PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Housekeeping
Cleaning
House Cleaning
External House Cleaning
How to Clean Red Brick Download Article Co-authored by Gerber Ortiz-Vega
Last Updated: February 24, 2025 References
Download Article
Cleaning Interior Red Brick
|
Cleaning Exterior Red Brick
|
Removing Tough Stains
|
Expert Q&A
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Gerber Ortiz-Vega. Gerber Ortiz-Vega is a Masonry Specialist and the Founder of GO Masonry LLC, a masonry company based in Northern Virginia. Gerber specializes in providing brick and stone laying services, concrete installations, and masonry repairs. Gerber has over four years of experience running GO Masonry and over ten years of general masonry work experience. He earned a BA in Marketing from the University of Mary Washington in 2017. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 88,529 times.
Red brick can be a beautiful addition to your home, but it requires some cleaning and maintenance to keep up its rustic charm over the years. You can vacuum your red brick with a high-powered nozzle or spray it with the garden hose. You can also wipe the surface with vinegar or a bleach mixture for routine cleaning. For tougher stains, you may need to use a chemical cleanser like ammonia or tri-phosphate sodium.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Cleaning Interior Red Brick
Download Article
1 Use a high-powered vacuum. Use the nozzle of your high-powered vacuum cleaner to remove any surface dirt and grime on your red brick. Go over the entire surface of the brick with the nozzle of the vacuum, making sure you get into all the nooks and crannies.[1]XResearch source
You can try out different settings, but you’ll probably need to use the highest one to effectively remove most of the dirt.
For interior red brick flooring, you can use a standard floor vacuum if you wish. Turn off the brush roll to protect your flooring, however.
If you choose to sweep your brick floor with a broom, take care that crumbs and debris don’t get stuck in the rough grout.
2 Make a cleansing paste with salt and laundry detergent. Mix 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of mild laundry detergent with 1 oz (28 g) of regular table salt and add just enough water to create a paste. Use a clean, damp cloth to apply the paste to the red brick and let it sit for 15 minutes, or until dry.
You can also use a mixture of salt and dish soap or borax and warm water.
Once the paste has dried, remove the remnants with a nylon brush or another hard-bristled brush.
If there is any remaining soot or dirt, try applying a bit of vinegar with a wet rag and wiping it clean.
Advertisement
3 Wipe with vinegar. Use a clean rag to apply a bit of distilled white vinegar to the red brick. Dampen the cloth with the vinegar and wipe it across the surface of your brick. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it off with a clean damp cloth.[2]XResearch source
Remove any remaining vinegar residue with some warm water.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Cleaning Exterior Red Brick
Download Article
1 Use a hose to wash off dirt and debris. Turn your garden hose on full spray and wash any dirt and grime off the brick as best you can with the strong force of the hose spray. Work methodically from one side to the other so that it doesn’t keep spraying back onto a part you have already cleaned.
You may also use a bucket with soapy water to scrub stains off of exterior red brick.
You can use different hose settings to access some of the harder to reach places. For example, you might need a steadier stream to get rid of cobwebs hiding in corners and crevices.
2 Apply a bleach mixture to eliminate moss and mold. Make a cleaning solution using 4 parts water to 1 part bleach. Combine it all in a bucket. Scrape off any moss or mold with a spatula or a stiff-bristled brush. Apply a generous covering of the bleach mixture directly to the red brick and let it sit overnight. Then you can rinse off the bleach mixture with a hose.[3]XResearch source
If there are still traces of mold remaining, you can make a stronger mixture – half water and half bleach – and let it sit on the red brick for 2 days before rinsing it off.
3 Seal the bricks for future protection. Once you have finished cleaning your exterior red bricks, consider sealing them with a siloxane- or silane-based sealer. This will help protect your bricks from future stains, and it will prevent dirt and grime from building up on your bricks over time.[4]XResearch source
You should be able to purchase these products at any home improvement store.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Removing Tough Stains
Download Article
1 Use a trisodium phosphate cleaning solution. Purchase some trisodium phosphate and add 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of TSP to 1 US gal (3.8 L) of hot water. Dip a scrubbing brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the red brick until you begin to see results. When you finish scrubbing, rinse the brick with warm water to remove any lingering residue from the cleaning solution.[5]XResearch source
Be sure to wear rubber gloves while handling this cleaning solution.
