Bricks are a popular building material because they're durable, low-maintenance, and have a classic look that never goes out of style. However, even the toughest bricks can show their age if they're not properly cared for. Neglected brick can become stained and discolored, which makes your whole property look dirty and unkempt.  

Fortunately, cleaning brick and restoring it to its original beauty is easy. Here's what you need to know about cleaning brick to boost your home's curb appeal.

Pressure Washer

The first step for any good brick cleaner is to blast away dirt and debris with a pressure washer. A pressure washer will remove all the mold and mildew that has been building up on your bricks over time, making it easier to scrub away the remaining stains underneath. A pressure washer also thoroughly wets the bricks, making it easier to apply a cleaning solution.

Cleaning Solutions 

There are quite a few cleaning solutions that your brick cleaning service can use to get any stains off your bricks, including:

• Soap. Dish soap or laundry detergent can be used in the pressure washer, but it needs to be diluted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Soap works best with mild stains and is safe for the surrounding vegetation.
• Bleach. If you're dealing with severe mold or mildew issues, your brick cleaning service may need to use diluted bleach. Bleach kills any mold spores, preventing them from returning to that area of your brick. Be sure to have a small area tested to make sure that it will not discolor your brick.
• TSP. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a heavy-duty cleaning product that you can find at most hardware stores. It's great for getting rid of stubborn stains, but care should be taken when using it because it can irritate your skin and clothing.
• Muriatic Acid. One of the stronger cleaning solutions for brick is muriatic acid. It's very corrosive but, if used properly, can remove even the toughest stains on brick.

Whichever cleaning solution you choose, your brick cleaning service will apply it with a soft-bristle brush, a sponge, or via a hose through the power washer. It is not recommended to use a metal brush to scrub the brick. Not only will the harsh bristles damage the brick, but they can break off and cause rust to form on the brick over time.

With a little elbow grease and the right cleaners, your brick cleaning service can clean your brick exterior and restore its beauty. Your bricks will look like new in no time—boosting both your curb appeal and property value in the process.

Contact a local brick cleaning service, such as Brickwash, to learn more.