Brick Cleaning

[Artistram3d1]

I love this! Would I be able to use the same thing on my interior brick fireplace? Thanks!

[AsktheBuilder]

@Artistram3d1 Absolutely yes. Go to my StainSolver website. the Dot Com one.

[jgehbdiy]

I need to clean the exterior walls on an old (built in the 50's) 2 story colonial that is all brick. The brick is original. How would you recommend cleaning the brick walls on this house? Apply Chlorine bleach, let it work, then use a power washer to rinse? Also, a contractor recently painted the trim (white) on the windows ... for whatever reason, some of that paint has "bled" down on the brick wall beneath most of the windows ... how can I get that paint off? I NEED A RESPONSE ASAP!

[AsktheBuilder]

@jgehbdiy If you need a response right away from now on, be sure to go to my Shop at my AsktheBuilder website, the dot com one. Look there for the Consult Tim link. You'll see that you can talk to me on the phone for 15 minutes about stuff like this. A simple conversation could easily save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

[veryslyfox]

It's a lot of work but it's safer for brick patios. I used a gas-powered pressure washer on my patio and it chipped some of the mortar and brick pavers.

[AsktheBuilder]

@veryslyfox That's possible indeed. It's why you have to test it first. The patio may have been constructed with the wrong brick. Years ago I wrote a column at my AsktheBuilder website, the dot com one, that goes into great detail about different grades of brick. Not all brick have the same hardness - not by a long shot. But, there are brick that are so hard they would never be damaged by a regular pressure washer.

[grahamlong]

Hi there nice video,

Could this method be used to clean a brick wall? The one surrounding my garden is looking a little worse for wear with green staining growing all over it.

Many Thanks!

[AsktheBuilder]

@grahamlong Yes, and the Stain Solver oxygen bleach is NOT toxic to any plants. Go to the StainSolver website.

[grahamlong]

@AsktheBuilder

WOW! Now that was a quick reply thanks!

I'm from the UK so doubt I can get this product but I use similar for cleaning kegs ect when brewing beer. I'll try it on the wall. Thanks Again good Sir.

[AsktheBuilder]

@grahamlong Soon it will be in the UK. Go to the StainSolver website and sign up for that free newsletter. When we have UK distribution, it will be announced there.

[mic363]

looks like a lot of hard work to me, i would sooner use my pressure washer

[ribs389]

I ordered 4lbs of StainSolver last night if I end up putting marble tile I still have to clean the bricks anywayso I have nothing to lose,thank you

[AsktheBuilder]

@ribs389 Thanks! Be sure to call us if you're having an issue.

[ribs389]

Will this work on brick fireplace abt 40-50 years old?Seems like it would.

[AsktheBuilder]

@ribs389 It should. Fireplace grime is harder to remove as it can be tar and oils from the wood. You've got nothing to loose. Go to the StainSolver website to get the best oxygen bleach.

[khanr]

I use brick acid this work on brick wall

[owentimo]

Where can I buy OXYGEN BLEACH? BTW, thanks for the video...

[AsktheBuilder]

@owentimo You can go to oxygenbleach website.

[internodal]

I have some really nasty mud stains on the foundation walls of my new house. Those stains were created just before I got the gutters installed. Rain would drip off the roof edge and land in muddy water puddles, splashing the mud about 2 feet high on the nicely finished cement, all around the house. I was never able to get rid of those ugly stains, even with a pressure washer and chlorine bleach. Could I use Oxygen Bleach to clean those stains off? Thank you!

[AsktheBuilder]

@internodal I would use a pressure washer for this. My Stain Solver would be far too much work.

[AsktheBuilder]

@internodal It's really best to just get those mud stains off with a pressure washer.

[internodal]

@AsktheBuilder Thank you sir! I will try some more cleaning with the pressure washer.

[DolittleMccoy]

I have an older red brick home and around the bottom is weathered with black mildew and mold. I've tried scrubbing it with soap and water.... Will the oxy bleach remove it? I figured i would ask since the mold is on a wall instead of a walkway... since i can't let the liquid stand and it just runs down the wall,, Would it still bubble and do the trick?

[AsktheBuilder]

Absolutely yes. You apply the solution and clean just as I describe at my web site in a column titled: House Cleaning. Go to my AsktheBuilder web site and type those two words in my search engine. Within the column, you'll see links to the actual product. Look for the phrase oxygen bleach in the column. Click it to get to where you can purchase the most powerful brand made and sold in the USA.

[bacabu30]

Is oxygen bleach the same as that stain-remover powder stuff you can use for clothes?

I have one here in Ireland called W5 Multi-purpose stain remover and the chemical it contains is sodium percarbonate. Is this ok to use?

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes. That's the stuff.

[kolson100]

I just had a very large (1200 sq foot) clay brick patio installed last week and I'm concerned about the finished appearance. There is a cloudy quality to many areas of the surface. How do I restore the original appearance of the fired red clay bricks. They are brand new! Thanks in advacne for any suggestions you can offer.

[AsktheBuilder]

Go read my efflorescence columns at my website

[kolson100]

Thank you, Tim. I have read you articles; you have an amazing website. Thanks for helping others like me. My wife and I saved for years to finish the patio and we wanted a good quality brick. If I sent you a picture, would you be able to tell me if it is efflorescence and suggest a course of treatment? i.e. wait, treat with solution, change sprinkler configuration so they don't spray up on the patio. I feel pretty foolish for not knowing enough in advance of this costly project. Thank you. Kirk

[AsktheBuilder]

Go to the Store at my website. You'll see a Consult category. Consider a 15-Minute consult. This comment area is not the place to solve your problem.

