What Can I Do About Efflorescence on a Basement Wall?

Chemical

• Remove efflorescence if possible using a chemical cleaner called muriatic acid, or hydrochloric acid. The chemical solution should contain 12 parts water and one part hydrochloric acid. Prior to using the cleaner, presoak the basement wall with water, which clogs the pores in the wall and thus decreases the amount of the chemical that sinks into the wall. After applying the chemical, wash the wall down with clean water to prevent excess chemical from remaining in the wall and therefore eroding the wall over time.

Sandblaster

• Using a sandblaster on a basement wall covered with efflorescence is another option to handle this substance. The disadvantage of sandblasting is that the machine’s sand removes the surface of the basement wall along with the mortar in the joints of a brick wall, thus weakening the joints. This leaves the wall rough and more porous, so it absorbs water more easily, which potentially causes future efflorescence problems.

Brush

• A dry brush is useful for removing efflorescence if the salts in the wall easily dissolve in water and are located in sporadic patches rather than in large amounts. In this situation, simply brushing the salts away or washing them away with fresh water should address your basement wall’s efflorescence problem. If not, scrub the wall using a stiff brush and a nonabrasive soap such as dishwashing liquid to remove the white substance.

Waterproofing Material

• Because water in your basement wall contributes to the wall’s efflorescence problem, blocking water from entering the wall prevents the issue. A waterproofing product should go on the wall, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Using hydraulic cement to fill any holes or cracks in a brick wall before applying a masonry waterproofing material from a home supply store prevents excess moisture from getting into your brick wall. Waterproofing the wall essentially allows you to keep only the amount of water inherent in the structure of your basement wall in the wall’s mortar and grout.