Learn methods to care for and clean
bricks and brick surfaces
|
DIY:
Caring for Brick
|
||
Bricks are made from clay and other materials
 which are formed into shapes then fired in a kiln
to make them strong and durable. Red bricks contain large amounts of iron; yellow bricks contain little iron. Interior bricks may be dusted with vacuum cleaner dusting attachments. Freshen periodically with commercial brick cleaner.
Brick may be purchased unsealed or sealed. If it has been sealed, it will be much easier to keep clean. Vacuum regularly, and occasionally damp mop with plain water to remove soil. Occasionally for heavier soil use a mild detergent solution, rinse well, and wipe dry for more shine.
To seal a brick floor, place folded towels next to carpet areas adjoining tiled areas to absorb water. Using a scrub brush or large sponge and detergent, scrub the floor surface and rinse with clear water. Be sure any dirty wash water is completely removed from crevices. Allow floor to dry thoroughly. From a reliable hardware or paint store get a brick masonry sealer; usually sold in gallons. It is a clear solution so it does not change the color of the tile or bricks and grout, but it will give a gloss to the surface. Paint the sealer on the dry tile or brick, being sure to cover all crevices and cracks in bricks and grout. Let it dry and apply a second coat. Thereafter, apply one coat about every year to maintain the seal. The sealer prevents dust from grout being tracked into the house, and makes cleaning very easy with a damp mop. Some people prefer to use a wax over the sealer. Experiment with a sample tile or an inconspicuous corner as some waxes leave a streaky undesirable finish.
Brick floors may be cleaned with a solution of a moderately strong alkali such as washing soda or trisodiumphosphate (Or a cleaner containing TSP." Use about 1 tablespoon in a gallon of warm water, stronger if needed.). Rinse well to remove all solution.
If the bricks or tiles have been sealed there still may be white or gray dust track over both that surface and into carpeted floor areas. The whitish dust will be from the grout used in laying the floor. A bricklayer may use muriatic acid to clean up floor surfaces when he completes the floor. (Dilute the muriatic acid, 1 part acid to 10 parts water.) If the floor is not flushed thoroughly with water after clean up, the muriatic acid will continue to leach lime from the grout causing the whitish dust. Most bricklayers today use a commercial product that is easier to wash off, but also more expensive.
Stone or brick fireplaces can be easier to clean by applying a finish of penetrating sealer which contains tung oil. This is moisture resistant and forms a tough coating which can be washed with soap and water.
CLEANING BRICK & STONE FIREPLACES
If fireplace is to be used for family entertainment such as popcorn popping, or marshmallow toasting, etc., it would be wise to have brick fireplace front surfaces sealed with a penetrating sealer which contains tung oil. This is moisture resistant and forms a tough coating which can be washed with soap and water and will resist absorption of grease or oils, and smoky soot.
Cleaning Solutions for Brick: (Wear rubber gloves to protect hands.)
--Mix one ounce of soap and one ounce of table salt with enough water to make a cream. Rub mixture into brick surface with cloth; allow to dry at least ten minutes and remove with stiff brush; or
--Make a thick mixture of soap or detergent, pumice, a little ammonia and hot water. Paint the mixture on the surface and let dry. Rub off with a wet scrub brush. You are using alkali and a mild abrasive to remove the greasy soil; or
--Shave a bar of naphtha soap into a container and add 3 quarts of water. Bring mixture to a full boil until the soap melts. Cool. Add 1 cup ammonia and one pound of pumice. Mix thoroughly. Brush in onto all sooty surfaces and let stand one hour or more. Rub off with a stiff- bristle brush. Rinse "gook" away with warm water, then finish off with a medium to strong detergent and rinse again with warm water; or
--Dissolve 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) Tri-sodium Phosphate (TSP) in 1 gallon of hot water. With stiff scrub brush, scrub brick surface. Rinse with plenty of warm water. Repeat if soot or greasy stain is not removed. More TSP may be added if necessary, up to 1 cup per gallon. This is a very strong solution; avoid getting on skin, carpet, or fabrics.
Note: Some weathered old brick (50 years or older) may be soft and damaged by vigorous cleaning. Test a corner, and if this is so, just dust or sweep it.
From DoItYourself.com
This article has been contributed in part by Michigan State University Extension
|
|||
|
|||