Designed to Clean. Transformed by Pressure. Delivered by Cleanpass!
Designed to Clean. Transformed by Pressure. Delivered by Cleanpass!
When it comes to brick cleaning, it’s more than just a wash it’s a highly specialised service demanding precision, expertise, and a deep understanding of different brick types. As the Central Coast’s trusted professionals, Cleanpass brick cleaning technicians combine state-of-the-art pressure cleaning equipment with non-corrosive, naturally bio-active solutions. This unique approach safely eliminates stubborn mortar residue, efflorescence, and grout haze, all without the need for harsh, damaging acid-based chemicals.
Our exclusive process is meticulously safe for every brick surface, from delicate glazed and antique bricks to robust sandstone and reclaimed varieties. We deliver a precision clean that ensures zero surface damage, making it the ideal choice for new builds, sensitive heritage restorations, and general revitalisation projects across the Central Coast, Sydney, and Newcastle.
For new constructions, our methods expertly remove post-construction cement haze, preventing long-term damage and limescale buildup. For older, weathered surfaces, our gentle yet effective technique revives faded bricks, authentically restoring their original colour and texture while meticulously preserving architectural integrity. Whether you’re enhancing a residential façade or undertaking a significant commercial or heritage masonry restoration, Cleanpass provides a thorough, environmentally responsible clean with genuinely lasting results.
For new constructions, our methods expertly remove post-construction cement haze, preventing long-term damage and limescale buildup. For older, weathered surfaces, our gentle yet effective technique revives faded bricks, authentically restoring their original colour and texture while meticulously preserving architectural integrity. Whether you’re enhancing a residential façade or undertaking a significant commercial or heritage masonry restoration, Cleanpass provides a thorough, environmentally responsible clean with genuinely lasting results.
Brick cleaning is far more than a cosmetic procedure; it’s an important part of comprehensive masonry care and preservation. Whether you’re managing a new build, meticulously restoring a heritage structure, or addressing modern challenges like weather damage or vandalism, thoughtful, standards-based cleaning protects both the appearance and the critical structural integrity of brickwork.
Left untreated, common contaminants such as mortar residue, biological growth, industrial pollutants, or unsightly graffiti can severely degrade surfaces, trap moisture, and accelerate deterioration. This not only diminishes a property’s aesthetic value but also leads to premature repair costs, weakened mortar joints, and even irreversible material loss in historic buildings where brickwork may be irreplaceable.
When executed correctly, using gentle, tested methods tailored precisely to the brick type and condition, professional brick cleaning significantly helps to:
Equally important, practices like using appropriate acid neutralisers, meticulously controlling water pressure, and strictly avoiding abrasive techniques are not just best practices they are non-negotiables in upholding industry standards. This level of precision is particularly critical in heritage and high-value architectural contexts, where the integrity of brickwork is paramount.
Ultimately, professional brick cleaning is an essential investment in preserving a property’s legacy, performance, and long-term value. It should always be approached with a strategic mindset and expert knowledge, ensuring every structure, from modern townhouses to 19th-century landmarks across the Central Coast, stands clean, protected, and proud for years to come.
The first step in any brick cleaning project is to assess the condition of the brickwork and identify its type. This assessment helps determine the appropriate cleaning method to be used, any precautions needed, and any other specific challenges that may be encountered during the cleaning process.
To prepare the surface, loose debris, cement or mortar dags (raised clumps), dirt, or organic growth, if any, are removed using a combination of scrapers and brushes and rinsing with water. This step ensures that the cleaning process can be as effective as possible. Before ensuring the surrounding surfaces are protected, and any loose debris or dirt is removed.
Engineered brick cleaning chemicals are applied to the affected areas. Noting the correct choice of chemicals is critical in this stage. Using the wrong type of chemical can adversely and permanently damage the brick face. Acid-based or alkaline-based solutions are often used and depends on the brick type as to which is best.
In some instances, not all, scrubbers or brushes may be used to agitate the chemical and assist in complete saturation of the chemical into the surface as well as break down stubborn stains, grout and cement haze, or graffiti whatever the case may be. Chemicals are allowed to dwell for a short period of time.
A pressure cleaner is then used to pressure clean the chemicals and contaminants from the bricks. The pressure output (PSI) is set to suit the type of brick so as to ensure the effective removal of residues and contamination without damaging the bricks.
After pressure cleaning, the bricks are thoroughly rinsed using a soft wash technique to remove any remaining residue, chemicals and loosened debris. In cases where hydrochloric acids are used, it is important neutralising agents are used to ensure that any acidic residues are neutralised to prevent unintended damage to the brick face and surrounding areas.
