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The Safe Way to Pressure Wash Your Brick House

pressure washing brick house

Bricks could be resistant to weather conditions to a certain level, but water and storms can still cause damage in the long run. Soot, dirt, mold, and mildew easily accumulate which can make your only blue-sky wall look weather-beaten. Apart from the aesthetics, there is an economic benefit if you keep your brick exterior clean. The extra protection offered will enable the building materials to last much longer. A good cleaning pressure washer removes harmful buildup that can weaken the mortar and compromise the integrity of your brickwork.

In this guide, we will take you through each step for pressure washing brick houses starting with equipment preparation to finally reach that outstanding clean surface without endangering your safety and your beloved brick house.

Step I: Preparing for Perfection

A little bit of planning ahead can ensure a smooth and successful clean. So, before you start working, think of a few preparations and follow them. Here’s what you need to pressure washing brick house ready:

Patch Up the Cracks: Stop water from seeping behind the bricks by sealing the cracks with mortar at least a week before pressure washing.

Protect Your Material: To avoid collateral damage, cover nearby plants, furniture, or other items with plastic sheeting to shield them from overspray.

Seal the Items: Cover the windows, doors, and electrical outlets with waterproof tape and plastic sheeting. 

Soak Your Bricks: Before real cleaning starts, get the brick well soaked by watering with a usual garden hose. 

Step II: Application of Detergent

When everything is prepared, pick your detergent wisely. look for the cleaners specifically formulated for brick house cleaning. These cleaners are soft on the surface while effectively removing dirt and rime. Once you finalized the detergent, follow the following steps: 

  • To pressure washing brick house, use a detergent specifically made for brick surfaces.
  • Apply the solution all over the surface, using a low pressure sprayer.
  • Once you apply the detergent, leave it on the surface for a few minutes, usually 5-10 minutes.
  • Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step III: Brushing Tough Stains

Even the most dedicated pre-cleaning might leave a few stubborn stains behind. Fear not, brushing your stains helps you achieve the desired results. 

Choosing Your Brush Wisely

Opt for a brush with soft nylon bristles. The stiff bristles or for instance the metal brushes spoil the surface of your brick by scratching it. Rotary electric brushes can be an amazing efficient tool for cleaning big areas with hard-to-remove dirt. 

Gentle Scrubbing

Utilize a small amount of the brick cleaning detergent and show it directly to the stain. Scrub it out with the rotary brush attachment or hand brush in a rotation motion. The cleaning solution performs most of the work, leaving your surface clean effortlessly. Choose the smaller areas first as it helps you to keep dirt from spreading further and gives you a great job done.

Step IV: Rinsing the Surface

After all of the cleaning, now is the time to wash away and witness the cleanliness. When pressure washing brick home, use a wide nozzle to distribute water evenly. Here’s how you can rinse the surface:

  • Rinse the brick surface by using a wide fan spray nozzle on your pressure washer. 
  • Begin rinsing From the top and finish at the bottom so that there is no detergent residue left.
  • Make sure you give a good rinse to your brick house. 

Step V: Sealing to Shield 

Once you are done with the pressure wash  brick house, having a complete seal is crucial for achieving long-lasting cleaning results. 

Defense Against the Elements: Sealant works as a shield, defending against water, grime and molds. This prevents future staining and allows professional cleanings to be further apart in time.

Enhanced Longevity: A good sealant will be able to extend the life of your brickwork by shielding it from harsh weather conditions and UV rays.

Beauty that Lasts: Sealer protects the natural color and texture of your brick, so it looks beautiful for an extended period of time.

Conclusion

From pre-washing prep to the finishing touches, pressure washing brick house requires a lot of focus.  It takes time and concentration. You need to fill the cracks with the appropriate sealing compound, select the correct detergent while scrubbing it correctly, and finally rinse thoroughly is equally important throughout the process. 

Many people pressure wash brick house exteriors annually for optimal curb appeal. For the people who want to have more, the best thing to do is apply a sealant for long-lasting protection and add great looks to their homes.

Give your brick house a perfect pressure wash with Pressure King in Simpsonville, KY. Visit our pressure washer store or contact us now for further details. 

FAQs For Pressure Washing Brick House

Why are pressure washers required for brick house cleaning?

While scrubbing by hand can remove loose dirt, a pressure washer is much more effective for tackling deeper grime, mold, mildew, and stubborn stains. 

What PSI setting should I use on my pressure washer?

For brick cleaning, a low-pressure setting is key. Generally, you don’t want to exceed 1,000 PSI, and ideally, stay below 800 PSI.

What type of nozzle should I use on the pressure washer?

A fan nozzle is the best choice for brick cleaning. It provides a wider spray pattern that helps distribute the water pressure evenly and reduces the risk of damaging the brick surface. 

How to pressure wash a brick house?

When pressure washing a brick house ensure that you use the low pressure (1,500-2,000 PSI), use a brick-safe detergent and ensure that you do not spray directly on the mortar.

How to clean brick house without a pressure washer?

Prepare a solution with some water, a small portion of washing detergent, vinegar or bleach added to the mixture. Clean the brick surface with a stiff bristle brush, and wash down with a hose, then allow the brick to air dry.

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