Top 5 Ways to Clean Brick: The Ultimate Cleaning Guide

Does your beautiful brick fireplace or patio look dull and dirty? Brick adds a classic, rustic charm to any home, but it is also a magnet for dust, soot, and stubborn moss. Over time, that once-vibrant surface can start to look tired and neglected, leaving your space feeling less than inviting.

Cleaning brick can feel like a daunting chore because the surface is so porous. If you use the wrong tools or harsh chemicals, you might accidentally scratch the texture or stain the material permanently. Many homeowners waste hours scrubbing with ineffective soap, only to see the grime remain exactly where it started. It is easy to feel frustrated when you want a clean home but do not know which method is safe and effective.

You do not have to guess anymore. In this guide, we break down the best ways to restore your brick without causing any damage. We will walk you through simple techniques using common household supplies and professional tips that actually work. Whether you are tackling an indoor hearth or a weathered outdoor wall, you will learn how to get the job done quickly and safely.

Are you ready to make your brick look brand new again? Let’s explore the most reliable methods to clean, brighten, and protect your home’s brick surfaces starting right now.

Top Way To Clean Brick Recommendations

No. 1
Akona Concrete/Masonry Restoration Cleaner - Clean & Restore Concrete, Masonry, Brick, Pavers, & More, Removes Efflorescence, Indoor or Outdoor, Multipurpose (1 Gallon, 1)
  • STRONG REMOVAL: Dissolve and remove efflorescence (white mineral deposits) and rust stains
  • VERSATILE: Cleans pavers, brick, concrete, masonry, & more
  • SAFE & SIMPLE: Ready to use, no harmful acids
  • PREPARES SURFACES: Great for use before applying concrete sealers
  • CONVENIENT SIZE: Generous 1‑gallon container provides ample coverage for multiple cleaning tasks, perfect for homeowners, contractors, and DIY projects.
No. 2
Pick Up Bricks Toy Cleanup Vacuum for Kids, Works w/Lego Bricks, LOL Doll Acc. & More, Boys and Girls Ages 4-9
  • Patented design keeps toys cleaner by separating plastic bricks from dust, crumbs & pet hair — no more grimy pieces to play with
  • Kids love using it — designed to be safe and simple for kids ages 4+, turning cleanup into playtime so they actually want to help
  • Cordless & rechargeable — easy for kids to maneuver without wires or fuss
  • Removable & cleanable collection baskets — empty toy bricks and debris quickly without making a mess
  • Perfect gift for birthdays, holidays & LEGO lovers — makes cleanup a treat, not a chore
No. 3
CleanStone Expanded Glass Brick Made to Clean & Remove Hardwater Staining, Limescale, Rust from Granite, Tile, Grout & Concrete
  • EASY TO USE: Simply scrub your surface with the CleanStone expanded glass block. No need to wet or prep the surface.
  • VERASTILE: Works well on granite, tile, grout and concrete to remove hardwater staining, rust and limescale.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: CleanStone block measures 3" x 3" x 2" and weighs 3.5oz.
  • RECOMMENDED: Use with Endurance Hardwater Stain Remover solution for maximum effectiveness!
No. 4
3M Grill-Brick Grill Cleaner GB12, 12 Pack of 3.5 in x 4 in x 8 in Grill Bricks, Heavy Duty, Cleans Away Carbonized Grease and Oil, Flat Top Griddle Cleaning, Commerical Kitchen
  • Use on Hot or Cool Griddle
  • Best for End of Day Cleaning
  • Reusable for Several Cleanings
  • Clean Away Carbonized Grease and Oil Efficiently and Easily
  • Specially Compounded to Disintegrate During use to Expose an Unused Surface
No. 5
Classic Coatings | Eco Concrete Cleaner Concentrate | Indoor/Outdoor | Environmentally Safe, Non-Toxic, Easy to Use | Cleans Concrete, Driveways, Garage Floors, Stone, Bricks & More
  • Eco-Friendly Formula: Our concrete cleaner is safe for plants, making it perfect for eco-conscious users. Our non-toxic, water-based formula is gentle on the environment but tough on grease, oil, efflorescence, haze, and more!
  • Versatile Use: Whether you need a concrete cleaner indoor or outdoor, this solution handles driveways, garage floors, and stone surfaces with ease, ensuring a surface free of foreign material that is ready for stains or sealers
  • Effortless Cleaning: Our concrete cleaner is safe for plants and requires minimal effort. Simply apply, let it work its magic, and rinse—no scrubbing needed for a thoroughly refreshed surface.
  • Concentrated Power: Designed for potency, our water-based concrete cleaner goes a long way. Just dilute with distilled water and one gallon will clean 250-400 sq.ft! Enjoy maximum coverage with less effort, perfect for any concrete project!
  • Step 1 of our comprehensive system: After stripping away existing stains/sealers (if any), apply our cleaner to fully prepare the surface for our stains or sealers for durable, beautiful finishes.
No. 6
NACETURE Brick Hook Clips, 4-Pack — for 2.25"–2.40" Brick Height Only, Requires ≥1/8" Recessed Mortar — No-Drill Metal Brick Hangers, Supports Up to 25 lb (When Properly Installed)