The cleaned bricks are left to dry naturally. Once dry, a final inspection is carried out to ensure that all excess mortar and cement haze has been completely removed.
Depending on the type of bricks, professionals may recommend applying a sealant to protect the surface and maintain its cleanliness.
Brick cleaning, when done professionally, is a high-skill service that requires technical knowledge, surface awareness, and precise execution. It’s not simply a matter of applying pressure, it’s about understanding the material composition of different brick types, the chemistry of contaminants, and the best methods to remove them without causing surface damage.
At Cleanpass, selecting the right brick cleaning chemicals is crucial for safe and effective results. Our experienced technicians carefully choose solutions tailored to your brickwork, protecting its integrity while delivering a pristine, lasting finish.
These powerful brick cleaning chemicals are our go-to for removing stubborn cement and lime-based residues. While more aggressive, our specially selected acid-based cleaners are ideal for harder, denser brick types. We primarily utilise advanced organic-based acid cleaners, which are far safer, WorkSafe-compliant, and more environmentally friendly than traditional hydrochloric acid. This ensures powerful results without compromise.
Crucial Safety Note for Australian Bricks: Did you know that certain brick types manufactured in Queensland and Western Australia have higher iron oxide content? This makes them highly susceptible to acid burn. Our team always verifies brick composition. If unsure, we consult with the manufacturer before any acid application, ensuring no irreversible damage occurs.
When using acidic solutions for brick cleaning, acid neutralisers play a critical role in ensuring both the safety and longevity of masonry surfaces. These neutralisers are alkaline-based products designed to prevent serious issues by neutralising residual acidity left on bricks after acid washing. Without this crucial step, consequences can include:
Applying a neutraliser after acid cleaning ensures the surface’s pH level is balanced. This halts the chemical reaction and prevents ongoing damage caused by the acid wash solution. This step is particularly important for preserving the aesthetic quality and structural integrity of brickwork, and for disrupting the formation of vanadium, magnesium, and limescale.
For softer brick types, where the removal of organic contaminants is required, we rely on milder alkaline-based solutions. These specialised chemicals effectively eliminate unsightly mould, mildew, algae, moss, and lichen, restoring your brickwork’s natural beauty without harshness.
Our expertly formulated detergents are essential for breaking down large deposits of dirt and debris from brickwork. They also play a critical role in neutralising surfaces after an acid wash, ensuring a balanced pH and a long-lasting, deep clean.
Brick cleaning is vital for maintaining your property’s appearance, extending its lifespan, and preventing structural damage. It’s the perfect solution for boosting pre-sale appeal or revitalising weathered brick surfaces.
Our process effectively removes grout haze, pollutants, mould, and efflorescence, all of which can weaken mortar and bricks over time, ensuring your surfaces remain strong and visually appealing.
Brick cleaning performed well will removal of harmful bacteria and pathogens. Brickwork is a preferred breeding ground for harmful bacteria and various other organic pathogens, particularly if the brickwork is prone to retaining moisture to long periods of time. These pathogens cause harm if they come into contact with people and pets. Brick cleaning services to be able to eradicate the bacteria and is able to eliminate the dangers associated with transfer to skin and eyes, or ingestion and inhalation.
Bricks retain and accumulated moisture and organic contaminants quicker than other materials because of their porous surface.
Mould, mildew and algae consequently develop on their surface and the roots and hyphae are usually deeply embedded into the brick face. If not treated and cleaned, diminished structural integrity is accelerated greatly.
A minor maintenance upgrade such as regular brick cleaning is far more cost-effective than repairing damaged walls. Regularly maintenance of brickwork significantly reduces the overall expenditure associated with major repairs.
In terms of your return on investment goes the benefits outweigh and cost of maintenance enormously.
Brick cleaning is a restorative process that provides property owners an immediate, and very cost-effective makeover. Contaminated brickwork is unwelcoming and undoubtedly unattractive which has lasting impact on first impressions.
When a potential buyer arrives at your property for an inspection, and the exterior brickwork is covered with mould, mildew, algae and grime, they have a negative first impression.
It takes a lot to dismiss the initial impression of an dreadful exterior, even if the property has a wonderful interior.
Professional brick cleaning is the most cost-effect and time-efficient way of removing unsightly limescale, efflorescence and stains.
The purchase of a home or business will typically the largest financial and emotional investment anyone can make in a lifetime.
That said, the cost of regular maintenance is inconsequential in terms of cost in comparison, yet so crucial in terms of maintaining its original external beauty and its structural integrity.
