Imagine discovering a secret that transforms your kitchen from mundane to magnificent with just a sponge and some elbow grease.
That secret? A sparkling clean brick backsplash. Over time, this stylish design element can accumulate dirt, grease, and grime, diminishing its beauty and appeal.
In the bustling heart of your kitchen, maintaining the pristine condition of your brick backsplash not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also preserves the integrity of the brickwork.
Today, I’ll guide you through effective techniques for cleaning your brick backsplash, ensuring it remains as captivating as the day it was installed.
From DIY brick cleaning solutions to choosing the best brick cleaning products and protective coatings, you’ll learn how to tackle stains, mold, and everyday dirt.
By the end, not only will you be equipped with knowledge on gentle cleaning agents but also tips for prolonging the life and luster of your backsplash. Get ready to turn a chore into a satisfying project that brightens your kitchen and showcases your attention to detail.
How To Clean Brick Backsplash
To clean a brick backsplash in the kitchen, follow these steps:
- Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket or spray bottle.
- Use a sponge or soft cloth to gently scrub the bricks, working in small sections. The sponge or cloth should be damp but not dripping wet.
- For tougher stains or built-up grime, make a paste with baking soda and water and let it sit on the stain for a few minutes before scrubbing.
- Rinse the area with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the backsplash with a clean, dry cloth or paper towels.
- For a deeper clean, use a stone or masonry cleaner specifically designed for brick. Always test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or scrubbing too vigorously, as this can damage the bricks and mortar.
- Seal the brick backsplash periodically with a clear polyurethane sealant to protect against stains and moisture absorption.
Brick Kitchen Backsplash: Why Should You Have One?
Having a brick kitchen backsplash with a matching countertop is becoming more and more popular with people who own their own house. It doesn’t matter if the brick veneer is modern or old-fashioned, it looks good. Rusty, old-fashioned-style brick walls, like the ones shown here, never go out of style. There is also a good mix of rough mortar joints and stamped brick veneers in the look that comes from combining old-style materials with geometric cabinetry panels.
Often, a kitchen solid brick backsplash will match other walls in the kitchen, making the design statement even more clear. The colour of your kitchen’s brick backsplash usually comes down to personal preference and the colours in the rest of the room. Mixing styles can add a lot of drama to the look of things. The modern kitchen cabinet fits in well with a traditional style of home decor. old However, people like the earthy colours of old Chicago veneers better than red brick walls.
Even so, most people are afraid to use brick as a backsplash in their kitchens, because they don’t want to end up with greasy brickwork that’s hard to clean and that has stains that won’t come off. You can use decorative bricks for a backsplash as one of the best ways to deal with this problem. Brick veneers keep the beauty and charm of traditional bricks without the high price, delicate maintenance, and complicated installation process.
How to Clean Brick Backsplash
A kitchen brick backsplash is hard to clean because it has a bumpy surface. Besides that, the mortar that holds the bricks together can pick up stains that are hard to get off. And we don’t want dirty brick backsplash tiles, full of ugly grease stains? Keep reading this article, and you will learn how to keep your backsplash tiles squeaky clean.
Unfortunately, a brick backsplash is very good at soaking up things. This might be able to take it in if something is splashed or thrown on it
Furthermore, it tends to hold on to moisture. Because of this, you will see that it will always get weaker and even start to break down.
How do I clean a brick kitchen backsplash?
Clean with care. Instead, use a spray bottle to clean up surface dust and dirt.
You can make your own natural cleaners and use them to clean your home, as well. They’re cheaper and safer than cleaning products that are made by a company.
The cleaning methods below are usually arranged from the gentlest to the most powerful method, in that order. Before you use more powerful cleaners, start with the least powerful ones first and work your way up. Always make sure that your previous cleaner has been completely rinsed from the brick when you use it again. This stops chemical reactions.
Start with wet bricks. Before you clean them, spray them with water. Finish with a warm water rinse, no matter which cleaner you used.
Use Plain Water
The porous surface of both brick and brick veneer backsplashes make them easy to get dirty, but you shouldn’t be too rough with cleaning. Abrasives like steel wool or sandblasters can make brick fade or even destroy it if they’re not mixed with clean water.
Instead, use a spray bottle to clean up the brick veneer front layer from dust and dirt.
Warm water and a masonry sponge can get rid of a lot of dirt and grime. It’s also good to add dish soap or learn how to clean bricks with vinegar to the mix. When you clean the brick veneer, less is more.
Dish Soap and Salt
For stubborn dirt or stains, mix equal parts dish soap and table salt to make a paste. People use damp cloths to spread the paste across the brick and mortar. Then, they use a bristle brush to scrub the paste away with care. All-purpose cleaners may be made with harsh chemicals, so they are not good for cleaning bricks or mortar. To clean the kitchen and bathroom, you only need a mild cleaner.
- Spray the bricks and mortar with water with a spray bottle or clean brush.
- You can make a paste with dish soap and table salt to clean your hands.
- Make sure the brick is painted with a thin layer of paint on it.
- Allow the soap to sit for about 10 minutes before you use it again.
- A sponge or brush can be used to gently scrub the front layer and mortar with water, but be careful.
- Rinse with hot water.
- Rinse again if you need to get all of the dish detergents off of your hands and clothes.
- Wet a dry cloth or sponge with water and wipe down the bricks. This will get rid of any salt crystals that have been left behind after the salt has been used.
Dish Soap and Baking Soda
Backsplash brick tiles that require oil and soot cleaning should use this cleaner.
- Put a little warm water on the bricks.
- Dish soap and baking soda should be mixed in a bowl.
- Stir until it forms a paste. Add more soap if you need to.
- It’s time to spread the paste on the brick.
- Let it sit on the brick for a little while (around 10 minutes). This will help the brick dry out.
