How to Clean Brick: The Interior & Exterior Guide
Key Takeaways
The best way to clean brick depends on the type of stain, where the brick is located, and the condition of the brick and mortar.
Mild dish soap and warm water can work well for everyday dirt, while soot, paint, mortar, algae, and other tough stains might require a masonry-safe cleaner.
Interior and exterior brick require different approaches because outdoor brick is exposed to moisture, weather, algae, and heavier buildup.
Pressure washing bricks can be effective, but too much pressure might damage bricks or loosen mortar joints.
Always start with the gentlest cleaning method and test cleaners on a small area before treating the entire brick surface.
One reason brick is so popular is that it can last for decades, But, that doesn’t always mean it stays looking its best along the way. Knowing how to clean brick properly can help get rid of dirt, stains, soot, and buildup while bringing back more of the brick’s natural character and color.
The tricky part is that not every brick surface should be cleaned the same way or with the same products. An indoor fireplace might be covered in soot and smoke stains, while exterior brick has to deal with moisture, mildew, and years of exposure to the weather. In this guide, we’ll go over the best ways to clean interior and exterior brick, what to use, and what to avoid so you don’t accidentally cause damage.
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How to Clean Interior Brick
Interior brick doesn’t have to face rain, snow, or outdoor grime, but it can still get surprisingly dirty over time. Dust can settle into the textured surface, fireplaces can leave behind soot and smoke stains, and old brick might even have layers of paint or other residue that you just want to get rid of.
Before you start cleaning, take a closer look at the condition of the brick and mortar. Older or deteriorating masonry can be more sensitive to moisture, scrubbing, and strong cleaning products. It's also a good idea to start with the gentlest cleaning method possible.
For most interior brick, you’ll need a stiff nylon brush rather than a wire brush, along with towels or plastic sheeting to protect nearby floor and furniture. Avoid soaking the brick with more water than necessary, especially around fireplaces and older masonry.
How to Clean a Brick Fireplace
Brick fireplaces tend to collect a combination of dust, ash, soot, and smoke residue. Before you start any kind of cleaning, make sure your fireplace is completely cool and protect the surrounding floor from dirty water and debris.
Materials: A vacuum, drop cloth or towels, bucket, warm water, mild dish soap, sponge, and stiff nylon brush.
Remove loose ashes and debris from the fireplace
Vacuum the brick to pick up dust, ash, and any loose soot
Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap.
Apply the solution to the brick with a sponge or nylon brush.
Gently scrub the stained area without being too aggressive.
Wipe the brick with clean water to remove loosened dirt and excess cleaner.
Allow the brick to dry completely before using the fireplace again.
If you’re dealing with heavier stains, you might need to use a commercial masonry cleaner such as Rutland Brick & Stone Cleaner or Quick N Brite Fireplace Cleaner. Try testing the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous section of the fireplace first, particularly with older brick, since masonry can vary quite a bit in porosity and condition.
How to Clean Soot Off Brick
Soot can be a little more stubborn to clean off brick because scrubbing it the wrong way can actually spread the dark residue. Starting with a dry cleaning method can help you remove as much loose soot as possible before introducing water.
Materials: A vacuum, soot-cleaning sponge (chemical sponge), mild dish soap, warm water, clean cloths, and a nylon brush.
Vacuum any loose soot from the brick without rubbing it further into the surface.
Gently wipe any remaining soot with a dry soot-cleaning sponge.
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water for any stains that might remain.
Scrub the affected brick gently with the nylon brush.
Work in small sections so dirty water doesn’t spread soot onto clean areas.
Wipe or rinse away the loosened residue with clean water.
Let the brick dry and check whether any deeper stains remain.
How to Clean Paint Off Brick
Because brick is porous, paint can settle into small openings in the surface, and attempting to remove paint can damage the face of the brick or the surrounding mortar. This makes removing paint from brick tedious work. Here's what you need to know.
Materials: A masonry-safe paint stripper, plastic sheeting or drop cloths, protective gloves and eyewear, a nylon or natural-bristle brush, a scraper, and clean water.
Protect nearby floors, walls, and other surfaces before starting.
Test the paint stripper on a small, less noticeable section of brick.
Apply the paint remover according to the manufacturer's directions.
Let it sit for the recommended amount of time so the paint can soften.
Carefully scrape or brush away the loosened paint without digging into the brick.
Repeat the process on stubborn areas instead of using too much force.
Clean the brick according to the paint remover manufacturer’s instructions.
Allow the brick to dry completely and inspect it for remaining paint.
Avoid grinding, sandblasting, or pressure washing the brick too aggressively. These methods can do permanent damage to the surface of the brick.
How to Clean Exterior Brick
Cleaning exterior brick is a much tougher job than working with the brick inside your home. It's constantly exposed to rain, dirt, pollen, moisture, and changing temperatures. Learning how to clean exterior brick is mostly about finding a method strong enough to remove buildup without damaging the brick or mortar in the process.
Outside, you’re more likely to be dealing with mud, algae, moss, mineral deposits, and mildew rather than everyday dust. A garden hose, nylon scrub brush, and brick or masonry cleaners are usually good places to start.
