how To Maintain and Clean Limewash Brick?

There could possibly be nothing better than freshly applied limewash to spruce up your home. Limewash brick is easy to maintain as limewash is easily absorbed into the surface. Therefore, it works best on stucco surfaces, stone, and brick walls. The natural off-white shade of limewash will add a timeless classic touch to your house and save your beautiful abode from pests and other organism growth owing to its high pH level.

However, a limewashed brick will need a touch-up after 5-7 years as it erodes over time. It will still look visually appealing due to its weathered look. Nevertheless, you will have to re-apply the limewash for the wall to regain its original opaque coverage.

If you are a limewash lover and want your limewash surface to look fresh and new, here are a few ways to maintain the beautiful outlook of limewash brick exteriors.

Supplies Required to Clean and Maintain Limewash Brick

Steps to Clean Limewash Brick

Start with cleaning the algae buildup that sometimes forms around eaves and chimneys. Spray a moss cleaner on the affected areas and let it remain so for 48 hours. Once the moss or the algae trunks are bright red, start the removal process to prepare the base for limewash.
Wash the entire surface with water so that the surface is free of moss cleaner and other dirt that settles on the house over a period of time. Touch up corners and crevices with some lime wash using a small masonry brush.
Wait for another week, and then apply a fresh coat of mineral shield as an invisible topcoat. This will reduce weathering, repel water, and elongate the life of lime paint by offering protection against grass, clay, and dirt. By giving it enough time to dry, you will be able to prevent moisture-related issues.
Stain Removal is of utmost importance. Therefore, for a quick fix, make a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply the paste on the stained wall and allow it to sit for a few minutes so that it reacts with limewash. Once it has dried, take a brush and scrub the paste off the wall gently with a brush. Rinse the space with water to finish the process.
If you have a small surface like a fireplace with a limewash brick exterior, you can clean the surface thoroughly so that it lasts longer. Make a mild cleaning solution by mixing water with a small amount of pH-neutral soap. Perform a small patch test before using the entire mixture on the complete surface.

Do’s and Don’ts to Maintain Limewash Bricks

Remove surface stains on limewash bricks by rubbing them gently with a damp rag. However, make sure that you clean the surface with clean water using a clean cloth or sponge to wipe the surface to clean the soapy residue since it can attract dirt and get discolored over time.
To maintain the structural integrity of limewash, take prompt action as soon as you spot cracks, chips, or flakes.
Before applying a sealant on the entire wall, test a sample of it on the wall as it may react with the lime wash and alter its appearance.
If it is imperative for you to use a sealant, select one that is water-resistant and breathable, specifically manufactured for historic masonry.
To maintain the original limewash appearance of limewash bricks, reapply the lime wash every 5-7 years.
For maximum durability of limewash, apply it on your bricks on hot sunny days. It is ideal for it to dry gradually.
Once you have applied a quote of limewash on bricks, wait for two to four days before you apply the next quote. It will get darker as it dries.
Test the lime wash on a few bricks before applying it on a large surface to get an idea of the color.

Once the final coat of limewash has been applied and has dried up completely, spray some water with a garden sprayer to remove the excess. This will leave behind just enough lime wash on the walls to give an antique look.
Do not apply thick coats of limewash on bricks. Thicker coats crack and craze faster. Therefore, it is important to be careful.
Do not remove the existing coat of limewash on bricks to apply a new coat. You can simply apply a fresh layer of limewash on the existing one.
Do not use any abrasive brushes or strong chemical cleaning agents to get rid of a stain because you might end up spoiling the lime wash coat on the walls.
If there is not much dirt or grime on your limewash brick surface, then avoid pressure washing. Spraying water on walls with a lot of pressure can force the water into the porous matter of the wall, harm the surface on which limewash has been applied, and even strip away the lime wash coating on the wall.

Conclusion

By adhering to these rules and following the steps mentioned above of regular maintenance, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of your limewash brick. These methods ensure the longevity of the limewash on bricks and preserve its historical charm.

Always bear in mind that limewash is a delicate coating; therefore, gentle care and attention are essential for its continued vibrancy and integrity. If you wish to revamp the limewash brick appearance of your house but are skeptical about it, leave your queries in the comments section below.