100-1500 PSI)
- Do not wash brick that is over 80 years old
- Do not power wash brick that is damaged
- Do not use corrosive detergents
- Never pull the trigger to start washing while close to brick
- Don’t leave cleaning solutions on too long
How to Kill the Algae on my Brick Wall?
Algae tends to thrive in warm, moisture-rich environments generously bathed in sunlight. If your home happens to boast these ideal conditions, chances are you’ll contend with algae growth on its walls. Additionally, an abundance of moisture within your home or the presence of an indoor pool or spa might also lead to the emergence of various types of mold on your walls.
Algae, a microscopic single-celled organism that typically resides in water, can be a persistent nuisance. It’s not limited to stone and brick walls; you might encounter it in soil or on leaves as well. Algae displays remarkable adaptability, flourishing in various water sources, from tranquil ponds and serene lakes to babbling streams and even drinking water reservoirs. Its appearance varies, ranging from shades of green to brown or black, often featuring a slimy texture. Brick walls, in particular, tend to attract a variety of algae that sports a distinctive dark green coloration.
So, you might wonder, what’s the key to effectively banishing algae from brick surfaces? The answer lies in selecting a specialized product capable of breaking down the cell walls of these algae cells. This revolutionary solution allows for the effortless removal of the deceased cells through straightforward brushing or gentle wiping. While numerous products cater to this purpose, we’ll now delve into one highly recommended product:
- CLEANS STAINS FROM ORGANIC GROWTH ON YOUR OUTDOOR SURFACES: 30 SECONDS Outdoor cleaner cleans stains from algae, mold, mildew, dirt and grime
- IMMEDIATE RESULTS ON A VARIETY OF OUTDOOR SURFACES: Works on many outdoor surfaces including decks, composite and stained surfaces. Concrete, bricks and masonry. Gutters, siding, canvas, plastic and stucco. Fences, arbors and painted surfaces. You can see results immediately!
- POWERFUL CONCENTRATED FORMULA: Our concentrated formula is easy use. Simply mix a 1:1 ratio with water and you are ready for a rapid clean
- PLANT AND LAWN SAFE: When used as directed, 30 SECONDS outdoor cleaner is safe to use around landscaping, plants, and your lawn. The formula breaks down once rinsed into the soil.
- PROUDLY MADE IN AMERICA: All 30 SECONDS products are manufactured in the USA
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product stands out for its proven effectiveness in combating algae growth on brick surfaces. If you’re pondering how to clean a brick house and bid farewell to unsightly algae, this product is a must-consider.
Check our full guide on How to Clean off Algae for more information.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about how to clean a brick house with a pressure washer. Just be sure to always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use caution when operating the machine. With these tips under your belt, you should be able to achieve significant results quickly and easily!