How to clean a brick wall

Key steps

• Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and goggles.

• Cover plants, bushes and window and door frames before cleaning.

• Use a pressure washer for removing salt residue from brick.

• Use bleach and water to remove moss, mould and mildew.

• Washing liquid and salt are great for cleaning exposed interior brick.

Brick walls in the garden as well as exposed in your home can look great, but left alone, they can also collect grime which seems hard to shift. Fortunately, cleaning brickwork is easier than it may seem! This article will advise you on the best tips and methods to get the job done quickly and effectively.

If you’re cleaning a brick wall, whether it’s indoors or on the exterior of your home, ensure you wear gloves to protect your hands from rough bricks and cleaning agents.

How to clean brickwork exposed indoors

If you want to ensure you have a clean brick wall because it’s exposed indoors, there are a few quick, easy steps to keep it looking its best:

2.     Use a dry dishcloth to gently wipe the brickwork surface to remove loose dirt and dust.

3.     Pour a little grease-cutting washing up liquid into a small bucket.

4.     Add a small amount of table salt to the liquid and mix well.

5.     Apply a thin layer of the soap-and-salt mix to bricks using a clean cloth.

6.     Leave the mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes.

7.     Use a hard-bristled scrubbing brush to remove any stubborn dirt.

8.     Fill a bucket with warm water.

9.     Using a clean cloth dipped in the warm water, remove the remaining detergent mix from the wall.

10.  Allow the wall to air dry.

How to clean exterior brick

Exterior walls can be affected by a number of different elements. You can keep them looking their best by cleaning them on a regular basis using our guide below:

• Protect any surrounding surfaces from spraying debris. You could use a tarp to protect nearby bushes and flower gardens. Make sure to use painter’s tape to protect window frames and door trims.

• Use a garden hose to loosen and remove dirt or grime. Always start at the top, move in a side-to-side direction making your way downwards. If an area is especially dirty, allow the water to stay in one spot for more thorough cleaning.

• If the brickwork is particularly heavily soiled, use a pressure washer. This is a great choice if you prefer not to use chemicals. If you don't own a pressure washer, you can rent one from a DIY retailer. This is particularly effective when removing efflorescence from brick.

• Moss, mould and mildew can appear as black or green patches in areas that receive limited sunlight. Make a mix of one cup of chlorine bleach in one gallon of water. Apply this mixture to the bricks with a hard-bristled brush. Avoid using wire-bristled brushes as these can create rust stains. Rinse the wall with water before cleaning it with the bleach solution. Ensure you wear safety goggles and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and skin.

With our top tips for how to clean brick, no matter whether they’re inside or outside of your home, you can be sure to have all exposed brick sparkling clean in no time.