Efflorescence on Brick and Masonry- How to Remove?

Efflorescence Removal from Brick and Stone Surfaces

DEFINITION: Efflorescence is a white crystalline deposit that is composed of salts, lime and/or other minerals.

Image of efflorescence on stone

Efflorescence deposits may become visible on many types of building product surfaces such as concrete, stucco, grout, masonry, brick, natural stone, clay, ceramic and even wood. These salts and minerals are water-soluble and generally come from the ground or where cementitious or alkali substances exist. These salts and minerals travel to the surface, using moisture as their carrier, where exposure to air evaporates the moisture leaving behind salts and minerals on the surface.

Cleaning efflorescence used to require flushing the brick with muriatic acid. Muriatic acid is extremely hazardous to your health and can damage surfaces and plants like shrubbery. Breathing acid fumes will make you choke, and skin or eye contact can cause severe burns. Using these types of products outdoors is problem enough while working with them indoors is next to impossible. Those problems are history with StoneTech Professional™ Restore™, a strong but relatively safe acidic cleaner.

For efflorescence removal on NON ACID-SENSITIVE surface such as most granite, slate, clay pavers, clay brick, and sandstone, follow these steps:

Efflorescence is acid-sensitive. Lime, salts and mineral deposits will usually dissolve when in contact with acidic liquids. Since efflorescence is sensitive to acid, StoneTech Professional™ Restore™, a strong but relatively safe acidic cleaner, works well in dissolving and removing the substance in most instances. Note that Restore attacks acid-sensitive stones such as marble and limestone.

Follow the application instructions below to remove efflorescence:

  1. Follow safety precautions on label - Restore causes severe skin burns and eye damage!
  2. Test in an inconspicuous area to determine if the desired results will be achieved.
  3. Avoid damage to other surfaces and plants.
  4. Mask off and protect any surrounding areas that will not be treated. Protect any vegetation.
  5. Apply mixed solution of Restore at the light duty dilution level as listed on the product label. Mix stronger if needed.
  6. Apply to the surface using clean mop, towel, sponge or sprayer.
  7. Agitate with a stiff white nylon scrub brush, white nylon pad or appropriate floor machine.
  8. Rinse area with a lightly dampened clean mop, sponge, towel or wet vacuum. Do not over apply rinse water. Moisture is one of the key factors in the development of efflorescence. Rinse well enough to remove any cleaner residues only. DO NOT OVERWET.
  9. Allow the surface to completely dry to determine the desired results.
  10. Sealing the surface using an impregnating sealer such as Sta-Clene®, BulletProof™, Stone Sealer, Exterior Heavy-Duty Stone & Masonry Sealer or All Purpose Grout Sealer will greatly minimize or eliminate efflorescence from recurring.
  11. If there is a continuous moisture problem beneath the surface, the efflorescence will probably continue to occur.

For efflorescence removal on acid sensitive surfaces such as most marble, limestone, travertine, some masonry brick, concrete and stucco, etc.:

Restore™ is an acid based product which when applied to acid-sensitive surfaces will react with the surface and may alter its appearance. If an acid-sensitive surface is already textured, this may not cause a problem that is noticeable. If this is the case, you may follow the efflorescence removal process detailed above.

To remove efflorescence from ACID-SENSITIVE surfaces, follow these application instructions:

  1. On flat surfaces you can sometimes remove the efflorescence using agitation by using a white nylon pad, dry. Agitate using a hand applicator or rotary sander with the nylon pad attached. Often the lime, salts and minerals will come off with just this process.
  2. If this process does not completely remove the efflorescence, and on textured surfaces where the above step is not possible, additional treatment is required. Use StoneTech Professional Polishing Powder for polished surfaces or StoneTech Professional Honing Powder for unpolished surfaces. These are strong/coarse abrasives; so, test before using to see the effect on the surface’s finish.
  3. Mask off and protect any surrounding areas that will not be treated.
  4. Apply the abrasive powder to the contaminated surface.
  5. Add water until you achieve a milk-like consistency.
  6. Agitate with a stiff white nylon scrub brush, white nylon pad, or appropriate floor machine.
  7. Rinse area with a lightly dampened clean mop, sponge, towel or wet vacuum. Do not over apply rinse water. Moisture is one of the key factors in the development of efflorescence. Rinse well enough to remove any cleaner residues only. DO NOT OVERWET.
  8. Allow the surface to dry completely to determine the effectiveness of the process. Repeat if necessary.
  9. Sealing the surface using a StoneTech Professional impregnating sealer such as Sta-Clene, Bullet Proof, Stone Sealer, Heavy-Duty Exterior Sealer or Grout Sealer will greatly minimize or eliminate efflorescence from recurring.
  10. If there is a continuous moisture problem beneath the surface, the efflorescence will probably still occur.

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