Exposed interior brick walls are stunning, aren’t they? That rustic charm, the cozy warmth – it’s no wonder so many of us fall head over heels for a good brick accent wall. But here’s the thing: those bricks aren’t going to keep looking their best without a little TLC from you.
Dust, dirt, soot – it all builds up over time, turning your once-gorgeous brick into a dull, dingy mess. No worries though! With this ultimate guide, you’ll be armed and ready to tackle the grime and restore your brick’s natural beauty. Let’s get started!
Understanding Your Brick
First off, get to know your brick. Is it old or new? Glazed or unglazed? Historic bricks can be more delicate, so you’ll want to handle them with extra care. And if your brick is damaged or crumbling, it’s best to call in a pro rather than risk making things worse.
Preparing to Clean
Before you bust out the elbow grease, round up your cleaning arsenal:
- Drop cloths or old towels to protect your floor
- Vacuum with a brush attachment for dusting
- Microfiber cloths for wiping
- Nylon bristle scrub brush (skip the wire brush – it’s too harsh)
- Buckets and spray bottles for your cleaning solutions
- Gentle cleansers like dish soap, vinegar, or baking soda
Got it all? Great! Now clear the area around your brick wall. Move furniture, take down wall decor, and lay those drop cloths down. You’re almost ready to roll.
The Patch Test
Before you clean the whole wall, spot test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous section. You want to make sure it won’t discolor or damage the brick. Mix a few drops of dish soap into warm water, dip your cloth, and give that test patch a scrub. No weird reactions? You’re good to go!
Cleaning Methods
Time to get down to business. Start with the gentlest method and work your way up if needed.
Dust Busting
Brick is porous, so it loves to collect dust. Break out your vacuum’s brush attachment and give the wall a once-over. Get into all those nooks and crannies. No vacuum? A microfiber cloth works too.
Wet Cleaning
For light grime, plain warm water and a microfiber cloth is often all you need. Just dampen the cloth (not too soggy!) and wipe-wipe-wipe.
Got stubborn dirt? Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Dip your nylon bristle brush, then scrub the bricks using gentle circular motions. Really get into those grout lines where gunk likes to hide. Wipe the loosened dirt away with a clean, damp cloth.
For extra grimy bricks, you can kick things up a notch. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution onto the brick, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and wipe clean.
Tough stains might need a baking soda boost. Make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, wait 10 minutes, then scrub-a-dub-dub.
Finishing Touches
You’re in the home stretch! Just a few more steps and you’ll be brick-tastic.
Rinse the wall with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover suds or grime. Then wipe it dry with a towel to avoid moisture damage. Step back and admire your handiwork – but you’re not done just yet!
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Seal the Deal
Now that your brick is squeaky clean, it’s time to lock in those results. Applying a breathable brick sealer will protect your wall from future grime and make cleanup a breeze next time around. Read the label carefully and follow the directions to a T.
Keeping It Clean
You did it! Your interior brick looks AH-mazing. To keep it that way, add these simple tasks to your cleaning routine:
- Dust the brick weekly with a microfiber cloth or vacuum brush attachment
- Wipe up splatters and spills ASAP
- Deep clean the brick once a year following these same steps
With a little regular love, your interior brick walls will keep on shining and showcasing your one-of-a-kind style. Happy cleaning, brick buffs!
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