[5150hs]

I have a free standing brick fireplace in my house. From watching this great video of yours and a prior question by "superpole1", am I to understand that you are suggesting that I use mineral spirits over oxygen bleach to clean the bricks? Thank you.

[AsktheBuilder]

Correct. You're trying to remove the tars and soot. Do a small area first - say 2 inches by 2 inches as a test.

[5150hs]

Thanks Tim.

[5150hs]

P.S., I'm going to try your "Stain Solver" just the same. Sounds like a useful product.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks. It's a great product. Many uses around the home.

[draper73]

I've been looking for a good oxygen bleach and looked at your stainsolver bleach but i would like to purchase it locally here in idaho if possible... are there any chemical outlets in the boise area that may carry it?

[AsktheBuilder]

Sorry. No distributors anywhere. You have to purchase it direct from me.

[superpole1]

what about cleaning the soot off indoor fireplace bricks? I have been having a time finding an easy solution.

[AsktheBuilder]

Try a little mineral spirits. Remember, that's flammable! Be careful and burn the rag after you're finished.

[bybybyby123456789]

cool could you use that to clean brick waal??

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes you can.

[bybybyby123456789]

cool thx

[dacawone]

As a pressure washer for 10 years. There is no substitute for regular chlorine bleach. none. Tried 'em all.

[AsktheBuilder]

It's powerful indeed. So powerful it will systemically kill trees, grass, expensive landscape, etc. over time as each cleaning you do with the chlorine weakens the plants. You better hope your customers don't connect your channel here with you and see this comment thread.

[GTAassistant]

How would you clean, or what would you use to clean vinyl siding?

[AsktheBuilder]

Regular liquid dishwashing soap and water gets off 90 percent of most dirt. Rinse well. Sometimes to get off mold and algae, you need to use an oxygen-bleach solution.

[GTAassistant]

Ok, thanks! I will have to use your oxygen solution suggestion. Thank you!

[mesheme84]

Wow! This video is very informative! I loved it! My problem is that I have brick on the outside of my house (no siding just brick) and it looks so nasty. Is there a way I can use this or a similar technique to wash my vertical brick?

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes, the technique will work. It is much harder to do to vertical surfaces.

[rseiberos2002]

I have man made stone on the outside of my house. Some area have some of the green ugly meldew. I was told that normal clorox would ruin my color. Do you think the Oxygen bleach would be a safe way to remove it? Thanks

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes, the Oxygen Bleach will do a superb job. It is totally safe and will not harm the vegetation near your home. You can get oxygen bleach at my website. Just go to my store.

[horaceandhilda]

wow, what a great video. i have the remnants of vines that grew into my brick at the front of my house. i tried to scrub some off but there are plant tenticles still attached into the brick. how do i remove this without doing permanent damage to the brick? also, is there a way to get paint off brick as well, same outside wall. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR RESPONSE!

[AsktheBuilder]

Every now and then wet the little vine remnants. They will eventually rot and be easy to remove. Paint is more problematic. There are chemical strippers or you might blast it off with walnut shells.

[ionxi]

Can oxygen bleach be used on shower tiles?

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes. It takes longer to work.

[daleeram]

Can you use this method on a brick wall? If so, how do you let it soak before scrubbing? Also, I have a stucco mailbox with color in the concrete. Is it possible to remove efflorescence from it?

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes, you can clean vertical walls. You apply the solution with a pump sprayer. Soak the wall for a good 15 minutes. You do not remove efflorescence that way. Go to my website to discover how to deal with this white powder.

[daleeram]

I did visit your website and found some very useful information. Thanks.

[MichiganPowerWashing]

YEAH ...how many hours and elbo grease will take to clean this size brick patio ? It's up to homeowner - pay $200-$400 for PW pro or spend one whole day doing this . Well .." Askthebuilder " Power washing is not only about high water pressure but also about using right chemicals for the job ...like you did. So claim that power washing is not good is just not truth if you hire right professional.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for your comment. But you have a dog in this fight so your comment rings a little hollow. The complicating factor is that not all *pros* are professional. Add to that the fact that some eco-minded folks want an alternative method that does not pollute. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

[shwantz2]

I tried this on a field stone retaining wall. Wow! Hasnt looked that good in 20 years. Colors really stand out now, very nice. Thanks Tim!

[AsktheBuilder]

shwantz2 - Yes, oxygen bleach really cleans outside dirt from all sorts of surfaces. The best part is it is non-toxic. It will not hurt plants, trees or grass.

[slimjim1984Germany]

mhmm... a commercial... :-(

[AsktheBuilder]

I have to disagree. I don't push a particular brand of oxygen bleach, I just mention the term. If what you say is true, then I can't make *any* product videos. If I say, "Asphalt shingles keep your house dry...", then you will probably claim I am doing a commercial for shingle industry. :-/

[holman26]

DOS IT SMELL LIKE HOUSEHOLD BLEACH

[AsktheBuilder]

Oxygen bleach has no odor.

[AsktheBuilder]

Dear wbradd3797,

That oxygen bleach will clean anything that can be washed with water. If you want the most-powerful stuff, you have to buy it online. Just search for "oxygen bleach".

[wbradd3797]

Will this work on a fire place too?

Can I get that oxygen bleach at HD?