Brick walkways are a great way to add elegance and style to your home. The brick is installed with mortar, which can be difficult to remove without harming the bricks themselves. This guide will teach you how to clean your walkway safely and efficiently!
Brick walkways are a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike. These paths can be used in many different areas of your property, such as leading up to your front door or around the perimeter of your building. However, maintaining these brick pathways can be difficult if you don’t know how to do it properly. In this article we will go over everything from tools needed to how often you should clean them so that they last for years!
Types of Brick Walkway Cleaner
There are a few types of brick walkway cleaners that can be used to clean the surface. The type of cleaner you choose will depend on the severity of the dirt and grime build-up on your walkway.
The first type of cleaner is a simple mixture of water and vinegar. This is a great option for light grime or dirt that has built up over time. You will need a bucket of water and one tablespoon of white vinegar.
The second type is a mixture of bleach, dishwashing liquid, and baking soda which works great on tougher stains such as mold, mildew, moss etc. Mix together in your bucket with warm water about a cup and a half of bleach, two tablespoons dishwashing liquid and one tablespoon baking soda.
- The third option is to use an alkaline cleaner like TSP (trisodium phosphate). This works great on really built up grime such as oil stains from cars or grease around the garbage cans in your yard. You can also add a little baking soda to this mixture for extra cleaning power.
- Mix together one cup of TSP, a half teaspoon dishwashing liquid and warm water about the same amount as your cleaner.
- The fourth option is to use muriatic acid which should be handled with care by an adult only. Mix two parts Muriatic Acid (HCL) and five parts water.
- The fifth option is to use a pressure washer which can be purchased at your local hardware store or rental facility. This works great for deeper grime build-up but should only be used on brick walkways, not stone or concrete walkways because it will damage them if left in one place too long.
- The sixth and final option is to use a steam cleaner like the Shark Steam Mop (S3501) which works great on built up grime or spills that have been left for too long because it will break down any grease, dirt or stains in just one pass. It can be used both wet and dry so you don’t have to worry about bringing any extra cleaning supplies with you.
- Now that you know the different types of cleaners that can be used, it’s time to choose the one that is best for your brick walkway.
- If the dirt or grime is only built up on the surface and isn’t too tough, then the vinegar and water mixture will work great. If the dirt is a little tougher or there is mold, mildew or moss build-up, then the bleach, dishwashing liquid and baking soda mixture will do a better job. For really tough grime or oil stains, try using the TSP cleaner.
- For deeper grime or spills that have been sitting for too long, try using the steam cleaner. If you don’t want to use any chemicals at all then go with the pressure washer option which will do an amazing job if used correctly. Finally, if your walkway is very dirty and has a lot of built up dirt or grime, then you can try using a combination of two or more of these cleaners.
No matter what type of cleaner you choose to use, always follow the safety instructions on the product and wear protective gear such as goggles, gloves and a mask to avoid any contact with your skin or eyes.
Cleaning Brick Walkway
Brick walkways can become stained and dirty over time. Here is a guide on how to clean your brick walkway:
- Remove any debris from the surface of the bricks with a broom or leaf blower.
- Mix a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water in a bucket.
- Dip a scrub brush into the solution and scrub the bricks.
- Rinse the surface of the bricks with a hose.
- Let the bricks dry completely before walking on them.
If your brick walkway is severely stained or dirty, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution or a pressure washer. Be sure to read all safety instructions carefully before using any cleaning products.
When you are finished cleaning your brick walkway, be sure to dispose of the cleaning solutions properly. Do not pour them down the drain or into a storm sewer. Contact your local waste management company for information on how to safely dispose of household chemicals.
Sealing Brick Walkway
In order to prolong the life of your brick walkway, you should be sealing it at least once a year. There are several types of sealers that can be used on a brick path depending on what type of material is beneath it and how often you use it. For example, if there’s sand or dirt under the bricks then an oil-based sealer would be best.
However, if you have a driveway or some other type of surface under the bricks then an acrylic based product will work better to protect it from stains and dirt accumulation. Brick walkways are great for both residential use as well as commercial applications such as around your business location especially when there is heavy foot traffic present. By following these simple steps, you can keep your brick walkway looking great for years to come!
Sealing Brick Walkway:
- Decide what type of sealer you need. If there is sand or dirt under the bricks then an oil-based sealer would be best. If there is a driveway or some other type of surface under the bricks then an acrylic based product will work better.
- Apply sealer with a brush or roller.
- Wait for it to dry (usually 24 hours).
- Enjoy your brick walkway for years to come!
Sealing Brick Walkway is important in order to prolong the life of your path. There are several types of sealers that can be used on a brick path depending on what type of material is beneath it and how often you use it.