Professional brick cleaning goes beyond just preserving and restoring beauty; it’s also essential for tackling unsightly graffiti vandalism.
Effective graffiti removal is a challenging and intricate task, demanding expert knowledge and experience. Without this precise and proven approach, ineffective cleaning can cause irreversible damage to your brickwork, compromising its integrity.
Understanding the type of paint or ink used in the graffiti helps in selecting the appropriate removal method.
We apply graffiti-specific chemicals that break down the paint or ink without harming the underlying brick. After applying these chemicals and allowing them to dwell, often the surface will be either manually or mechanically agitated using medium / stiff bristle brushes depending on the type of brick, the type of graffiti as well as the length of time the graffiti has been on the surface.
Usually, high pressure cleaning is then performed and is used to remove the graffiti, effectively restoring the original brick appearance. Depending on the type, and fragility of the brick, low pressure may be used and the chemical application and agitation process may need to be repeated.
Dustless micro-abrasion using compressed air, water and media. This method is highly effective and eliminates the need for the use of any chemicals whatsoever. Micro-abrasion graffiti removal can be performed using a captive head attachment which vacuum recovers the media, paint particles and runoff.
After graffiti removal, the brick surface is inspected to ensure that no damage has occurred, and necessary preservation steps are taken to minimise the effects of graffiti vandalism in the future. This includes the application of sealing barriers or anti-graffiti protective coatings.
Traditionally, many brick cleaning companies still rely on hydrochloric acid. It’s inexpensive and effective at quickly removing cement and grout haze because of its strong, corrosive action.
However, the very power that makes hydrochloric acid effective also makes it dangerous. It can pose serious risks to people, building materials, and our environment. Think chemical burns, toxic fumes, damage to masonry, etched glass, ruined window and door frames, damaged seals, and even toxic contamination if it gets into drains and soil.
At Cleanpass, we’ve chosen a modern, responsible path. We use bio-active brick cleaning with natural organic acids. These products are specially designed to target cement and grout issues without the health or environmental risks of traditional acids. Our bio-active approach isn’t just a safer choice than hydrochloric acid; it’s a smarter, fully compliant, and environmentally responsible solution. Cleanpass is committed to delivering high-performance brick cleaning while protecting people, property, and the environment through innovative, ethical practices.
Our organic-based acids greatly reduce the risk of chemical burns, eye or skin irritation, and breathing problems. They are low in toxicity, making them much safer for our crew and anyone else nearby. This significantly lowers the chance of accidents or health-related concerns on your property.
Unlike harsh hydrochloric acid, organic acids are non-corrosive. They clean effectively without damaging the actual bricks or their mortar joints. This means we clean without harming your brickwork’s natural look and strength, reducing the need for future repairs or maintenance.
Our natural organic acids are fully compliant with local Council guidelines and Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) standards here in Australia. Their safe formula also perfectly aligns with WorkSafe policies on hazardous chemical use and worker safety. This makes them ideal for use in homes, businesses, and sensitive natural areas. These solutions help us:
By choosing our safer cleaning methods, Cleanpass contributes to a healthier, more compliant worksite for everyone.
Organic acids are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally. They pose minimal risk to your garden, soil, and water systems, and they don’t create toxic runoff or harm surrounding landscapes. This makes them the perfect solution for any project requiring eco-conscious site management.
Bricks come in a variety of compositions, colours, densities, porosity and surface textures and each has its own unique characteristics. These characteristics influence the cleaning process in order to ensure its integrity is preserved.
We understand the nuances of different brick types and have the expertise to deliver exceptional results.
Brick Types Include:
Clay bricks are a popular choice for their classic look, but their porous nature requires a specialised and gentle cleaning approach. Standard brick cleaning methods can be too harsh, potentially causing irreparable damage to the bricks and mortar.
Concrete bricks are known for their strength and density, which makes them highly resilient to more aggressive cleaning methods. Unlike porous clay bricks, concrete can withstand higher levels of pressure, allowing for a more robust cleaning approach.
Sandstock bricks are renowned for their rustic, porous, and textured surface, which gives them a unique charm. However, this same porous texture makes them highly susceptible to damage and staining from improper cleaning. We use a precise, multi-step method to ensure they are cleaned safely and effectively.
Speciality bricks, including reclaimed, heritage, and antique varieties, possess unique characteristics and a historical value that demands the utmost care. Unlike modern bricks, these materials require a highly customised cleaning approach to prevent irreversible damage and preserve their unique patina and texture.
