Cleaning redbrick. Brickwork, drystone walling, render are a few subjects covered here. Click here to post questions and get answers

[connocg]

I am in the process of taking off stone cladding (dreadful) from my new house. I'm sure the previous owner put in on during the late 70's - early 80's. It's come off very easily but as I suspected it has left cement marks at each joint. The brick is in excellent condition, but the stains need to come off.

What would you suggest for cleaning - I really need this to be cleaned professionally (not DIY) - all marks gone! How and who would you recommend?

Regards,

CC.

[thedoctor]

This can be done several ways but none of them come with any guarentees. The mortar lines may well have soaked into the brick making them, or at least some of them, impossible to remove. The various ways of cleaning brick are power washing, using brick cleaning acid, both of the above = light scrubbing with a brass wire brush or even wire wool and a stiff brush. All work but all can leave "scars" and it is very unlikely you will find a company who will guarentee a blemish free finish. Look for local companies who specialise in brick and stone cleaning and restoration.

[peterTHEpointer]

hi, I think the best way to get try to rid of these mortar stains is to use mortar stain remover bought from places like jewsons, as a pointer i do a lot of work like this you water the msr down put it on with a hard brush leave it a few minutes then wash off with a pressure washer.Its very simple but will more than likely damage the mortar in the joints of your brickwork.It works a lot easier if your brick is smooth if it is a brick thats not smooth theres not A guarentee that it will come off then the alternative is sand blasting which i see as a last resort. For more information see the project on pointing and repointing brickwork.