Household cleaners can help in some situations, but they aren’t necessarily the best choice. Mild soap like Dawn can handle light dirt and grime, while baking soda might help with some smaller stains. Vinegar is acidic and can potentially damage certain bricks or mortar. So it’s generally better to use a masonry-safe cleaner for tougher jobs.
How to Clean Chimney Bricks
Chimney bricks collect quite a bit of grime because they’re exposed to both the weather and residue from the fireplace. Before you start cleaning, check for loose mortar, cracks, or damaged bricks that need to be repaired first.
Materials: A garden hose, bucket, warm water, masonry-safe cleaner, stiff nylon brush, protective gloves, and safety glasses.
Brush away loose dirt, leaves, moss, and any other debris.
Wet the bricks with clean water before applying your cleaning solution of choice.
Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer's directions,
Let the cleaner sit for the recommended amount of time, but don’t let it dry on the brick.
Scrub stained areas gently with the nylon brush.
Rinse the brick really well with clean water to remove the cleaner and grime.
Allow the chimney to dry and check for any remaining stains that still need to be treated.
How to Clean Mortar Off Bricks
If you’ve ever finished a brick project only to notice dried mortar smeared across the surface, you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, cleaning mortar off bricks isn’t a complicated process. There are a few things you need to be careful of so you don’t damage the brick along the way.
Materials: A stiff nylon brush, bucket, clean water, plastic or wooden scraper, protective gloves and eyewear, and a masonry-safe mortar remover for tougher buildup.
Remove fresh mortar as soon as possible using water and the nylon brush.
For dried mortar, carefully loosen thicker pieces with a plastic or wooden scraper. Avoid using metal tools that could scratch the brick.
Wet the brick before applying a masonry cleaning product.
Apply a mortar remover or masonry cleaner designed for your specific type of brick and follow the instructions carefully.
Gently scrub the remaining mortar stains with your nylon brush.
Rinse the brick thoroughly.
Let the brick fully dry and then decide if another treatment is necessary.
What is the Best Way to Clean Brick
The best way to clean brick isn’t necessarily to use the strongest cleaner you can find. In fact, brick generally responds better when you match the cleaning method to what you’re trying to remove. Light dirt might only need soap and water, while soot, algae, paint, or hardened mortar can require a product made specifically for that purpose.
A good rule is to start with the least aggressive option and only move to stronger methods when necessary. Brick is very durable, but its surface and mortar joints can still be damaged by harsh chemicals, wire brushes, or excessive pressure.
Can You Pressure Wash Brick?
Yes, you can pressure wash brick, but it needs to be done carefully. If the brick is older or has vulnerable areas, too much pressure can damage the face of the brick or loosen the mortar.
If the brick is in good condition, use a lower-pressure setting, keep the nozzle a safe distance from the surface, and test a small area first. You’ll want to avoid concentrated high-pressure streams and never assume that more pressure means a better clean. If the brick or mortar is cracked, crumbling, or unusually soft, gentler cleaning methods are usually the better choice.
Brick Cleaners and Chemicals to Be Careful With
When a stain is so stubborn that it just won’t budge, it’s tempting to try out the strongest cleaner you can find. Don’t fall into this trap. Avoid using straight muriatic acid when cleaning brick. If an acid-based treatment is necessary, use a cleaning product specifically formulated for masonry and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
You’ll also want to be really careful with bleach, abrasive scouring powders, oven cleaners, and other general-purpose chemicals that weren’t made specifically for masonry. If your usual cleaning method isn’t working, it's better to be safe and go with a masonry cleaner made for that particular stain than risk damaging the brick.
Keep Your Brick Looking Its Best
There’s something satisfying about seeing dirty, stained brick look clean again. And while a good cleaning can go a really long way, it can also uncover cracked mortar, damaged bricks, or other areas that could use a little more attention. Taking care of those problems early can help keep your brickwork looking great and hold up for years down the road.
If your brick could use more than a good cleaning, or you have other masonry projects on your list, contact our team at S & R Custom Masonry in Salt Lake City. Whether you’re planning a new brick masonry project or need help restoring existing masonry, our team can help you find the right solution for your home.
FAQs
What Is the Best Thing to Clean Brick With?
For general brick cleaning, warm water and mild dish soap are usually a good place to start. Tougher stains, soot, or buildup may require a cleaner specifically designed for brick or masonry.
Does Baking Soda Clean Brick?
Yes, baking soda can help clean some stains from brick. Mix it with a small amount of water to create a paste, gently scrub the stained area with a nylon brush, and rinse thoroughly. Test a small area first.
Does Vinegar Discolor Brick?
Vinegar can potentially damage or discolor some brick and mortar because of its acidity. While diluted vinegar is sometimes used for cleaning masonry, it’s generally safer to start with a mild cleaner specifically suited to your type of brick.
Does Dawn Dish Soap Clean Brick?
Yes. Dawn or another mild dish soap can work well for everyday dirt and grime on brick. Mix a small amount with warm water, gently scrub with a nylon brush, and rinse or wipe the brick with clean water afterward.
How Do You Clean Ash From Brick?
Let the fireplace cool completely, then vacuum or sweep away as much loose ash as possible. For residue left on the brick, use warm water and mild dish soap with a nylon brush or sponge. Avoid immediately getting loose ash wet, since this can create a messy paste and spread it across the brick.
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