You have just bought a beautiful new home and want to get rid of the dirt that has accumulated over the years. You know you need to clean your bricks, but how? Well, if you are looking for an inexpensive yet effective way to do it, then this article is for you. This post will teach you how to use vinegar as a cleaning agent on your brick surfaces so that they look like new again!
Bricks are traditionally made from clay and left to dry. They can be used in many different ways, but they are typically associated with the construction of houses. If you have old bricks that need to be cleaned, here is a formula for vinegar that is safe for use on brick surfaces:
- Mix 1/2 gallon of water with 2 cups of distilled white vinegar
- Add 45 drops each of lemon juice and dishwashing liquid
- Apply mixture evenly over surface using sponge or rag
- Let sit for about an hour and then scrub with a brush
Rinse surface with water thoroughly to remove any vinegar smell left behind. That’s it! This is such a simple method of cleaning bricks, yet so effective in making your home look new again. You can try different variations depending on the type of stains you want to clean. You can add some salt to the mix if you want a more abrasive scrub on your bricks or use baking soda for a gentle yet thorough cleaning process.
Bricks have been used since ancient times and they are still being made in many parts of the world today because of their durability and ease of transportability. Bricks provide excellent insulation against heat and cold, making them ideal for house construction. However, they also get dirty so easily due to the way they are made. If you want your bricks to look new again without spending too much money on cleaners or hiring expensive professionals, this simple vinegar solution is all that you need!
What is the best type of brick for Cleaning?
There is no specific type of brick that will work better than another. This also means one can clean just about any kind of brick with vinegar, be it a patio or an industrial wall!
Even though there is no “best type of brick for cleaning”, it can be difficult to clean dark or black bricks. This is because the acid in vinegar helps remove dirt and stains from surfaces – but not so much color!
How to clean Bricks with Vinegar?
There are many ways to clean bricks. However, vinegar is not only an environmentally friendly option but also very effective in removing stains and dirt from the surface of brick. When combined with baking soda for cleaning tough surfaces like porch stairs or driveways it can make a great solution for getting rid of rust on metal items or surfaces. Let’s get started!
- Spray vinegar on the affected areas of the brick surface and leave it for about an hour before scrubbing with a brush to remove stubborn stains. Don’t forget to wear protective gloves when working with this solution as its acidic nature can cause irritations in skin.
- Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar in a bucket. Rub this solution on the brick surface with a sponge or brush to remove stains, mildew etc.
- Combine baking soda, salt and liquid soap in warm water for best results. After mixing well, spray it over stained areas of bricks before scrubbing gently using an abrasive pad to remove the stains and dirt.
- Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water in a bucket before adding half cup each of salt, baking soda and dishwashing soap to it for cleaning bricks effectively. Rub this solution on the surface with a brush or sponge using lukewarm water until you see all the dirt disappear from your brick surfaces. Rinse well with lukewarm water.
- Combine vinegar and baking soda in equal amounts before spraying it over the stained areas of brick surfaces using a spray bottle or pump up garden sprayer. Scrub well to remove stains, mildew etc. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing for best results. Avoid breathing in this solution as it can cause respiratory problems if inhaled in high concentration.
How to make your own Brick Cleaner?
You can make your own brick cleaner by mixing two parts of water with one part vinegar. Mix it in a bucket, using an old brush to scrub the bricks clean. If you want to be more effective for cleaning tough stains on your walls or floor tiles then add some salt into this solution too.
If that is not enough, then try adding a little bit of ammonia. This should work to remove the toughest stains from your bricks and other surfaces in no time at all.
Do not use this mixture on the windows, as it can cause them to become smeared. Make sure that you test a small patch of brick first before if you are planning to try out any new cleaning solution for your bricks. That way you will be able to find out how well they react with each other and whether or not anything else is needed to make it even more effective.
Advantages and disadvantages of using Vinegar as a Cleaner?
If you are looking for a non toxic cleaner, vinegar is the best choice. It doesn’t have any chemicals in it and won’t harm your skin or kids if they drink it. That means its safe to use around pets too! Plus, with so many health benefits of apple cider vinegar, using this as a cleaner seems like a good idea.