Brick veneer, a popular choice in modern construction, consists of a thin outer layer of brick over a structural wall. While it provides the classic aesthetic of traditional brick, its unique composition requires a specialised and careful cleaning approach to avoid damaging the veneer itself.
Glazed bricks are prized for their unique, smooth, and often glossy finish. This glass-like surface is durable but highly susceptible to damage from abrasive or acidic cleaning methods. To maintain their pristine appearance, a specialised and gentle approach is mandatory.
Wirecut bricks, also known as extruded bricks, are celebrated for their durability and uniform appearance. While they are resilient, their porous nature can make them prone to staining if not cleaned correctly. Our specialised process ensures your bricks are thoroughly cleaned while preserving their integrity.
Engineering bricks are specifically manufactured for their strength, durability, and very low porosity. These characteristics make them highly resistant to staining and moisture absorption, meaning they typically only require a light, gentle cleaning to maintain their appearance.
Because of their dense composition, using harsh chemicals or high pressure on engineering bricks is unnecessary and can be counterproductive.
Fly ash bricks are a modern choice, known for their smooth, dense surfaces and eco-friendly composition. These characteristics make them highly resistant to dirt and grime, meaning they clean easily and require a gentle, non-aggressive approach to maintain their finish.
Because fly ash bricks have such a smooth surface, using harsh methods is unnecessary and can cause damage.
No, it won’t. We carefully examine your brickwork, and prepare the surface before commencing the clean. A lot of thought is given at this stage when formulating the best, most effective approach.
Preparation is so importance in terms of ensuring the best possible outcome and preparation is key. Preparation may include removing any large clumps or chunks (dags) with a hand tool such as a scraper or chisel for new builds and/or renovations.
It may include chemically treating mould, mildew, algae, lichen, moss or carbon pollutants for brick restoration.
It may also include chemical application for graffiti removal. Regardless, preparation is key!
Post preparation, an organic acid solution is applied to restore the brick face before being neutralised and washed away under pressure.
Our approach to brick cleaning is intended to be as gentle as possible. The brick cleaning process itself won’t cause damage to your mortar. That said, any mortar that is already fragmented or loose before cleaning will more than like mean it will be dislodged during the cleaning procedure.
As a rule of thumb, if you’re able to pick pieces of the mortar from between bricks, it will more than likely be dislodged during the cleaning.
Payment may be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), via Credit Card through our mobile EFTPOS Terminal (SQUARE +1.3%), or in cash.
For general brick cleaning where paint is not being removed from your brick work your painted windowsills, window frames and door frames will not be affected.
If we’re stripping paint from your brickwork there is a likelihood painted windowsill, window frames and door frames it is likely these painted surfaces will be affected.
Removing paint from brick surfaces will require we work right up to the painted frames. That said, any damage caused to your painted window frames will be superficial, and can easily be touched up.
Cleanpass Services offers brick and stone cleaning, graffiti removal, and brick restoration services as well as many other pressure cleaning services to a wide variety of clients.
Real Estate Agents and homeowners love our brick cleaning services, especially those looking to restore a property’s curb appeal before putting it up for sale.
Builders and Developers depend on on us to help maximise the return on investment, strata and commercial property owners and managers use our services to maintain a pristine, and professional image.
Professional renovators specialising in heritage restoration know that Cleanpass Services offer the most reliable, and comprehensive brick restoration services available.
Last but certainly not least, local authorities and community businesses find we’re a reliable and cost effective option for maintenance and anti-vandal graffiti removal.
No, but pressure cleaning is the most widely used and considered the standard. There are other methods we employ which most others brick cleaners do not have the capacity, or equipment to match.
However, each project is different and what may be perfectly suitable for one brick clean may not be suitable for another.
Great question!
It’s recommended brick surfaces be cleaned every 12-18 months. This prevents the build-up of pollutants, organic growth such as mould, mildew, algae and moss from accumulating on the face of the brickwork.
Importantly, it significantly reduces the risk of limescale and buildup of calcium carbonate.
If bricks are used for paving, particularly in high traffic areas and around pools these paved surfaces may require more frequent cleaning than bricks used for an exterior wall. Harsh weather conditions, such as wind or rain, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
Another factor that will determine the appropriate cleaning intervals is the type of brick surface or brick finish. Environmental factors and proximity to areas exposed to man-made pollutants. For instance, a building in the CBD is exposed to man-made pollutants much more than a building in a country town or on the outskirts of a city or major town.
Bricks that are more porous will usually require more frequent cleaning than for example, glazed bricks.
Yes, no doubt whatsoever!
