Cleaning a brick backsplash helps keep it looking beautiful and prevents buildup of dirt, grime, and bacteria. With the right techniques and products, you can safely clean brick without damaging the finish. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean brick backsplash.
What You Need to Clean Brick Backsplash
Before starting to clean your brick backsplash, gather these supplies:
- Microfiber cloths or soft rags
- Mild dish soap or stone soap
- Warm water
- pH-neutral cleaner or stone cleaner
- Soft brush or toothbrush for grout
- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
- Bucket
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, vinegar, and ammonia as these can discolor or damage the brick. It’s best to use gentle cleaners formulated for natural stone and brick.
Preparing to Clean the Brick Backsplash
Take some preparatory steps before scrubbing the brick:
- Remove any décor, appliances, or other items from the backsplash area. This gives you full access to the brick surface.
- Vacuum the backsplash using the soft brush attachment. This removes any loose debris or dirt.
- Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap or stone cleaner. Never use hot water as this can damage many brick types.
- Put on rubber gloves and eye protection. This protects you from cleaning agents and debris during scrubbing.
- Have cleaning rags or microfiber cloths ready for wiping down the backsplash.
Once the backsplash is cleared off and you have your cleaning solution ready, you can start scrubbing.
How to Clean Brick Backsplash
Follow these steps to properly clean your brick backsplash:
1. Apply Cleaner to Brick Surface
Dip a soft cloth or scrub brush into the warm soapy water. Ring it out so it’s damp but not dripping wet. Apply the solution over the entire brick backsplash surface.
Make sure to get cleaner into the grout lines and crevices. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes so it can start breaking up grease and grime.
2. Scrub the Brick and Grout
Use a soft bristled brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the brick from top to bottom. Apply light pressure and scrub in circular motions. This lifts dirt from the pores and textured surface of the brick.
For grout lines, use a narrow toothbrush to scrub side-to-side. Take care not to scratch or damage the brick surface. Rinse the brush often as you work.
Reapply more cleaning solution to stubborn or heavily soiled areas. Let it soak in for 1-2 minutes before scrubbing again.
3. Rinse the Backsplash
Once you’ve scrubbed the entire surface, rinse the backsplash thoroughly with clean water. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away all suds and residue.
Change rinse water often to prevent streaks or a film from developing. Wipe the surface as you rinse to get all cleaner off the brick.
4. Dry the Surface
Finally, dry the backsplash using fresh microfiber cloths. Wipe in downward strokes.
Make sure no moisture is left pooling in grout lines or crevices. Allow the backsplash to air dry for 30 minutes before replacing any appliances or décor.
Tips for Cleaning Brick Backsplash
- Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot first. Check that it doesn’t etch or discolor the brick.
- Use mild dish soap or stone-safe cleaners. Avoid bleach, vinegar, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals.
- Change rinse water frequently to prevent residue buildup.
- Dry brick thoroughly after rinsing to prevent water spots.
- For hard water stains, use a limestone or brick cleaner formulated to dissolve mineral deposits.
- Clean spills quickly to prevent staining. Acidic foods like wine or tomato sauce can etch brick if left too long.
- Limit cleaning to every 1-2 months to avoid damaging the brick over time. Spot clean as needed.
- Reseal grout every 1-2 years to protect from stains and mildew growth.
Properly cleaning and caring for your brick backsplash keeps it looking pristine for years to come. Avoid waiting until grease and grime build up, making the cleaning process harder. With the right gentle cleaners and technique, you can safely clean brick and prevent damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Brick Backsplash
How often should I clean my brick backsplash?
Clean your brick backsplash every 1-2 months for regular maintenance. You may need to spot clean more frequently if you do a lot of cooking and frying.
What’s the best way to clean grout on a brick backsplash?
Use a soft bristled toothbrush and gentle scrubbing motion to clean grout. Avoid abrasive cleaning pads. Reseal grout every 1-2 years to protect it.
Can I use bleach or vinegar to clean brick?
No, avoid bleach, vinegar, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals. Always use a specially formulated brick or stone cleaner. Test on an inconspicuous spot first.
How do I remove grease splatters from brick?
Gently scrub with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. For dried-on grease, let a degreasing cleaner soak for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing. Avoid abrasive pads.
What is the safest way to clean discolored or stained brick?
For stains, use a specially formulated brick cleaner and non-abrasive scrubbing. Test on a small area first. If that fails, consult a stone restoration professional. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning keeps your brick backsplash looking fresh and prevents lasting damage. Always use the gentlest method possible. Test cleaning solutions first and scrub gently with non-abrasive tools. Thorough rinsing and drying are also key to avoid residue buildup.
With the right methods and care, your beautiful brick backsplash will maintain its eye-catching, rustic look for many years. Follow these steps for safe, effective cleaning each time your brick backsplash needs refreshed.