How do we clean water stained exterior bricks?

Question

My daughter recently bought a home in Texas that has a red brick exterior. Unfortunately the previous owners set up the sprinkler system so it sprayed directly on the bricks in a couple of areas. As you can see in the pictures these bricks look kind of splotchy gray and ruin the nice look of the front of the house. What is the best way to clean these up? She has tried: an electric power washer with soap and water, scrubbing with steel wool after soaking bricks with Oxyclean, and also soaking with water and vinegar and then scrubbing. No luck so far!  Any other ideas?

Shari · Answer

It's probably due to 'efflorescence.' You might find this post helpful: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/drywall/brick-efflorescence-what-it-is-and-how-to-beat-it-9804221 We've used 'Wet & Forget' to remove/inhibit mold and mildew on concrete patios and the vinyl siding on our daughter's house with good success. I never thought about using it on the red exterior brick on my house but I actually kind of like the look of the white and gray patches of efflorescence. I think it gives the brick 'character.'

Janet Pizaro · Answer

This could very well be a leak within the brick, I would look to see if you see any leaks.It is not recommended to power wash the brick. Try using a scrub brush in small areas with a brick cleaner and see if that will help.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

AS Shari said it is probably efforescence. Moisture is working its way to the outside. You may have a water issue behing the brick, or have sprayed too much and the water is trapped behind.

MAB · Answer

We used a wire wheel attached to a power drill and sort of scraped off the surface.  It's not perfect but noticeably better from a distance.

Larry · Answer

Houston Brick Stain,com

Larry · Answer

We Specialize in brick color restoration visit our site houstonbrickstain.com
All the details are there !

How do we clean water stained exterior bricks?

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How do we clean water stained exterior bricks?

Brick Efflorescence: What It is and How to Beat It

Suggested Project Book