White, chalky patches on brick walls, chimneys, and retaining walls are usually efflorescence. It is common in North Texas after rain, sprinklers, or new masonry work. Here is what it is, and how to remove efflorescence from brick for good.
The Short Answer
To remove efflorescence from brick, brush it off dry with a stiff brush first. If it remains, use a masonry cleaner made for efflorescence, following the label, and rinse well. Then fix the moisture source, or it will come back.
What Is Efflorescence?
Water moving through brick and mortar carries dissolved salts to the surface. When the water evaporates, the salts are left behind as a white, powdery film.
How to Remove Efflorescence from Brick Step by Step
1. Start dry
Brush the area with a stiff, dry brush. Wetting it first can dissolve the salts and pull them back into the brick.
2. Use a masonry cleaner if needed
For stubborn deposits, use a cleaner made for efflorescence on brick. Test a small area first and protect nearby plants.
3. Rinse at low pressure
Rinse thoroughly with low pressure. High pressure can erode mortar joints and damage older brick.
4. Let it dry and check
Some efflorescence reappears as the wall dries. A second light treatment may be needed.
Stop It from Coming Back
- Aim sprinklers away from brick walls.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear so water does not run down the wall.
- Make sure soil and mulch slope away from the foundation.
Efflorescence vs. Mildew and Hard Water
Green or black growth is mildew or algae, which needs a different cleaner. White spots from sprinklers may be hard water. See hard water spots on brick and how to clean brick.
When to Call a Pro
Large walls, chimneys, and older brick are best handled carefully. We offer stone and brick cleaning across DFW with low-pressure methods that protect the mortar.
Ready for a quote? Call 817-580-9881 or request a free estimate online. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and the rest of our DFW service areas.
FAQs
What is the white stuff on my brick?
It is usually efflorescence, a salt deposit left behind when water moves through brick or mortar and evaporates.
Can you pressure wash efflorescence off brick?
High pressure is not recommended. It can damage mortar and push water into the brick, which can bring more salts to the surface. Brush it dry first and rinse at low pressure.
Does efflorescence go away on its own?
Light efflorescence can fade over time with weather, but it often returns as long as water keeps moving through the brick.
For the brick industry’s guidance, see Technical Note 46: Maintenance of Brick Masonry from the Brick Industry Association.
How do you stop efflorescence from coming back?
Reduce the moisture reaching the brick by fixing sprinklers, gutters, downspouts, and drainage near the wall.
