General brick cleaning?

[814jeffw 71]

I have done several brick restoration jobs over the years, but I have a customer who wants just a "regular" cleaning of the unpainted brick. He does not want the restoration type cleaning, which I recommended.

Approximately 100 years old with just typical road dirt and that sort of thing. I like getting a clean looking surface, which in my experience takes the restoration products such as Deitrich or Prosoco.

Any suggestions on what I could use to get a decent cleaning on the brick. Was thinking if just using my basic house wash with maybe a little sodium hydroxide added for a little more cleaning power. Or should I still be looking at an acid based cleaner applied at a more diluted concentration?

My biggest fear is with brick it seems to take the restoration products to make a real difference,..but I'm fussy!! But I think this guy just wants the loose dirt off so he can begin painting the trim and to just have a generally clean building.

Thanks,

Jeff

Edited July 9, 2009 by 814jeffw

[big mike 14]

Your house wash mix won't do much on 100 year old brick. That being said, let the customer know what to expect and collect the check. If you could also do a test patch of the restoration cleaner vs. your basic wash mix, you may help them see the light.

[patrickmaran 14]

Sand blasting the brick will make it look new again and it's pretty easy to do. You can rent the machine at your local tool rental place. Pressure washing just won't do it.To know more on this you can go to http://generalcontractors411.com/:D:D

[Rick2 42]

Sand blasting will make a huge mess. Been there and done that.