What is the best and safest way to clean an old brick wall that is inside the house.?

Question

The bricks are very old, It is a old hose where a kitchen stove has been taken out and we are going to redo stove. Would like to clean the bricks up so looks good.

Answer 1

Soapy water and a stiff brush. Adding bleach may lighten them up.

Answer 2

There is probably many layers of grime (posibly smoke) on this wall. I would start with a sponge, warm water, and dish detergent. If you are not satisfied with the look of the brick wall after the first clearning, you might try cleaning with a soft brush and more warm water and dish detergent. If the result is still not satisfactory to you, try a harder bristle brush; keeping in mind that as brick ages, the molecules also deteriorate. You don't want to "scrub away" the brick particles or the mortar.

A professional brick cleaner may be expensive; but, if you want to maintain the integrity of the old wall, you may want to consult one. If the house is a candidate for the National Historic Registry, this expense may be well-worth your money.

Answer 3

I clean above my kitchen stove, which is real brick, using a hand held steamer unit purchased at Walmart for about $20. The solution that i use is a mix of water and lestoil in qite a strong solution. Then i simply take a clean lintless rag and rise with clear water. Then I seal with a spray can of silicone sealer that I also purchase at Walmart.

Washing with a high pressure washer will destroy brick surfaces and it will leave the surface subject to more grease absorption. So will sandbalsting. Brick manufacturers recommend that you NEVER high pressure wash your house bricks, it ruins them and competely destroys the natural moisture barrier on them.

Answer 4

it may be possible to rent a small sandblaster pot at your local tool rental store. this method works best if you want the bricks to look clean and new. to do this inside the house, simply buy a few two by four studs and some heavy clear biscane plastic and some duct tape, then build a dust tent around the brick wall. use a silica based abrasive beed to get the job done fast and clean. if the tent is built good and tight, clean-up will be as easy as the task of blasting the brick wall. this can be done in a single afternoon. ask the man at the tool rental store to tell you more about this.

Answer 5

Hi Bargemab,

Mix half bleach & half water in a spray bottle & wet well.

You will be amazed. We clean fireplaces & people are always amazed at our "miracle".

Norm

Answer 6

clean with water ,cloth and some soap

Answer 7

the only thing I can guess is a steam cleaner or pressure wash.