That signature Alabama red clay looks great on a baseball diamond, but it can be a nuisance when it stains your home. Using the wrong cleaning methods or too much force can cause permanent, costly damage. This guide covers how to clean Alabama clay from your brickwork and restore your masonry without causing damage.
Red clay stains
Blasting a driveway or brick wall with a power washer might seem like the obvious fix, but water alone won’t wash away stubborn red clay stains. Due to the iron oxide—essentially natural rust—which gives the dirt its signature color and makes it completely insoluble in water.
Simply put, because these minerals are so effective at bonding to porous concrete and masonry, they act more like a permanent paint than everyday mud.
How to clean stains safely
To effectively remove stubborn stains, it is important to find the right combination of chemical treatment and gentle power washing to dislodge embedded dirt. As you research how to clean Alabama clay from your brickwork, you may learn that a specialized acidic cleaner is often necessary to bring up the deep-seated iron oxide.
Take note: using the wrong concentration can burn or etch your masonry, and diluting your acid cleaner too much can prevent it from breaking the iron oxide bond it has formed.
Remover tips
For the best results, look for a balanced cleaner with surfactants to lift the iron oxide without eating away at your home. Once applied with a hand-pump sprayer, allow it to dwell for two to three minutes and then thoroughly power-wash the solution away. This power rinsing step is essential, as it forces the loosened clay completely off the surface before it can resettle and create a new stain.
Summary
Mastering how to clean Alabama clay from your brickwork is the first step to keeping your home’s exterior looking pristine for years to come. So, when you’re ready to pick out the perfect brick for your next project, look no further than South Alabama Brick for the highest-quality materials! Until then, stick around and keep exploring our blogs.
