Our Top Tips To Keep Your Bricks Clean
Using premium building materials like Krause Bricks adds unique texture and personality to every home. Brick is not just suitable for building exteriors, it also makes for elegant driveways, pathways and patios. In fact, the natural texture of brick makes it skip and skid-resistant, making a great choice for paved areas that are both safe and stylish.
But how do you keep your bricks clean? With the right tips and tools, you’ll find yourself a with bricks that are built to last. Here is our guide to clean brick pavers.
HOW TO START CLEANING BRICK PAVERS
Before you begin, it’s important to ensure that you’ve got a good set-up. Start by removing plants, furniture, and vehicles from the driveway, and cover any metal objects with a tarp sheet.
You’ll also need to hose down the entire paved area with water so that the bricks don’t soak up the cleaning solution and form unwanted residue. Brush the pavers with a stiff brush to get rid of dirt, sediments, and weeds. We recommend using a nylon-bristled brush instead of a wire brush, which could leave metal bits in cracks that’ll rust and stain the bricks.
Now, you’re all set and ready to roll.
HOW TO CLEAN PAVERS WITH VINEGAR
Instead of store-bought commercial cleaners, why not try making your own natural home cleaner? All you need is a little vinegar or baking soda.
For larger surfaces, use a spray bottle to contain your solution. Mix equal parts vinegar and water into a bottle and apply a generous spray on the pavers. Don’t wash it off immediately. Instead, let it sit for a few minutes before using a mop or sponge to clean the bricks.
Cleaning pavers with baking soda is also another brilliant natural solution. Mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of dish soap to form a paste (for small areas). Spread the paste over brick and let it sit for a while before scrubbing it thoroughly with a brush and warm water.
If there are stubborn stains that refuse to budge, we recommend using a heavy-duty nylon bristle brush to go in a little harder. With this natural mix, you now have a cost-effective solution that’s also a lot safer compared to commercial cleaning products.
HOW TO GET RID OF STUBBORN STAINS
If brick is not properly maintained, it could absorb and retain stubborn stains. In this section, we’ll show you how to clean pavers with bleach. This substance not only gets rid of black spots (black lichen), but it also helps to remove moss, algae and mould.
Add a tablespoon of bleach to a roughly 3.5 litres of warm water. As bleach is a strong chemical substance, we recommend a water-to-bleach ratio of at least 10:1. Using a spray bottle, thoroughly soak the bricks with the solution and let it sit for 20 - 30 minutes. Use a nylon-bristled scrub brush to remove tough stains and hard-to-reach areas.
Finally, rinse the solution off with water and allow the pavers to dry completely.
Remember to avoid bleach near areas with plants and greenery as it could be potentially toxic to them. Make sure to water your plants well before and after cleaning the pavers with bleach.
HOW TO CLEAN PAVERS WITH POWER WASHING
If you’re short on time and are looking for a faster and more efficient way to clean your brick pavers, consider using a pressure washer. For the uninitiated, pressure washers are cleaning machines that use a high-pressure stream of hot water to blast away stubborn dirt from outdoor surfaces. It’s an exceptionally effective way to remove residue like salt, mildew and mould.
Firstly, get rid of loose surface dirt or debris using a brush or leaf blower. Ensure that you remove all weeds in the cracks and joints. If you need a little help, spray herbicide a week before to kill the weeds.
Secondly, apply brick cleaner or detergent to the pavers. Use a store-bought brick cleaning solution or create your own mix using ordinary liquid detergent and water. Pour and spray the cleaning solution on your brick paver.
Finally, attach a fine tip to your pressure washer and direct the pressure on the bricks. Make sure you avoid power washing the joints to reduce the possibility of individual pavers being dislodged and stand at a safe distance while washing.
Power or pressure washing can be a great way to get your brick paver looking as good as new, but it shouldn’t be used too regularly. Think of it as part of your yearly paver maintenance plan and focus on regular brushing with soap water to keep your brick pavers well-maintained weekly.
HOW TO SEAL YOUR BRICK PAVER
To ensure the longevity of brick and protect it from erosion, mildew and discolouration, consider sealing your brick paver every 3 to 5 years. Apply the sealer 24 hours after a thorough wash and make sure that your pavers are completely dry for the process. Use a good pump applicant sprayer to apply the sealer. Ensure that you not only cover the surface of the bricks but the joints as well. Make sure your pavers are completely wet before using a dry roller to soak up the excess sealer.
Handmade bricks can be a beautiful addition to any home, adding texture, colour and charm.
They aren’t just suitable for buildings but are great for outdoor patios, walkways and driveways as well. With these tips, you’re well on your way to restoring the beauty of your brick pavers, keeping them in great condition for years to come.
Get in touch with our team today to explore our range for your next commercial or residential project.