What Is Mold? 3 Easy Steps How To Clean Mold Off Brick

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
9 min read

Your home’s structural integrity is at risk if you don’t know how to remove mold from brick. Decomposition of dead organic matter is aided by the presence of mold. A problem for homeowners is that it eats away at brick and mortar when it lands on them.

As long as your home is moist, you’ll see hundreds of white mold spores floating around, but they’ll settle on the brick walls because of that moisture. Learn more about green mold’s etiology by reading this article.

How to Handle Chimney & Fireplace Mold | Doctor Flue

It’s also possible that poor air circulation and a lack of frequent mold removal from the bricks are to blame. Even though this mold is normally not harmful, if it is not removed on a regular basis, it can become an eyesore. Keeping it around will gradually weaken the brick’s construction.

What Is Mold?

Mold can be defeated if you have a better understanding of it. Even though mold is technically a living fungus, no other animal, plant, or microbe can be compared to it. Without a microscope, it is impossible to discern individual spores. In order to view mold, a big colony of mold spores must first gather; after mold has grown large enough to be seen, it usually appears as a dark blue, green, or black color. The color of mold tells you a lot about the colony, including its age, type, and nutrient supply, all of which may be determined by its hue.

Mold needs water, a food source, oxygen, and temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit in order to thrive.. Mold feeds on decaying organic matter, which is why weeds and other vegetation growing on or around bricks can be a source of mold growth. No organic material can be converted by mold into food except the dust and dirt that develops on the top surface of masonry structures, therefore mold can exist there.

What Causes Mold/Mildew To Grow On Bricks?

Anywhere water collects and is moist, you can count on seeing white mold. This is due to the fact that white mold cannot reproduce without water.

As a result, it favors hot, muggy climates. Moisture-rich areas of the home, such as the bathroom and laundry room, can help support its growth. Keeping your rooms well ventilated is essential for preventing mold growth in your home.

This type of mold will also grow where there is little to no air circulation. Regardless of how well-ventilated your home may be, mold spores will eventually settle in and establish a foothold there.

In places with poor air circulation, this particular mold will flourish. As mold spores are always floating through the air, it is inevitable that they will settle and take root in an area without adequate circulation, whether it is inside or outside your home.

When it comes to brick walls outside your house, the most important thing is to maintain the bricks clean.

For many homeowners, mold is unavoidable. A quick clean-up will keep the damage to a minimum. The brickwork of your house may be damaged as a result. The longer it is left to its own devices, the worse it will get.

If you want to avoid damaging your bricks and your home, you should clean them on a regular basis to remove dirt and grime. Using a power washer to remove mold from outside the house is a must.

How To Prevent Mold From Growing On Bricks

Aside from looking bad, mold and algae developing on your brickwork can lead to serious mishaps. This is especially important for those who are old or have children in the house.

The procedures to maintaining a clean and dry area, regardless of whether you have bricks in the wall or your yard is paved, are the same.

an old brick wall covered with moss, mold | Stock image | Colourbox

As much as possible, your bricks should be left out in the sun. Mold is more likely to grow in places that don’t receive a lot of natural light. Due of their dislike of dry heat, they are unable to survive in it.

Cut back any plants or trees that are in the way of the sun’s rays so that your bricks can receive as much of this free light as possible. Increasing the amount of time your bricks are exposed to the sun will also help prevent mold from reoccurring.

Mold on your brickwork might also be caused by leaks. Water can run over your bricks and pavers, accelerating the growth of algae as well as mold, if your gutters are dripping. Mold growth in your bricks can be slowed if you address leaks as soon as possible.

Long periods of time with excessive wetness on your bricks are never recommended. As a result, it’s important to maintain your paved areas clear of fallen leaves and other debris, which will assist prevent mold from forming there.

Mold and algae can grow on your bricks if they aren’t cleaned and hosed down on a regular basis.

