Cleaning heritage bricks

I’d be careful using modern brick cleaners on Victorian or Edwardian bricks, as they’re often softer and more porous than newer bricks. Even when diluted, strong chemicals can damage the surface or mortar. I’d suggest starting with a soft brush and a dry soot sponge to remove as much staining as possible. If that doesn’t work, try a mild, pH-neutral cleaner on a small hidden area first. Avoid acidic cleaners, wire brushes and pressure washing. Some coal staining may be permanent, so it’s better to preserve the original bricks than risk damaging them trying to get them completely clean.

Start by brushing the bricks with a soft / medium bristle brush (synthetic ideally) to help prevent scratching the bricks. Once finished lightly dampen the bricks with clean water this helps when you put the cleaner in by helping to stop the bricks taking in the chemicals. Depending on the severity of the soot stain is quite light you can use warm soapy water but use a neutral soap or if it’s quite thick look for a heritage safe cleaner, apply as per instruction but general rule of thumb scrub gently with a soft brush until quite soapy and clean off with warm water with a cloth and let the brick air dry naturally, just be aware of the instructions on the product and make sure it dosent contain strong acids as this will damage them lovely bricks