The DIY Solution For Cleaning Exterior Brick Before Painting

There's a certain timeless beauty that comes with old brick homes and with a little maintenance that beauty can last a lifetime. Keeping your exterior bricks clean adds to the home's overall aesthetic appeal. Plus, bricks have a long-term effect on your home's resale value. Despite all the benefits of brick homes, they do pose a challenge when it comes to cleaning, especially before painting. For example, traditional exterior home cleaning methods such as high-pressure washing and abrasive wire brushes can easily damage the brick's outer layer. So, what's the alternative? Well, one effective and accessible method involves creating a solution of one part vinegar and two parts warm water. When applied with a spray bottle and a sponge, the vinegar and water method is great for tackling tough stains including mildew, dirt, and grease. Removing these stains is an essential step if you want to paint your brick walls the right way.

While cleaning is a much-needed step in prepping exterior brick for a seamless paint job, the vinegar and water method is not your only option. There are a handful of other solutions that also utilize ingredients you likely already own. For routine cleaning, a simple mix of warm water and gentle dish detergent works perfectly. Making a paste with cream of tartar and a touch of water is another option for tough stains. 

Now that you have the proper DIY cleaning solution, it's time to get your hands dirty. Before any cleaning takes place, be sure to inspect your bricks for damage. Any loose or spalling bricks need to be repaired before the cleaning process can begin. If your bricks look good, start by saturating the walls with water from your garden hose. A pressure washer on the lowest setting can also work. This helps remove any loose dirt and debris before the scrubbing happens.

Next, grab a dish sponge or a soft brush and begin scrubbing the bricks with your preferred cleaning solution (vinegar, cream of tartar, or dish soap). For especially difficult stains, try using a spray bottle with filled with bleach and hot water for spot treatments. After thoroughly scrubbing, get the hose back out and rinse the solution off of the walls. Once dried, your brick cleaning job is complete and you can start to paint.