You should be able to purchase trisodium phosphate at any grocery or home improvement store among the cleaning supplies.
2 Scrub the brick with an ammonia mixture. Pour some warm water into a bucket and add 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of ammonia. Dip a scrubbing brush into the mixture and scrub the red brick until the tough stains are removed. Be sure to rinse off the rest of the ammonia mixture with warm water.[6]XResearch source
Wear rubber gloves when handling ammonia.
This method is best for use on exterior red brick, or in a well-ventilated area.
3 Call a professional. If your red brick is extremely stained or covered in unwanted paint, it might be a good idea to simply let a professional handle it. These cleaning and removing processes can involve harsh chemical applications that should be left to professionals.[7]XResearch source
Most construction or home improvement companies can cover this kind of work, or recommend a qualified professional who can.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How do you make red bricks look new? Gerber Ortiz-Vega Masonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC Gerber Ortiz-Vega is a Masonry Specialist and the Founder of GO Masonry LLC, a masonry company based in Northern Virginia. Gerber specializes in providing brick and stone laying services, concrete installations, and masonry repairs. Gerber has over four years of experience running GO Masonry and over ten years of general masonry work experience. He earned a BA in Marketing from the University of Mary Washington in 2017. Gerber Ortiz-Vega Masonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC Expert Answer If it just looks dusty, you can buy special chemicals at your local brick supplier that help clean and restore the original color of the mortar and the brick. Mix that with water and basically just clean off the mortar and the brick. However, if the mortar has been cracked and eroded, that would be a different issue. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
You can buy chemical cleaners made specifically for brick from a local brick supplier.[8]X Expert Source Gerber Ortiz-VegaMasonry SpecialistExpert InterviewThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toClean Fireplace BricksHow toClean BricksHow toRestore BrickHow toClean Soot from BrickHow toClean Concrete FloorsHow toClean a Concrete BalconyHow toPaint Masonry WallsHow toClean a Stone PatioHow to Clean Sandstone Floors, Walls, & Other SurfacesHow toExpose BrickThe Best Way to Paint a Brick HouseHow to Remove Paint from Brick: 2 Expert-Approved MethodsHow toClean Outdoor TilesHow toClean Mortar Off Bricks Advertisement
Co-authored by: Gerber Ortiz-Vega Masonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC This article was co-authored by Gerber Ortiz-Vega. Gerber Ortiz-Vega is a Masonry Specialist and the Founder of GO Masonry LLC, a masonry company based in Northern Virginia. Gerber specializes in providing brick and stone laying services, concrete installations, and masonry repairs. Gerber has over four years of experience running GO Masonry and over ten years of general masonry work experience. He earned a BA in Marketing from the University of Mary Washington in 2017. This article has been viewed 88,529 times. 13 votes - 92% Co-authors: 5Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 88,529 Categories: External House CleaningArticle SummaryX
If your red brick walls are looking a little dirty or discolored, you can restore their rustic charm with some simple household cleaners. Indoors, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any surface dirt and dust. Outdoors, use a garden hose to rinse the bricks. Then, mix ½ cup of laundry detergent with 1 ounce of salt and a little water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your bricks with a clean, damp cloth, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe or brush it off. If your walls still look dirty, wipe them with vinegar and a clean cloth. For really tough stains, mix ½ cup of ammonia with warm water and scrub the wall with it and a stiff brush. For more tips from our Cleaning co-author, including how to seal your bricks to protect them from the elements, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languagesSpanish
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 88,529 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Gerber Ortiz-Vega Masonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC Co-authors: 5Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 88,52992% of readers found this article helpful. 13 votes - 92% Click a star to add your vote
Quizzes & Games
What Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Dirty Soda Am I QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizShould I Hire a Housekeeper QuizTake QuizOCD TestTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toClean Fireplace BricksHow toClean BricksHow toRestore BrickHow toClean Soot from Brick
Featured Articles
How toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?
