8 Foolproof Ways To Clean a Brick Floor
People love brick floors because they can lend a rustic, aged look to the interiors or exteriors of a place. They’re known for their ruggedness, functionality, and durability. But are they easy to clean?
Maintaining brick floors is actually very simple and involves a straightforward cleaning process. You can use tools like mops, brushes, and vacuums to get the dirt out from brick surfaces.
Brick as a material can withstand extreme weather conditions like flooding, rain, heat, and humidity. With a few household ingredients and regular cleaning, you can keep your brick floor looking as new and polished as the day it was built!
This article will outline some of the best ways to clean brick floors, tips and tricks on how to clean a brick floor, and more. Let’s get into it!
1. Vacuum Daily or Occasionally
For starters, daily vacuuming can safeguard bricks from dirt buildup. Bricks have rugged surfaces, nooks, and crannies that the dirt can get into. Since it’s so easy for dust to accumulate, a simple vacuum around the floor ensures that most of it gets taken care of while avoiding buildup.
Even if you don’t perform daily vacuuming, brick walls are made to hide dirt well. Dirt can add to the brick’s patina over time, giving it that dramatic, charming effect. An occasional vacuum will fair just as well!
2. Don’t Scrub if You Don’t Need To
As mentioned earlier, dirt, dust, and wear and tear that brick floors go through can add to their natural patina. This weathering process makes them look even better as they age.
Appreciate the rugged beauty of the brick floor, and give it an occasional mop or vacuum from time to time. However, in case there’s a mess on the floor, or something sticky has fallen, use a brush to clean the area.
3. Stiff Brushes for Stiff Stains
Bricks can handle a lot. A stiff brush is perfect for getting out those pesky stains or spills that threaten to seep into the crevices of the brick. It’s especially difficult to get something sticky out from all those little nooks.
Use a stiff brush, a mild detergent, and some water to scrub out the stains thoroughly. Sometimes, just a brush and water will work to get the spills out from uneven surfaces.
Make sure that you rinse the floor area after scrubbing since residual dirt from the brush can dry up and stay stuck. A continuous flush of clean water over the floor until you no longer see dirt in the grout lines is key.
4. Just a Broom Will Do
In order to maintain the uneven, rugged appeal of a brick floor, sometimes a dry sweep is all you need. Most dust and dirt can be wiped away with this stress-free method.
People choose to build brick entryways into their homes so that the brick catches most of the dust and dirt of daily traffic, leaving the inside of your home clean.
5. Use Vinegar To Make It Shine
If you’re looking for a more polished look on your brick floor and want to maintain its newness for as long as possible, use vinegar. A simple solution of vinegar and warm water can restore the shine of your brick floor without sealing or polishing!
Add a cup of vinegar to a bucket of warm water and mop the floor.
However, it’s important to know what your brick floor is made of. If you have cement-based bricks as opposed to traditional clay bricks, then repeated exposure to vinegar can cause the cement to break down. The acids in the vinegar can weaken the cement over time. If you’ve got clay bricks, this shouldn’t be a problem.
6. Microfiber Mop With Mild Detergent
If your brick floor has dirt stubbornly clinging to it, combine mild detergent with water and use a microfiber mop to get the dirt out. A damp mop is what you need for this method since too much water won’t do you any good.
Steer clear of acid-based detergents since they’re known to damage or weaken the brick’s surface. Mild dish soap will work just fine.
Try not to mop your floors too often. The new finishes are not damaged by washing, but the water film can often make the floor appear to be in just as poor of condition as it was before washing.
7. Steam Those Germs Away
Worrying about germs, mold, and bacteria build-up is natural when you have a brick floor. Their patinas naturally look messy, and the crevices can hold built-up dirt. So, how to clean a brick floor to ensure there are no harmful germs?
Investing in a steam mop is a great decision. It solves the issue of exposure to bacteria since the heat from the steam can kill harmful microorganisms and viruses too!
Consumer Report states: “…you’d have to hold the mop in place for at least 10 minutes at a time for it to be effective.”
Used sparingly, steam mops can help you maintain cleanliness and protect your home from bacteria or germs.
8. Seal Your Floors!
The last but definitely not the least way to keep brick floors clean is with a sealant. A sealant is the best way to clean brick floors because it makes them waterproof. Plus, it seals up those nooks and crannies so you can prevent dirt buildup.
A sealed brick floor is one of the most hassle-free surfaces to clean if done right. Use a solvent-based sealer and apply two coats of it with a mop. Let the first coat dry up completely before going in for a second application. This prevents wax buildup or stains on the floor.
Make sure that you remove any spills, messes, and stains using the methods listed above before sealing your floor. Granted, it takes a lot more time to seal a brick floor, but the seal usually lasts for at least a year.
By using a sealant, all you need is one annual cleanup and you’ll be making it easier to wipe spills and stains on your brick floor year-round.
FAQs on How to Clean a Brick Floor
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about how to clean a brick floor.
How often should I sweep my brick floor?
Ideally, you should sweep your floor at least once a week to remove dirt and debris. If you have pets or children, you may need to sweep more frequently.
How can I remove stubborn stains from my brick floor?
There are a few things you can try to remove stubborn stains from your brick floor. You can start by scrubbing the area with a brush and soapy water. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a diluted vinegar solution or a commercial tile cleaner.
Can I use a power washer to clean my brick floor?
Yes, you can use a power washer to clean your brick floor, but you need be careful not to damage the bricks. Use the lowest setting possible and hold the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the surface of the bricks. Start in one corner of the space and work your way out.
Conclusion
When it comes to cleaning a brick floor, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, it’s important to sweep the floor on a regular basis to remove any dirt or debris. If you have a power washer, you can use this to clean the floor as well; just be sure to use a low setting and hold the wand at least six inches away from the surface.
For tougher stains, you can use a vinegar solution and water and scrub the area with a brush. If you’re working with an especially stubborn stain, you may need to enlist the help of a professional.
In general, however, following these simple tips should keep your brick floor looking its best.