In terms of removing and preventing mold from growing on your bricks, chlorine is one of the most effective substances. 250 cc of pool chlorine mixed with a 5 liter bucket of warm water is the solution you’ll need. Warm water dissolves chlorine more quickly than cold water.

Make a 50/50 mixture of powerful bleach and cold water if you don’t have chlorine. You should hose down the brickwork before using the bleach mixture.

No chlorine should be sprayed or applied directly to the bricks under any circumstances. Remove the algae and mold with a hard brush after you’ve applied the chlorine mixture. After that, use a hosepipe to wash the brick.

Getting Rid Of The Mold In Brick Surface

Brick surfaces may be cleaned of mold and mildew quite easily if you know how. Make sure the bricks are completely damp before using any detergents or chemicals on them. Start by spraying the bricks with a mixture of warm water and chlorine to thoroughly wet them.

Scrape away the mixer with a strong brush after it has sat on your brickwork for a few minutes. Bleach and water can be used together to create a solution in the absence of chlorine.

It is imperative that you thoroughly clean the bricks and eliminate any mold. Afterwards, use a hosepipe to completely rinse the brick surfaces, then allow them to air dry and be exposed to as much natural light as possible.

Removing Mold On Bricks With Homemade Natural Cleaners

Step #1: Find the moisture source

Mold thrives in stagnant water, therefore your first step should be to identify the source of the water before attempting to remove the current mold. Water and moisture retention can be found in a variety of areas, but these are some of the most prevalent.

  • Inspect your basement for leaks that may be leaking into the brick, then repair and seal them as needed.
  • Water leaks in the walls or windows? Use weatherstrip and caulk to fix the issue. Window condensation is a common symptom of leaking windows. It’s a good idea to install insulated glass or storm windows if you observe that.
  • Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and other debris to prevent foundation leaks.
  • Check your attic for signs of a leaky roof and fix it if necessary.
  • A few minutes after showers, run bathroom exhaust fans that vent outside to get rid of any lingering mold spores that may be accumulating on your bathroom wall.
  • Plumbing: Check for leaks and insulate your plumbing pipes.
  • Repair or replace the insulation in your HVAC system if it is getting wet from condensation or excessive moisture in the ducting. Making certain that the drains are not clogged is another important step to take. The air filter should be replaced every 1-3 months.
  • As a precaution, inspect your chimney for cracks or debris that could be obscuring the water and fostering mold growth.
  • If you don’t have a basement, check the crawl space under your home for excess moisture. Make the ground less damp by covering it with black plastic sheeting.
  • Keep the moisture in the air out of your home by making sure your gas and kerosene heaters and fireplaces are properly vented to the outside.

Step #2: Take Measures to Clean Safely

Make sure you take the essential steps when cleaning mold to protect yourself and your family’s health. Keep your skin and lungs protected by wearing goggles, gloves, and a protective mask.

Step #3: Use Vinegar

You’ll want to use undiluted vinegar instead of chlorine, bleach, and water, which merely kills the mold and does not eliminate the dead spores.

Spray the affected region with the solution you’ve prepared in a spray bottle. Scrub the vinegar off with a stiff-bristled brush after letting it sit for about five minutes. Spray the area again after rinsing with hot water to remove the vinegar. If you don’t rinse the vinegar away, it will enter the brick and eliminate the mold that’s on its surface.

Wall Brick Moldy Green - Free photo on Pixabay

You may also find mold-killing products at your local hardware or home improvement store. Do not attempt to clean the brick until the weather is dry and there is no risk of rain for at least a day after applying the cleaning chemical, so that it has time to properly settle.

If you can’t seem to get rid of the mold or track out the source of the leak, it’s time to call in a pro to assist you out.

Conclusion

The growth of mold and algae on your brickwork is not only unsightly, but it also has the potential to cause significant harm. If you have elderly or infants living with you, this is essential.

If you have bricks in your wall or your yard is paved, we hope we have given you all the knowledge you need on how to clear mold from brick.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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