How Do You Clean New Brickwork?

Cleaning new brickwork involves removing mortar residue, efflorescence, and other construction debris. Here's a step-by-step guide to effectively cleaning new brickwork:

1. Remove Large Particles: Start by manually removing any large chunks of mortar or debris with a trowel or brush. Be careful not to scratch or damage the brick surface.

2. Protect Surrounding Areas: Cover nearby surfaces like windows, doors, and landscaping with plastic sheeting to protect them from the cleaning solution and water runoff.

3. Saturate the Wall: Thoroughly wet the brickwork with clean water. This helps prevent the cleaning solution from being absorbed too quickly and potentially damaging the brick.

4. Apply Cleaning Solution: Choose an appropriate brick cleaning solution designed for new brickwork. These are typically mild acidic solutions specifically formulated to remove mortar and efflorescence. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

   • Important Note: Never use harsh acids like muriatic acid unless specifically recommended by a brickwork professional. They can damage the brick and mortar.

   • Apply the solution using a brush or low-pressure sprayer, working from the bottom up to avoid streaking. Allow the solution to dwell for the recommended time, but do not let it dry on the brick.

5. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the brickwork thoroughly with clean, fresh water. Use a low-pressure sprayer or hose to ensure all traces of the cleaning solution are removed. Again, work from the top down to prevent streaking.

Detailed Steps & Considerations:

Step	Description	Tools/Materials	Important Notes
1. Initial Removal	Remove loose mortar droppings and any visible debris.	Trowel, stiff brush, gloves, safety glasses	Avoid excessive force to prevent damaging the brick.
2. Protection	Protect surrounding areas, including windows, doors, painted surfaces, and plants, from the cleaning solution.	Plastic sheeting, painter's tape	Thorough protection is crucial to prevent etching or staining.
3. Pre-wetting	Saturate the brickwork with clean water before applying the cleaning solution. This helps to dilute the solution slightly and prevent it from being absorbed too quickly, which can lead to damage.	Garden hose with spray nozzle	Ensure the brick is evenly saturated.
4. Cleaning	Apply the appropriate brick cleaning solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. Start from the bottom and work your way up to prevent streaking. Allow the solution to dwell for the recommended time (usually a few minutes).	Brick cleaning solution (specifically for new brick), low-pressure sprayer or brush, gloves, safety glasses	ALWAYS test the solution on an inconspicuous area first. Choose a cleaner designed for the type of brick you have. Over-application or excessive dwell time can damage the brick.
5. Rinsing	Rinse the brickwork thoroughly with clean, fresh water to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. Start from the top and work your way down.	Garden hose with spray nozzle	Multiple rinses may be necessary to ensure complete removal of the cleaning solution. Look for any remaining residue or discoloration.

Safety Precautions:

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator if necessary, when working with cleaning solutions.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Dispose of used cleaning solution properly according to local regulations.
• If you are unsure about any aspect of the cleaning process, consult a professional brickwork cleaner.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean new brickwork and restore its natural beauty.