Bricks are beautiful building materials, but they can be a nightmare to take care of. After doing any brickwork, the mortar residue left behind can be challenging to remove and often requires professional help. Using a mortar dissolver makes this easy. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make the process easier and faster on your own. Here’s how:
Five Proven Methods to Remove Mortar Residues
Mortar is a sticky and stubborn substance. It tends to get stuck on bricks, particularly on bricks’ corners. It can be challenging to remove mortar residue from bricks. After all, it is cement, a strong material that you cannot dissolve or wash off easily.
However, there are a few ways to remove the mortar residue. One way is to chisel the excess mortar off the brick, but this method can take a long time and may even damage your building. Another option is to scrub the brick with a stiff brush until you get all the residue off, but this will require a lot of elbow grease and time.
Other proven methods to remove mortar residues include chiseling, vinegar, muriatic acid, mortar dissolver, and soaking.
1. Using vinegar
Vinegar is a weak acid but can be used effectively for removing mortar stains. Mix a reasonable quantity of this acid with water and use it to scrub the stained brick. In some cases, more vinegar is necessary to remove mortar from your stone.
Pros
Vinegar is safe for human health and is available for use in homes. You can use it to remove recent mortar stains from your bricks, floor tiles, and any other stained object.
Cons
The size of the mortar residue you want to remove is a crucial factor. Vinegar can only dissolve smaller mortars. You will need a more penetrative method to clean all those old and large-sized mortar residues. You might need a large amount of vinegar to dissolve a medium-sized mortar cleanly.
2. Mortar dissolver
The only safe-proof method of cleaning mortar off bricks is using a mortar dissolver. Similar to muriatic acid, it penetrates mortar residues. However, mortar dissolvers have better results than the traditional methods.
Pros
Mortar dissolvers are non-destructive and environmentally friendly. It is suitable for eliminating mortar residues both indoors and outdoors. Mortar dissolvers also work well on cement, concrete, and tile grout.
Cons
Mortar dissolvers are generally non-toxic, fast, and easy to apply. Thus, there is no reported disadvantage to using them. You may, however, require the assistance of a professional.
3. The Sandpaper method
Sandpaper is a tried-and-true method for removing mortar residue from bricks. It’s best used in conjunction with other methods but can be effective on its own if you’re patient enough to use it. We recommend using sandpaper labeled “fine” or “extra-fine.” Don’t use anything coarser than that to preserve the bricks.
Pros
With a certain amount of care, this method is handy without the help of a professional. It can scape off lumps of mortars in obscure brick angles.
Cons
What if there are countless mortar stains on your blocks? Using sandpaper on each of these stains will take a long time. The Sandpaper method is also very destructive and can damage your bricks without proper care.
4. Muriatic acid
Muriatic acid is another name for hydrochloric acid. You can also find other brand names like Acidum Salis. In most cases, this acid removes mortar residues. However, muriatic acid is powerful, and one should be careful while using it.
Pros
After applying this acid, it takes only a few minutes to see the results. You can always limit the range of activities to ensure the bricks are not affected also.
Cons
There are several disadvantages to using muriatic acid. HCl is dangerously corrosive, and it can harm the handler. Even with all the necessary attention, this might not be avoidable. Other disadvantages include possible damage to the bricks. Muriatic acid can also turn the color of your bricks yellow.
5. Abrasive scrubbing pads
The soaking and scrubbing method is an effective method for cleaning new mortar stains. You can also use pressurized water to wash off these residues. Water has a penetrative quality and can dissolve mortar if it stays on it for a long time.
Pros
It is a non-destructive method used on even old mortar stains. All you need is a foam or soft scrub and warm water if required. You can quickly get these materials at home.
Cons
The soaking and scrubbing method is only effective on minor mortar stains. Cleaning those unwanted mortars off your bricks can take you forever. Scrubbing with abrasive pads can only be used outdoors to avoid flooding your new home.
Traditional Methods vs. Mortar Dissolver
Traditional methods of removing mortar residue from floor tiles include sanding, wire brushing, scraping and chiseling. These methods can be time-consuming, messy, and ineffective in some cases. By contrast, Mortar Dissolver is a quick and easy solution that can remove mortar residue from bricks or even floor tiles without damaging the surface.
How does Mortar Dissolver work?
Mortar Dissolver contains enzymes that break down the mortar residues into a gel-like substance that can be easily removed by vacuuming or wiping with a cloth. No special equipment is required except an ordinary vacuum cleaner or dustpan and brush to remove the gel from the floor tiles.
Mortar Dissolver makes your life easier by quickly, safely, and efficiently dissolving mortar without mixing several components or waiting for them to react. It’s also great for people who have allergies or sensitivities since no harsh chemicals are involved in its use.
Mortar Dissolver has a unique formula that breaks down cement bonds without affecting other materials in the area or creating harmful fumes or dust particles. It’s easy to use and requires no mixing with water to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
The Most Effective Mortar Dissolver To Use
When choosing a mortar dissolver, you must consider several things. First, you need to think about the price and biodegradability of the product. Second, you should consider its effect on your house or the environment.
Croc Crete is a mortar dissolver with ingredients that won’t affect your house or environment. It’s biodegradable and safe for you and the planet. It’s also suitable for all types of mortar and grout, so no matter what kind of surface you’re removing, Croc Crete is an excellent choice.
Croc Crete can also clean large pipes and conduits in big industries.