Power Washing House Bricks

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John Gregory - 08 Jul 2005 15:05 GMT

My neighbor and I are going to share the rental of a power washer but don't
know how powerful of one to get. He has the toughest task; removal of mud
stains from around his house. His bricks are antique white (I assume the
color and pattern are baked into the bricks and not just a surface coating).
After he built his house about seven years ago, he didn't seed right away.
The rains kicked up the mud and formed the stain. He used a 2000 lb pressure
washer once. It still left a shadow.

Questions: Q1) Is a 3000 lb unit likely to do the job? Q2) is there a
chemical he should add?

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Michael A. Ball - 10 Jul 2005 15:00 GMT

>My neighbor and I are going to share the rental of a power washer...His bricks are antique white (I assume the
>color and pattern are baked into the bricks and not just a surface coating).

>Questions: Q1) Is a 3000 lb unit likely to do the job? Q2) is there a
>chemical he should add?

Danger, Will Robinson, danger!

Consider posting your question on alt.home.repair.

Never assume anything. I'd bet a pizza the bricks are merely coated. {If
I'm wrong, I'll even help you eat the pizza.}

As for the shadow that survived the 2K psi, I'd treat it with a bleach
solution; keeping it wet for at least 20 minutes. Then rinse.

You can do a lot of damage with 3K psi; so, be careful.

For removal of serious dirt, its hard to beat trisodium phosphate. AKA
"TSP".

Jihad Joe--fighting man, from towel to toe.

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John Gregory - 26 Jul 2005 16:17 GMT

Sound advice, Mike. I'll be guided accordingly. Thanks.

>>My neighbor and I are going to share the rental of a power washer...His
>>bricks are antique white (I assume the
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> Jihad Joe--fighting man, from towel to toe.

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Homeowner Forum / Cleaning / July 2005

Power Washing House Bricks