Heavy Lime Buildup on Bricks

Remove the Buildup With Vinegar

• Vinegar is slightly acidic, so it works well at cutting through and dissolving the heavy lime buildup. It is also a natural, nontoxic cleaning option. To clean lime buildup from brick, mix 1 gallon of warm water with 1 cup of white vinegar. Scrub it onto the brick with a stiff scrub brush. Allow the vinegar to soak on the brick for at least 10 minutes. Rinse the brick with clean water. Repeat a few times if necessary to effectively break through the buildup.

Remove the Buildup With Trisodium Phosphate

• Trisodium phosphate is a degreaser and cleaner that comes in a white powder. It is safe to use on brick and will effectively clean heavy lime deposits. Fill a large bucket with 2 gallons of hot water. Add 1/2 cup of trisodium phosphate and let it dissolve. Scrub the TSP onto the brick with a stiff scrub brush until the lime buildup is gone. Rinse the brick thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue.

Remove the Buildup With Muriatic Acid

• Muriatic acid is a powerful chemical cleaner. To use it to remove lime deposits from brick, mix one part muriatic acid with 12 parts water. Put the acid in a bucket, then add the water. Do not add water to the acid as this can cause the solution to splatter and potentially get onto your skin. Once the acid and water are thoroughly mixed, soak the brick thoroughly with clean water. Scrub the acid solution onto the brick with a scrub brush. Wait five minutes, then rinse the brick thoroughly with plenty of clean water. It’s important to thoroughly flush the brick with clean water to remove all traces of muriatic acid. More than one application may be necessary to remove all of the buildup.

Warnings

• Start with the least aggressive method for removing lime buildup — white vinegar — then move on to using trisodium phosphte and muriatic acid. Always rinse the brick thoroughly after using one cleaner and moving on to use another. Muriatic acid is hazardous, so wear long clothing that covers your legs and arms, safety goggles and rubber gloves. Gloves and goggles should also be used when working with TSP. Work in a well-ventilated area when using muriatic acid or trisodium phosphate. Avoid disposing of muriatic acid or trisodium phosphate down the drain. Instead, contact your local wastewater treatment facility for specific instructions on where to dispose of these chemicals.