  • 🔨Installation Compatibility – Verify Before Ordering - Designed only for bricks with a height of 2.25"–2.40" (57–61 mm) and a minimum recessed mortar gap of 1/8" (3 mm). Not compatible with flush mortar, painted brick, rounded edges, thin modern bricks, stone walls, or uneven surfaces.
  • 🏠 Secure Hold on Properly Sized Bricks - Constructed from tempered, rust-resistant steel for reliable holding strength. Supports up to 25 lb when installed on compatible brick surfaces. Always test with a lightweight item before hanging heavier décor.
  • 🌈No Drilling, No Tools Required - Installs and removes easily without drilling, screws, or permanent wall damage. Reusable design allows repositioning without leaving marks.
  • 🌹 For Seasonal and Everyday Wall Décor - Suitable for wreaths, string lights, garlands, signs, picture hangers, and small household tools. Can be used on compatible outdoor brick walls and indoor brick fireplaces.
  • 👌 Slim Metal Profile for a Clean Look - Metal construction blends discreetly with brick surfaces. More durable and visually subtle than bulky plastic alternatives.
No. 7
Otoolling 12 Pack Brick Hook Wall Clips Installed Require More Than 1/8" Brick Gap Fits 2-1/4 to 2-2/5 Inch High Bricks Mounting Without Drilling for Outdoor Hanging Wire Wreath (Silver)
  • Festive Flexibility All Year Long: with a generous package of 12 brick wall hooks, our product ensures you have ample resources to decorate your outdoor spaces, whether it's for daily adornments or a festive holiday display; No more scrambling for hooks during the holiday rush, you're covered every season, every occasion
  • Easy Installation Delight: forget about drills and complicated tools, our brick hooks require no drilling for installation; Simply wedge the clamps into the brick gaps, and you're set; They're easy to remove and clean, offering a stress-free setup and teardown whenever you decide to redecorate
  • Stainless Steel Sturdiness: crafted with stainless steel, our brick hooks promise unmatched durability; The 2mm wire protects against rust and environmental damage, even in harsh outdoor conditions; With a robust stability, they confidently support up to 5kg, ensuring your belongings remain safely anchored
  • Thoughtful Compatibility for a Nice Fit: designed with precision, these stainless steel wall clips fit snugly with bricks sized between 2-1/4 to 2-2/5 inches, and accommodate a 1/8-inch gap; For a seamless hanging experience, confirm brick dimensions prior to purchase, ensuring these versatile attachments integrate effortlessly into your setup
  • Versatility Meets Style: our brick wall hooks redefine versatility, ideal for hanging Christmas wreaths, lights, potted plants, and more; Whether displaying art or organizing tools, these clips transform any space into a harmonious blend of function and decor
No. 8
DeckGeneral Rust Remover 4015 All Surface Rust Stain Eliminator, Concrete Cleaner, Effective Oxidation Clean Up for Driveways, Walkways, Swimming Pools, Brick, Pavements and More (1 Gallon)
  • GOODBYE TO STUBBORN RUST STAINS: Don't let rust stains tarnish the appearance and durability of your surfaces. Our rust stain lifter is specially created to remove stubborn stains on concrete, lifting and removing even the toughest rust stains. Not only does our rust stain lifter remove rust stains effectively, but it also helps to restore the original appearance of your surfaces. By eliminating rust stains, you can improve the overall look and feel of your concrete.
  • REVITALIZE YOUR OUTDOOR SURFACES: Our heavy-duty rust cleaner is designed to tackle even the most stubborn stains regardless of age. Our maximum performance solution is effective on a wide range of surfaces, including driveways, swimming pools, marble, concrete, brick, and more! Whether it's rust from hard water conditions, rain, or floods, our rust cleaner is up to the task. Restore the beauty of your outdoor spaces with ease using our powerful rust stain cleaner.
  • EXTEND THE LIFESPAN OF YOUR CONCRETE SURFACES: Our rust stain eliminator is specially formulated to penetrate deep into the pores of concrete, effectively dissolving tough rust stains. By preventing these stains from compromising the mass and structural integrity of your surfaces, our product helps you maintain clean and rust-free concrete, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.
  • POWERFUL SOLUTION TO STUBBORN RUST STAIN: This specially formulated solution is a breakthrough in eliminating rust stains, delivering high effectiveness in removing tough stains. You can confidently use this rust stain eliminator around spigots and other sensitive areas without worry. This versatile solution is suitable for use on a variety of outdoor surfaces, effectively eliminating tough lime and rust stains.
  • SIMPLIFY YOUR RUST STAIN REMOVAL PROCESS: This liquid solution is effortlessly applied - start by cleaning the area to ensure compatibility with the cleaner. Then, apply the remover as received or dilute it with water, depending on the nature and severity of the rust. When diluting, always add the product to water to prevent splashback of the acidic solution. This versatile liquid can be applied with a wipe or spray, allowing you to choose the method that best suits the rust's harshness.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Brick Cleaner

