Embarking on DIY cleaning projects can be tasking, especially when performing complex procedures. Now not everyone will have the same opinion about specific cleaning tasks.
In other words, while some may view them as simple, it might be difficult for others.
Here is what brick cleaning cost.
Vinegar and Muriatic Acid Brick Cleaning
Brick cleaning using specific methods isn’t typical. This is especially true when considering strategies that involve the use of products like vinegar and muriatic acid.
Do these cleaning methods work, and are they safe for homeowners to try out? Our guess is you’re currently reading this article to find answers.
We’ve included all the essential answers you need.
Masonry surface cleaning isn’t new, but the methods used might vary. You only need to read through for details on how to get the results you see.
Similarities between Vinegar and Muriatic Acid
Vinegar is a standard product in most households and used for various purposes.
While vinegar may easily sound familiar to most readers, muriatic acid may sound confusing. However, it’s simply an old-fashioned name for hydrochloric acid.
With that confusion out of the way, what’s the similarity between these two products (vinegar & muriatic acid)?
The most basic answer will be that both are acids. While vinegar is a weak form of acetic acid, muriatic acid, on the other hand, is a diluted form of hydrochloric acid.
In a nutshell, you can say that our goal is to find out how bricks or masonry surfaces are cleaned using either product. Because both of these are acidic products, you’ll need to follow basic safety procedures with their use to prevent skin irritation, among other things.
To have a better-structured discussion on the subject, we’ll need first to discuss how to clean bricks with vinegar, followed by how to clean the same with muriatic acid.
Cleaning Bricks with Vinegar
Over time, brick walls accumulate a lot of dirt due to the action of weather and other environmental factors. This may lead to mold, stains, and dirt buildup.
One cleaning product that has proven helpful in getting rid of such dirt buildup is vinegar. While that is true, you need to understand exactly how the cleaning procedure is performed.
To start with, you need to make your vinegar cleaning solution. You need water, distilled vinegar, dishwashing liquid, lemon juice, a sponge or rag, and a brush.
With these supplies, start by mixing about half a gallon of water with 2 cups of distilled vinegar.
Next, add about 45 drops of liquid dishwashing soap to the solution. You’ll also need the same amount (45 drops) of lemon juice added.
Mix thoroughly, and voila! Your vinegar cleaning solution is ready for use. You may also want to add some salt and baking soda for enhanced results.
-
Evenly Spray Vinegar Solution on Brick Wall
Your solution is now ready to be applied. There are different ways to get the job done.
One of the standard methods involves emptying the contents into a spray bottle and spraying around target surfaces. The other option involves using a sponge or rag for application.
Whichever you use, ensure that this is done correctly. Now the results might not be immediately noticeable. You’ll need to scrub the brick wall to begin to see any changes.
Scrubbing isn’t done immediately but requires some time to make the solution fully act on the dirt.
-
Allow to Sit for an Hour before Scrubbing
Spraying the vinegar solution on the brick wall, wait for about an hour. You might ask if the solution won’t get dried before it’s time to scrub.
Either way, it gives you the desired result after scrubbing the surface with your brush. Most brick surfaces should be cleaned using this technique.
Cleaning Bricks with Muriatic Acid
When it comes to muriatic acid, the same cleaning effect is obtained when used on brick walls.
While this product will likely give you results, it’s advisable to only use muriatic acid as a last resort to cleaning your walls.
The reason is apparent; it’s a dangerous chemical that can be reactive or damaging when not correctly used.
-
Safety Concerns
Before using muriatic acid for your brick wall cleaning, the question of safety needs to be correctly understood. Your best bet of using this product without a problem involves wearing protective gear.
Such protective gear helps prevent splashes, skin contact, and inhalation.
So, you’ll have to dress appropriately. Appropriate dressing includes safety gear like acid-resistant gloves, respirator with acid-grade filter, and vinyl-coated coveralls.
Rubber boots will also be a great addition. Proper ventilation of the cleaning area is needed.
What more? Having a neutralizing agent nearby will also serve to enhance your safety. It’s important to avoid indoor use of muriatic acid for brick wall cleaning.
If you have no experience handling muriatic acid, we recommend you avoid it altogether.
The other option is to have someone mix or dilute the product for use. If this seems like too much work to you, it probably is. Seek other safer cleaning agents.
The vinegar option will be more suitable and safer than this. The rule of thumb with acid use is always to add acid to water and not water to acid.
Making your Choice
The different cleaning agents and their effects have been discussed above.
You can decide which to use for your cleaning needs as a reader. More than anything else, your safety counts and should be primary. In making a choice, you’ll need to be influenced more by how safe a product is.
A clear winner in terms of safety and results is vinegar.
With this, you’ll be able to get rid of dirt buildup on your walls. If both options sound uninteresting, you might want to call for professional cleaning of your walls.
This tends to be the safest alternative and devoid of stress.
These acidic products (vinegar and muriatic acid) discussed above can be used for brick cleaning. However, it is essential to know how to use them and compare the risks posed by each.