Brick houses are a popular choice for homeowners in Indian Trail, NC, thanks to their timeless beauty and durability. However, over time, brick houses become dirty and stained. Pressure washing is a great way to clean your brick house and restore its beauty.

In this blog, we will provide you with some tips for how to pressure wash your brick house in Indian Trail, NC. We will cover everything from choosing the right pressure washer to using the right cleaning solution. By following these tips, you can safely and effectively pressure wash a brick house and enjoy its beauty for years to come.

7 Tips To Pressure Wash A Brick House

1. Forget High-Pressure Washing

The most common cause for avoiding high-pressure washing is that it can damage the brick. High-pressure jets can cause the brick to crack, chip, or even break off into small pieces.

Additionally, it can damage the mortar between the bricks. As you know, the mortar holds the brick together, and if it gets damaged, the bricks can become loose and unstable.

Further, it may remove the sealant from the brick. The sealant protects the brick from water damage, and if it is removed, the brick can become more susceptible to moisture damage.

And the most important point, it can create a muddy mess. The high pressure can spray water and dirt onto the surrounding area, creating a grimy look at the entire wall and surfaces.

2. Maintain The Distance

If you pressure wash your home using a high-pressure washer from a short distance, you can damage the bricks and might injure yourself too. This is because the force of the water jet can erode the mortar between the bricks, causing them to loosen and fall out.

Moreover, the water jet can also splash back onto you, which can be dangerous if it is under high pressure. Apart from this, if the water jet penetrates the bricks, it can wet the interior of the house, which can cause mold and mildew growth.

So, try to maintain a distance of at least 12-18 inches while pressure washing your brick home. And if you are not comfortable pressure washing your brick house yourself, it is best to hire a professional.

3. Choose The Right Cleaning Solution

The choice of incorrect tools and cleaning products is one of the common reasons you should avoid DIY pressure washing. Harsh cleaning products can affect the structural integrity of your brick home.

The best cleaning solution for brick is a mild detergent made for masonry. This type of detergent will not damage the bricks or mortar and will help to remove dirt, grime, and mold effectively.

In any case, you can prefer using mild dish soap or citric acid. Such solutions are good choices to give your bricks their original appearance back.

So, it does not matter which cleaning solution you choose from either option, but first, you need to test it in an inconspicuous area to see that it does not damage your bricks.

4. Avoid Wire Brush

While pressure washing your brick home, keep the wire brush at bay. A wire brush is a harsh tool that can damage the surface of the brick. The wire bristles can scratch the brick, leaving behind small pits and grooves. Besides, this can make your brick look unsightly and more vulnerable to water damage.

In addition, the wire bristles can leave behind small pieces of metal that can rust over time. As a result, this causes unsightly stains on the brick and further damages the surface.

So, for these reasons, it is best to avoid using a wire brush when pressure washing your brick house. Instead, you can use a soft-bristled brush, sponge, or mild detergent to help loosen dirt and grime.

5. Don’t Forget To Protect The Electric Outlets

Protecting your electrical outlets prevents health hazards. Because the high-pressure water from the pressure washer can allow water to seep into the power outlet, which can lead to a fire.

Not only this, but the high-pressure water can also damage the wiring, leading to a fire or electrical shock.

Therefore, to protect your electricity outlets, you can use plastic bags, electrical tapes, or boxes to cover or seal them.

In addition, it is also important to turn off the power before you start pressure washing, as this will help to prevent any electrical shock hazards.

6. Don’t Use Muriatic Acid

Muriatic acid is a dangerous chemical that can damage your bricks and mortar. Muriatic acid is a strong hydrochloric acid that can etch the surface of the bricks. Besides, it also dissolves the top layer of the mortar, which holds the bricks together.

More than this, such an acid can be harmful to your health. It can irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

But, to your relief, there are other options available. You can use a commercial brick cleaner or a mixed solution of water and baking soda. These cleaners are less harmful to your bricks and mortar.

7. Seal The Brick

Simply pressure washing your brick home doesn’t mean it’s over. It is necessary to seal the brick because the pressure washing process can remove the sealants from the brick, leaving it more porous and susceptible to damage from water, sun, and other environmental factors.

A brick sealant creates a barrier that protects it from water and other elements. Ultimately, this prevents the brick from staining, fading, and cracking. Besides, it improves the appearance and prolongs the life of the brick.