Brick adds a timeless look to any home. However, dirt, moss, and soot can make it look dull over time. Choosing the right brick cleaner is the first step to restoring your home’s curb appeal. This guide will help you pick the best product for your specific needs.

1. Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a brick cleaner, look for versatility. The best cleaners work on both indoor fireplaces and outdoor walls. You should also check for a “biodegradable” label. This means the product is safer for your plants and lawn. Finally, look for a spray-on formula. These are much easier to apply than thick pastes.

2. Important Materials

Different bricks require different cleaning ingredients. Most effective cleaners use mild acids or specialized surfactants. Acid-based cleaners work best for removing tough mortar stains or mineral deposits. Alkaline-based cleaners are better for removing grease and organic stains like algae. Always check the label to see if the product contains harsh chemicals like bleach, which can damage soft brick surfaces.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The concentration of the formula changes how well it works. Concentrated formulas are great because you can mix them to match the mess level. However, poor-quality cleaners often leave behind a white, powdery film known as efflorescence. High-quality cleaners rinse away completely. They also include inhibitors that help prevent moss from growing back quickly.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you plan to use the cleaner. If you are cleaning a large patio, you need a product that covers a wide area. If you are cleaning a small fireplace, you need a drip-free gel that won’t make a mess on your carpet. Always test the cleaner on a small, hidden spot first. This ensures the product does not change the color of your brick.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a pressure washer with these cleaners?

A: Yes, many cleaners work well with pressure washers. Just make sure to use a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the mortar.

Q: Will these cleaners hurt my plants?

A: Some might. Always rinse your nearby plants with water before and after you clean the bricks to protect them.

Q: How long should I let the cleaner sit?

A: Most products need 5 to 10 minutes to break down dirt. Read the bottle for the exact time.

Q: Can I clean brick inside my house?

A: Yes, but choose a product labeled for indoor use. These have fewer strong odors.

Q: What is the white stuff on my brick?

A: That is called efflorescence. It is a salt deposit that appears when moisture moves through the brick.

Q: Do I need to scrub the bricks?

A: Usually, yes. A stiff-bristled nylon brush helps lift stubborn dirt after the cleaner does the heavy work.

Q: Can these cleaners remove paint?

A: Standard brick cleaners are not designed for paint removal. You will need a specific paint stripper for that job.

Q: How often should I clean my brick?

A: Once a year is usually enough for most homes to keep them looking fresh.

Q: Are these cleaners safe for pets?

A: Many are, but keep pets away from the area until the brick is fully rinsed and dry.

Q: Does the brick need to be wet before I apply the cleaner?

A: Many manufacturers recommend pre-wetting the brick with water. This prevents the brick from soaking up the cleaner too quickly.