Trending Articles
Am I Autistic Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingHow Sexual Am I QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizGuess My Deepest Secret Quiz
Featured Articles
How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With
Featured Articles
What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)
Watch Articles
Amazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForHow toDevelop Listening SkillsHow toNot Lose Your GirlfriendHow to Draw an OwlHow toTreat AllergiesHow toIntroduce Friends to Other Friends
Trending Articles
Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?What Would My Nickname Be QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeHow toBe PrettyKissing Tips: The wikiHow Guide to the Perfect Kiss
Quizzes & Games
What Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake QuizWhat Pokémon Type Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat Flower Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Type of Witch Am I QuizTake QuizDo I Have Trypophobia (Fear Of Tiny Holes)Take Quiz
Categories
Home and Garden
Housekeeping
Cleaning
House Cleaning
External House Cleaning
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article Co-authored by Gerber Ortiz-Vega 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Gerber Ortiz-Vega Masonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC This article was co-authored by Gerber Ortiz-Vega. Gerber Ortiz-Vega is a Masonry Specialist and the Founder of GO Masonry LLC, a masonry company based in Northern Virginia. Gerber specializes in providing brick and stone laying services, concrete installations, and masonry repairs. Gerber has over four years of experience running GO Masonry and over ten years of general masonry work experience. He earned a BA in Marketing from the University of Mary Washington in 2017. This article has been viewed 88,529 times. 13 votes - 92% Co-authors: 5 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 88,529 Categories: External House Cleaning Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
630 
1 Use a high-powered vacuum. Use the nozzle of your high-powered vacuum cleaner to remove any surface dirt and grime on your red brick. Go over the entire surface of the brick with the nozzle of the vacuum, making sure you get into all the nooks and crannies.[1] 
2 Make a cleansing paste with salt and laundry detergent. Mix 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of mild laundry detergent with 1 oz (28 g) of regular table salt and add just enough water to create a paste. Use a clean, damp cloth to apply the paste to the red brick and let it sit for 15 minutes, or until dry. 
3 Wipe with vinegar. Use a clean rag to apply a bit of distilled white vinegar to the red brick. Dampen the cloth with the vinegar and wipe it across the surface of your brick. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it off with a clean damp cloth.[2] 
1 Use a hose to wash off dirt and debris. Turn your garden hose on full spray and wash any dirt and grime off the brick as best you can with the strong force of the hose spray. Work methodically from one side to the other so that it doesn’t keep spraying back onto a part you have already cleaned. 
2 Apply a bleach mixture to eliminate moss and mold. Make a cleaning solution using 4 parts water to 1 part bleach. Combine it all in a bucket. Scrape off any moss or mold with a spatula or a stiff-bristled brush. Apply a generous covering of the bleach mixture directly to the red brick and let it sit overnight. Then you can rinse off the bleach mixture with a hose.[3] 
3 Seal the bricks for future protection. Once you have finished cleaning your exterior red bricks, consider sealing them with a siloxane- or silane-based sealer. This will help protect your bricks from future stains, and it will prevent dirt and grime from building up on your bricks over time.[4] 
1 Use a trisodium phosphate cleaning solution. Purchase some trisodium phosphate and add 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of TSP to 1 US gal (3.8 L) of hot water. Dip a scrubbing brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the red brick until you begin to see results. When you finish scrubbing, rinse the brick with warm water to remove any lingering residue from the cleaning solution.[5] 
2 Scrub the brick with an ammonia mixture. Pour some warm water into a bucket and add 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of ammonia. Dip a scrubbing brush into the mixture and scrub the red brick until the tough stains are removed. Be sure to rinse off the rest of the ammonia mixture with warm water.[6] 
3 Call a professional. If your red brick is extremely stained or covered in unwanted paint, it might be a good idea to simply let a professional handle it. These cleaning and removing processes can involve harsh chemical applications that should be left to professionals.[7] 
Gerber Ortiz-Vega Masonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC Gerber Ortiz-Vega is a Masonry Specialist and the Founder of GO Masonry LLC, a masonry company based in Northern Virginia. Gerber specializes in providing brick and stone laying services, concrete installations, and masonry repairs. Gerber has over four years of experience running GO Masonry and over ten years of general masonry work experience. He earned a BA in Marketing from the University of Mary Washington in 2017. 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.