How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Brick

Hard water from sprinklers and garden hoses can cause unsightly mineral stains to form on exterior brick surfaces. These chalky, white stains ruin the appearance of bricks and make home exteriors appear dingy. Hard water stains become more difficult to clean off the longer they persist on bricks. Promptly treat hard water deposits to preserve the bricks' aesthetic appeal and prevent permanent stains. Hard water stains can be removed from bricks with common cleaning solutions.

Step 1

Cover the plants, shrubs and grass at the base of the bricks with plastic drop cloths to protect them from runoff.

Step 2

Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Spray the affected bricks with the vinegar.

Step 3

Scrub the bricks with a nylon scrub brush to remove the hard water stains.

Step 4

Rinse the bricks with water from a garden hose to wash away the vinegar and loosened deposits.

Step 5

Inspect the bricks for remaining hard water stains. If scaly white deposits persist, mix 1/4 cup of trisodium phosphate with 1 gallon of warm water in a plastic bucket. Wear safety goggles, long clothing and rubber gloves for protection against the cleaning solution.

Step 6

Scrub the bricks with the trisodium phosphate solution using the nylon scrub brush. Keep the trisodium phosphate on the bricks for a couple minutes.

Step 7

Rinse the bricks with water from the garden hose to wash away the trisodium phosphate solution. Allow the bricks to air dry completely.