- Use a sponge or soft brush to get rid of the dirt.
- Rinse with hot water
A soft-bristled brush can be used to scrub the backsplash surface to get rid of more stubborn dirt and grease, like oil (not a wire brush). As long as you use a standard washing-up brush, your brickwork won’t get scratched up.
You should never use a wire brush on a brick backsplash because the metal traces it leaves can create damage and therefore make the brick look bad.
Use Boric Acid
A tablespoon of boric acid mixed with a gallon of warm water can help if dish soap and salt aren’t enough. Gently work the solution into the brick with a bristle brush. The more powerful astringent properties of boric acid will help remove stains, while its antifungal properties will help keep brick from rotting.
- Spray the brick with hot water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of boric acid to a bucket of warm water.
- Mix it all together, but be careful not to make a mess.
- Make sure you spread it on the brick with a sponge or a brush.
- Only add as much DIY cleaner as you can quickly scrub away. Do not add more than that. Keep it from sitting on the bricks too long.
- Scrub gently the brick in small circles. Make sure you don’t scrub too hard.
- Rinse with hot water.
- Clean off the soap paste or boric acid solution with a clean rag that has been wet with lukewarm water.
How Do You Protect A Brick Backsplash?
Sealing a solid brick backsplash with a sealant is very important. You may use either a satin or matte finish, the sealant helps keep air and moisture out.
It also helps keep stains from bath products, food and cooking fumes from getting on the floor. Choose a clear silane- or siloxane-based sealant if you want to add one to your brick veneer backsplash.
Using a satin or matte finish will help keep moisture out and keep the colour of the bricks the same. Avoid silicate-based sealants, which can change the colour of the brick veneer backsplash.
It’s important to know that there are three main types of sealants and protectors for bricks and other tiles
Impregnators or penetrating sealers
Penetrating sealer soaks into the surface, then chemically reacts with it. Using this sealer results in a stronger bond with the surface. This strong bond makes it resistant to moisture and long-lasting. Impregnators can last for more than 20 years before they need to be reapplied.
Topical sealers
It’s common for topical sealer coatings to give the surface of the brick a satin sheen. They can come in gloss or non-gloss forms. They work best when they are used in a space that gets less traffic and wears and give the brick a more decorative look.
Waxes, oils and polishes
When you want to seal and protect your wall brick backsplash tiles from cooking fumes, you can also use wax or linseed oil. People who own homes sometimes use these products because they want their brick wall to look more natural and less like it was made with chemicals, so they choose them.
FAQ On How To Clean Brick Backsplash
What is the best cleaner for a brick backsplash?
For an effective and safe cleaning session, mixing equal parts water and vinegar creates a potent natural solution. This blend works wonders on grime and grease without damaging the brick’s delicate surface. Always perform a spot test before full application.
Can I use a pressure washer to clean my brick backsplash?
Absolutely not. While it’s tempting to think that more power equates to better cleaning, using a pressure washer on brick can cause serious damage.
Backsplashes require gentle care, preferably with soft brushes and mild cleaning agents to avoid eroding the mortar or the brick itself.
How often should I clean my brick backsplash?
Ideally, a monthly wipe-down with a mild cleaning solution helps maintain its pristine look and prevents build-up. If your backsplash is in the cooking area and prone to grease, consider a bi-weekly cleaning schedule to keep it looking its best.
What can I do to protect my brick backsplash after cleaning it?
Applying a sealer after thorough cleaning provides a protective barrier that makes future cleaning easier and protects against stains. Choose a breathable sealer designed for interior brick to ensure that moisture doesn’t get trapped, which can cause damage over time.
How do I remove tough stains from brick?
For those stubborn stains, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply this to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a brush. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive that removes tough stains without harsh chemicals.
Is it safe to use bleach on brick backsplash?
While bleach is effective for tough stains and disinfecting surfaces, it’s too harsh for bricks and can lead to discoloration or damage. Stick to vinegar solutions or specially formulated brick cleaners for a safe and effective clean.
What’s the best way to clean the grout between bricks?
A focused approach works best. Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to create a paste, apply it directly onto the grout lines, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a soft brush. This method lifts dirt effectively without damaging the grout.
Can I prevent mold on my brick backsplash?
Absolutely. Enhance the area’s ventilation and keep the bricks dry. After washing, always ensure that the bricks are thoroughly dried to prevent moisture retention, which fosters mold growth. Use mold inhibitors in your cleaning solutions as an extra precaution.
What should I avoid using when cleaning my brick backsplash?
Stay clear of acid-based cleaners, as these can etch the surface of the brick and degrade the mortar. Also, abrasive scrubbers like steel wool should be avoided to prevent scratching the brick surface.
How can I restore the original look of my brick backsplash?
Periodic deep cleaning combined with the right refinishing techniques can bring old brick back to life.
After cleaning, consider applying a color-enhancing sealer which can rejuvenate the original hues of the brick, making them as vibrant as when they were first installed.
Conclusion
It’s evident that caring for how to clean brick backsplash is neither an arduous task nor a quick chore. It is an art—a blend of the right techniques and gentle product application to maintain the rustic elegance of your kitchen’s focal point. As you adopt these strategies, from employing homemade brick cleaner recipes to mastering mold prevention methods, you ensure that the warmth and beauty of the brick remain intact.
To encapsulate:
- Embrace regular maintenance; a touch of diligence goes a long way.
- Use the perfect mix of natural cleaners to keep the bricks in pristine condition.
- Apply protective sealants post-cleaning to safeguard the surface against future dirt and damage.
With these practices, the charm of your brick backsplash won’t just live on—it’ll thrive, making every glance towards your kitchen’s backdrop a sight to behold, bright and inviting. Welcome each cooking adventure in a space that shines with care and style.