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Efflorescence is the consequence of water soluble salts building upward over time on the porous surface of bricks. It isn't harmful to the bricks, information technology just doesn't look good. Efflorescence is easily removed if you take hold of it right abroad. Using a potent scrubbing brush, nearly of information technology will hands come off. Add water and vinegar or muriatic acid for a stronger solution. Although it is annoying, sandblasting also works to go rid of tough cases of efflorescence. However, this will also wear away the brick, so be sure to seal it with a waterproofing material afterwards you are done.

  1. 1

    Use a dry, potent castor to scrub the powder off of the brick. In mild cases, efflorescence can be removed just past brushing the dry surface. Apply stiff-bristled nylon brush or a wire brush to scrub the brick surface.[1]

    • Using a dry out castor is nigh effective if the efflorescence is only in small patches.
    • It'due south good to avoid h2o if you tin assistance it, since water is what causes efflorescence.

  2. ii

    Use water and mild detergent to scrub the surface of the brick. For outside walls, utilize a garden hose to spray the efflorescence with water.[2] For interior surfaces, use a spray bottle filled with water to moisture the surface. Then, use a stiff brush and mild dish detergent to scrub away the powder. Rinse the lather off with fresh water.[three]

    • One time the brick is dry, check to see if the efflorescence is gone. If information technology isn't, you may need to repeat this or try a stronger cleaning solution.
    • When treating an outdoor wall, make sure the temperatures will be higher up freezing all day.

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  3. three

    Spray a solution of vinegar and h2o on the brick and scrub it with a brush. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the surface and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, spray the bricks with the mixture again and use a stiff brush to scrub away the efflorescence. Scrub in small-scale, round motions before rinsing the surface with fresh water.[4]

    • Vinegar can be abrasive on old bricks. Use a unlike solution if your bricks are more than twenty years former.
    • You lot can neutralize the acidity of vinegar by mixing a solution of ii-3 tablespoons (30-45g) of baking soda with a spray bottle full of h2o. Spray the solution onto the bricks you treated with vinegar.

  4. 4

    Use a mixture of hydrochloric acid and water to go rid of tough efflorescence. A mixture of 1 part hydrochloric acid and 12 parts water is very effective at removing efflorescence. Presoak the wall with fresh water, so apply the acrid mixture using a brush. Permit the mixture soak into the brick for virtually v minutes. Then, rinse the brick surface with plain water.[five]

    • Vesture rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator when working with acid.
    • When mixing the solution, always pour acid into water, never water into acrid.

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  1. 1

    Use a sandblaster for tough cases of efflorescence. A sandblaster volition habiliment away the surface of the bricks, and so you should just apply 1 if you take already tried a gentler method of removing efflorescence. A sandblaster will remove more buildup, simply will also brand bricks more than susceptible to efflorescence later.[half dozen]

    • Avoid sandblasting brick older than 20 years. This causes more than harm than expert.

  2. 2

    Protect your optics and skin earlier using a sandblaster. Sandblasters can cause projectiles of rock, wood, or anything the motorcar hits to fly back towards you lot. Wear a face shield with a hood and embrace your peel with long sleeves and pants. Wear boots and rubber gloves to protect your easily and anxiety.[seven]

    • It's unsafe to exhale in the debris acquired by sandblasting. Make certain your face up, particularly optics, nose, and mouth, are completely covered.

  3. iii

    Protect frail greenery nearby with dropcloths. Apply duct record to secure dropcloths over anything yous don't want damaged by the potential flying brick. This can include whatsoever shrubbery, gardens, electric outlets, or lite fixtures.[viii]

    • Alternatively, use plastic sheeting to embrace annihilation you don't want damaged.

  4. iv

    Fill the blasting bucket with media and utilise the everyman pressure setting. Employ fine sandblasting media for the safest results. Set the sandblaster to the lowest pressure setting to avoid damaging the bricks.[9]

    • The lowest pressure should be strong plenty to remove efflorescence, but if information technology isn't, turn the pressure up a little bit at a time.

  5. 5

    Aim the blasting gun at the bricks from at to the lowest degree 5 inches (13 cm) away. Turn the blaster on and use it to wash away the efflorescence from a distance of at to the lowest degree five inches (13 cm). Go back and forth across the bricks using smooth, horizontal movements.[10]

    • If you don't feel comfy using a sandblaster on your ain, a contractor should be able to take care of it.

  6. half-dozen

    Seal the brick with waterproofing material to preclude efflorescence. Some sealants demand to be applied with a spray bottle, while others can be painted on with a castor or roller. Utilize a sealant specifically made to keep efflorescence off of bricks. This is especially important afterwards sandblasting, every bit the process volition wear away the protective surface of the bricks.[11]

    • Apply the sealant from the lesser of the wall, up.
    • Keep your plants, windows, and electrical appliances covered up with dropcloths while you are applying the waterproofing material.

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  • Remove efflorescence as soon as you detect it. Over time, it volition become much more than difficult to remove.[12]

  • Efflorescence doesn't crusade any damage to bricks

  • Keep water off of bricks as much as possible to prevent efflorescence.

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Things You'll Demand

  • Stiff scrubbing brush
  • Garden hose or spray bottle
  • Dish detergent
  • White vinegar
  • Muriatic acid
  • Sandblaster
  • Sandblasting media (fine)
  • Dropcloths
  • Duct tape
  • Protective clothing
  • Waterproofing sealant

References

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