The obvious and immediate, or short-term benefit of brick cleaning is that it restores the appearance of your brickwork.
The long-term benefits are many and varied. Regular brick cleaning is the most effective way to preserve the integrity of your brickwork. This is achieved by the removal of harmful mould, mildew, various other decaying organics, and carbon deposits cause by pollution which helps retain the integrity of the brickwork and mortar.
All brick structures require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure their beauty, structural integrity, and longevity. Brick buildings will form cracks and crevices over time allowing excess moisture to penetrate beyond the surface. This unwanted moisture ingress breaks down the mortar and the steel reinforcement within the brickwork causing them to rust from this inside out. Professional brick cleaning services can quickly and easily identify any existing structural damage caused by excess moisture ingress, and recommend repairs.
Anyone selling the home or business is likely to gain a noticeable increase in value. Studies have shown a home with cleaned brickwork over a home with noticeably contaminated brickwork can fetch up to 7% more value.
An experience local professional brick cleaner should have the knowledge to estimate the required frequency of brick cleaning for your property.
A brick clean will usually last between 1-2 years.
However, this can vary depending on a number of influences. Some of these include, quality of waterproofing, exposure or lack of exposure to natural sunlight, surrounding treescape, annual rainfall, condition of mortar or pointing, moisture retention in the ground and foundation around the building, and exposure to wind and saline salts.
If you’re a property owner or manager it’s a good question to ask because it allows you the opportunity to budget for either annual or biannual cleaning service.
Aside from post-construction brick cleaning for a builder there is no-good-reason for any brick cleaner to have to employ any acids or harsh chemicals for brick cleaning.
Regular brick cleaning on existing homes or business requiring the removal of mould, mildew, algae, moss, lichen and pollutant cleaning does not require the use of chemically engineered acids or harsh chemicals.
Cleaning can easily and affectively be completed using either a much safer organic acid and/or environmentally biodegradable detergents.
Always check with your brick cleaner, ask them what will they be using in terms of acids and chemicals.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow any brick cleaner to use Hydrochloric Acid, it’s dangerous and can inadvertently cause damage to your brickwork. It can also very easily adversely affect your gardens and lawns, metal structures and metal reinforcements within the brickwork, it’s highly toxic to the environment, pets and humans.
Yes and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
For home and business owners who require brick ‘rejuvenation’ cleaning this could and should be performed without the use of acid.
In the construction industry, acids are typically required at the completion stage of masonry works to remove large amounts of cement deposits on the surface of the brickwork.
This is a very important question to ask. Any brick cleaner worth his salt would have this covered well before commencing work.
If acids (particularly hydrochloric acid), are being used for brick cleaning it’s crucial the run off is neutralized. This is done using a free-flowing acid neutralizer power with a pH of 10.7 (1% solution). Bunding should also be used to contain the runoff and stop if from spilling onto lawns, into gardens and stormwater.
Any detergents being used should be environmentally safe and biodegradable.
This is such an important question to ask and the reality is, it’s not a question ever asked.
The risk potential damage is high, as is the consequential cost of repair.
There’s lots homeowners and property owners and managers can do to help maintain brickwork and masonry.
Take a moment to inspect your brickwork throughout the year whether it’s when you’re entering and leave. While you’re working in the garden and around your home or property just pause to take a moment to look at the condition of the brickwork.
When you’re looking at your brickwork, look for signs of crumbling mortar, as well as cracks and holes in your mortar. Damage to mortar could result in water ingress potentially leading to more significant structural damage.
Look for white or yellow coloured crystal-like powder known as efflorescence, rust stains, and bulges. If you happen to find anything that raises any concern it’s crucial remedial works are carried out as soon as possible to ensure the integrity of your brickwork.
Remove and plants or ferns growing from your brickwork. Keep your weep holes clear of plants and burrowing insects. Treat any mould, algae or mildew on the surface of your bricks as soon as it’s identified.
Look for water damaged caused by excess moisture at the base of your walls, this could mean you have sprinkle back or rising sodden (rising damp).
Talk to your brick cleaner about the sort of things you need to keep an eye out for.
Brick cleaning is a highly specialised service that demands precision and proven expertise. Don’t risk irreversible damage to your property by entrusting it to just anyone. At Cleanpass, we provide tailored, expert brick cleaning for every age, type, and condition of brickwork, ensuring safe, effective, and lasting results. From detailed heritage restorations to large-scale commercial projects, we do it all!
Contact Cleanpass today for an obligation-free inspection and quote and let us transform your bricks from dull to pristine.
0424 486 468