Sealing your walkway will protect it from stains and dirt accumulation. Brick walkways are great for both residential use as well as commercial applications such as around your business location especially when there is heavy foot traffic present.
Finally, follow these simple steps to keep your walkway looking great for years to come!
Make sure you are using the correct type of sealer depending on what is under it and how often it will be used. Be sure to wait 24 hours before applying another coat once it has dried completely. Once finished, you will have a beautiful brick walkway that will last for years!
Maintaining Brick Walkway
Steps on how to maintain Brick walkway:
- Use a stiff brush with water and mild soap. Apply the solution on your walkway, wait for some time until it becomes soft before scrubbing. Scrub gently while rinsing off that sugary substance from the surface of your bricks. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- It is important to clean your brick walkway at least twice a year. During winter, snow and ice can hide dirt and salt accumulation which will be harmful for the bricks. Springtime brings rain and pollen that can also discolor your bricks. In order to prevent any long-term damage, it is advisable to perform regular maintenance on your brick walkway.
- If you have a pet, be sure to clean up any messes they may make as soon as possible. Urinating and defecating on bricks can cause discoloration and even damage the surface over time. If there is a build-up of dirt or mud on your bricks, use a stiff brush with water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water before applying a coating of sealant.
FAQs about cleaning Brick Walkways
Why should I use a pressure washer to clean my brick walkway?
If you’re looking for an effective way of cleaning your bricks, using a pressure washer is the best option. A lot of people are afraid that because it can be powerful, it could damage their bricks but this isn’t true at all. The high-pressure water flow doesn’t actually touch the bricks and is directed at other parts of your walkway so it will be safe from any damage.
What tools should I use to clean my brick walkway?
To easily remove dirt, grime, mold or moss from your brick walkways you need a pressure washer and a stiff brush.
How do I clean my brick walkway if it’s covered in moss?
Moss can be removed by using a mixture of bleach and water. First test the solution on an inconspicuous area to make sure that it doesn’t damage the bricks. Then, wet down the moss with the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes. Remove the moss by scrubbing with your brush or toothbrush, then rinse thoroughly to get rid of any remaining traces of bleach.
What if my brick walkway has mold?
If you have bricks that are covered in dark stains caused by mold, the only way to effectively clean them is to use muriatic acid. Mix the acid with water according to package instructions and apply it carefully, working in small sections at a time.
How do I clean my brick walkway if it has dirt stains?
Dirt can be cleaned off your bricks by using an acidic cleaning solution made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (available for purchase at the store). Just scrub it with a brush or toothbrush and rinse well after to prevent any damage.
Can I use bleach on my brick walkway?
No, don’t ever use bleach because this can actually damage your bricks. Also avoid using vinegar as an alternative since that too will have negative effects on your bricks.
Tips and tricks for cleaning Brick Walkways
- Remove any debris from the walkway with a broom or rake.
- Mix one part vinegar to three parts water in a bucket.
- Dip a scrub brush into the mixture and scrub the bricks clean.
- Rinse the area with a hose to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
- If the bricks are very dirty or stained, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution. Mix one part bleach to four parts water and scrub the bricks with a brush. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly afterwards.
Paint or sealant can be applied to brick walkways in order to protect them from staining and fading.
- Remove any debris from the walkway with a broom or rake.
- Mix one part vinegar to three parts water in a bucket.
- Dip a scrub brush into the mixture and scrub the bricks clean.
- Rinse the area with a hose to remove any residue from cleaning solution.
If dirty or stained, a stronger solution may be necessary. Mix one part bleach to four parts water and scrub the bricks with a brush.
- Paint or sealant can be applied to brick walkways in order to protect them from staining and fading.
Environmental Protection
One of the best ways to clean a brick walkway is by using environmentally friendly products. There are many commercial and homemade solutions that can be used to clean brick without damaging it or polluting the environment.
Clean brick is often desired for aesthetical reasons, and it can be cleaned in a way that does not harm the environment.
Safety Tips
Before you start cleaning your brick walkway, be sure to take some safety precautions:
- Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners. A simple mixture of water and dish soap will usually do the trick.
- Be careful when pressure washing – too much pressure can damage the bricks. Start slow and increase as needed.
- Be sure to rinse well after cleaning, especially if you use anything other than water.
- Let the bricks dry completely before allowing foot traffic on them again – this can take anywhere from 24 hours to a week depending on local conditions.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean a brick walkway, it’s time to get started! Be sure to wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles, when cleaning the bricks. And always test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire walkway. With these tips in mind, you can have your brick walkway looking clean and beautiful in no time!