How do you remove mortar off of brick?

Answer 1

If the mortar which has dried upon the brick is a Portland Cement mortar there is no sure fire way to remove it. As a professional mason I tell my customers that we can reduce the degree of mortar staining but seldom can we eliminate it. We use Muriatic Acid mixed with water 1:10. That's 1 part muriatic acid to 10 parts water. You can buy Muriatic acid at most Home Improvement stores as it is commonly used in Swimming Pools. Wear chemical proof gloves and eye goggles. Use a mason's sponge, a stiff nylon brush and a good "putty" knife. Soak the dried mortar with the 1:10 mixture using the sponge. Scrub with the nylon brush. Use the putty knife to carefully scrape away anything larger than an "film". If this does not result in the removal increase the strength of the acid gradually but do not exceed 1:5. The acid will burn the brick if it is used too strong or left to sit on the brick too long. Have a bucket of clean water with a mason's sponge close at hand to neutralize the acid once your scrubbing has been completed. Be careful where the acid and water mixture is allowed to "run off". It will kill plants and harm most surfaces. Consult local codes before you attempt this method to determine where you can safely dispose of the mixture.

Answer 2

It depends on what the brick is covered in as to the cleaning media used. If its simple road way dirt and carbon (based on the factor of an outside brickwork) then you can use a simple detergent and a low pressure jet washer. Note the LOW Pressure. People claim to be experts use high pressure jets which can knock the pointing out of the brickwork and even blow area of brick completely. If it has a moss or algae surface light spring with a off shelf fungicide available at most DIY outlets will do the job followed by some jetting (as above). A prepare path cleaner is also useful and can be purchased in 5 ltr cans. It is difficult to provide better responses to this question without seeing the issues first hand. The main thing at all times is to maintain the quality of the brick.

Answer 3

You can use a product called Shure Clean 600 it works wonders!!