We bought a 60 years old house with 2 brick fireplace surround, and we also
have hardwood floor and crawl space. The brick wall is very dirty and I
cannot spray or wash using water, as it will cause damage to the hardwood
floor, as well as keep moisture in the subfloor/crawl space etc. Can you
please advice if there is a green cleaning agent that I can use to clean up
the brick wall around the fire place? Thank you very much for your help in
advance.
Brick Cleaning Video
VIDEO SUMMARY
Pressure washers are not necessarily the best method. A pressure washer can erode the mortar between the bricks or remove the cement paste off concrete. A better method of patio cleaning is with the use of oxygen bleach. Do not use chlorine bleach that is toxic to the environment. Oxygen bleach is safe to use and it removes the mildew and algae built up on the brick.
Mix the oxygen bleach with warm water and let it dissolve completely in the water. Then just pour the cleaning solution on the patio and let the bubbles work. After a short wait, use a street broom or scrub brush to work the liquid into the brick. Then, rinse with a garden hose.
The results will be great. You will have a clean patio to enjoy this season.
| Message
from Tim: Years ago while researching a column about cleaning decks, I discovered the wonders of Oxygen Bleach. It is perhaps the 'greenest' cleaner I know of as it uses oxygen ions to break apart stains, dirt and odor molecules. There are no harsh chemicals, and it works on just about anything that is water washable. I decided to create my own special blend using ingredients made in the USA. In fact, the raw materials in the active ingredient are food-grade quality registered with the FDA. I call my product Stain Solver. I urge you to use it to help with cleaning your brick patio. You will be amazed at the results! |
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COMMENTS
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Mlai 05 Jan 2009, 13:23
ace 16 Apr 2010, 03:01
I have regrouted about 1,500 square feet of outdoor patio clay brick mortar
joints. I want to agressively grind off not only the thin coating of hard
dry mortar but also the very top surface of the brick to reveal a new brick
appearance. What kind of belt sander, flexible angle-grinder disk or
rotating floor polisher pad will cut the surface clean?
Linda 21 May 2010, 01:03
What do you mean by "oxygen bleach" do you mean for example a brand like
"Oxyclean"? They have an Oxyclean product for laundry and a separate one
for decks.
Roger 21 May 2010, 07:15
Linda,
Oxygen bleach is not a brand name. It is an alternative bleach that uses oxygen ions, instead of chlorine, to clean. It is safer to use. There are many brands of oxygen bleach available. Tim makes and sells his own under the brand name of Stain Solver. View all comments |
