How to remove dried concrete dust from brick ?

Question

I had to repair an outside faucet and removing 5 bricks was required. When I replaced the bricks, the new mortar dried leaving a powdery stain on the bricks. I fluhed the bricks with water and used a scrub brush but the stain came back when it dried. Muric Acid was suggested to clean this stain and I'm curious as to how this works. Does the Muric Acid attack the dried concrete dust more than the bricks ? I've used Muric Acid on driveways but I've never used it on bricks.

Answer 1

Muriatic Acid works wonders to clean mortar off of bricks. Cement, the main ingredient in mortar, is alkaline. Bricks are made of clay, so they are closer to neutral pH. If you add an acid, the mortar will react to the acid and come right off, just flush it with water when you are finished brushing the acid on.

Safety note: wear safety glasses, the acid can cook your corneas within seconds. Wear gloves, the acid does not feel good on your skin. And, keep a bucket of baking soda and water nearby to neutralize any acid you spill on yourself.

Answer 2

hire a stable high quality tension washer and purchase a stable detergent, those are oftentimes available on the hire centre. 1st provide the patio a broom down first, 2nd provide a sparkling water blast with the tension washer third prepare the detergent (there ought to be a tank for this on the washer) 4th provide an somewhat final sparkling water rinse. this ought to do the trick and flow away your patio looking as stable as new. stable success.

Answer 3

nathaneal is 100% correct, follow his instructions and you will do fine.