On the other hand, it has very strong smell that may not be suitable for everyone. Some people are sensitive to vinegar scent and they will feel nauseous if exposed to this odor too much. Also, due to its acidity level, using vinegar as cleaner is only recommended on non porous surfaces such as tile, sealed hardwood floors and glass. If it spills on unsealed wooden surfaces or carpets, you can expect to see bubbles after a while because of the acidity content.
In another case, if vinegar is mixed with other chemicals such as bleach which has strong acidic base too, they will start releasing dangerous fumes that are harmful for your health.
Vinegar has a wide range of uses and it’s really cheap to get, so it might be the best choice for cleaning bathroom or kitchen.
Environmental Protection
When you clean bricks with vinegar, it helps to protect the earth. Most traditional cleaners will harm our planet and cause pollution because of their chemicals that go into landfills or seep into water systems when we dispose them down the drain. The thing about using natural products is that they are much easier on the environment! Vinegar is a natural product, and it can be used to clean bricks.
- No need for gloves – Vinegar is a gentle cleaner that doesn’t require the use of any special equipment or gloves during cleaning!
- Chemical free – You never have to worry about hazardous chemicals from vinegar leaking into the environment when you dispose of your waste.
- Easy to use – Vinegar is completely safe for people, animals, and plants. You can clean bricks with vinegar without fear of hurting yourself or the earth!
Safety Tips
- Never use vinegar on painted surfaces, as it will damage the paint.
- Make sure you are wearing protective gear. Safety goggles and gloves should be worn at all times when handling highly concentrated acids like vinegar.
- Keep children away from work areas while solution is working (for about 30 minutes) to avoid risk of injury.
- Do not combine vinegar and bleach.This concoction releases toxic chlorine gas, which can be fatal if inhaled in large amounts.
- Do not use vinegar on marble, limestone or sandstone.This combination will damage the surface. Instead, opt for a commercial cleaner that’s recommended by experts as safe to use with these surfaces.
FAQs
What should I use as a scrubber?
A soft bristle brush or sponge will work best. The stiffer bristles of a wire brush may scratch the surface, which could ruin its appearance over time and cause it to rust.
What type of vinegar should I use?
Any household vinegar (white, apple cider, or malt) will work fine. Avoid distilled white vinegar with added fines; fines are byproducts that can leave a milky film on the brick surface when dried.
Can I mix baking soda into my cleaning solution?
Baking soda can be added to the vinegar solution, but it is not necessary. Baking soda has a mild abrasive effect and does help freshen up your bricks with its slightly acidic pH.
How do I keep my bricks from getting so dirty in the first place?
In addition to regular housekeeping practices, you can try using a brick sealant or wax. There are several commercially available products that contain ingredients which help to repel dirt and contaminants, thereby preventing them from sticking to the bricks in the first place.
How can I avoid damage to my bricks?
Keep in mind that there are different types of brick. The most common type is the solid fired clay, which comes from a wet slurry made up of various clays and additives. It may be best to consult with your mason or contractor before using this cleaning method on any bricks other than standard red brick.
Can I clean bricks that are not exposed to the weather?
There is no reason why you cannot use this method on bricks which will never be exposed, such as those inside a brick fireplace or chimney. If there is any residual vinegar odor after cleaning, simply wipe down with clear water and let air dry completely before using your fireplace or wood stove.
What about brick pavers or other types of exterior brick?
This method may not be suitable for certain kinds of porous bricks, such as sandstonebased products, because vinegar is acidic and it could potentially etch the surface over time. You should test a small area first before attempting to clean an entire paver patio or walkway. It is best to use this method on the same type of brick that was used to build your home, if possible.
What other kinds of cleaners are good for bricks?
Oxalic acidbased solutions have been known to work well in some cases—however, be sure you test a small area in an inconspicuous location first.
Conclusion
Vinegar is a mild acid, so it can clean bricks easily. When cleaning the surface of your brick buildings or fireplaces, you should not use any strong chemicals because they can damage the material and stain it. Formaldehydebased products are also harmful to people’s health if inhaled during application process. So, the best way to clean bricks is by using natural products.