How to Clean and Polish Brick Flooring

Brick flooring is versatile, durable and can be placed in various patterns and designs to be both elegant as well as practical. The upside is the beautiful strong floor you have placed in your home will last you for many years. The other side is the care that brick requires. Brick is very porous and quickly absorbs dirt and grime, requiring frequent cleaning, sealing and polishing.

You Will Need:

• Vinegar
• Water
• Bucket
• Microfiber mop
• A second microfiber mop (optional)
• Microfiber cloth (optional)

Steps for Day-To-Day Cleaning:

*This cleaning method is intended for brick flooring that is already sealed. If it is not, it will be necessary to apply a sealant and allow it to set prior to cleaning with any solutions.

1. Begin by sweeping and either dry mopping or vacuuming the entire area to remove any loose dirt and dust.
2. Make a weak vinegar/water solution with one part vinegar and at least 15 parts water in the bucket.
3. Dip the mop into the water and wring it out completely. Avoid allowing water to sit on top of the brick as it will cause streaks and spots when it dries.
4. Use the mop to clean the entire floor, reapply the solution as necessary.
5. When the entire floor has been cleaned, it is helpful to go over the floor again with a second, dry mop or a dry microfiber cloth to buff the floor and wipe up any remaining liquids. This will remove any areas with streaks or smudges as well.
6. This method allows the floor to be cleaned and shined with one application, saving you a lot of time.

You Will Need:

• Clear ammonia
• All purpose cleaner
• Cold water
• Bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Sponge mop
• Acrylic floor wax (self-sealing)

Steps for Stripping and Waxing:

*The ammonia in this solution strips the floor with each use. The self-sealing wax allows you to skip the step of applying a separate sealant. It is not as effective as a thorough stripping and resealing, but it works well for a quick touch-up.

**Always work in a well-ventilated area with rubber gloves for protection.

1. Begin by sweeping and either dry mopping or vacuuming the entire area to remove any loose dirt and dust.
2. In the bucket, combine 1 cup ammonia, ¼ cup of all purpose cleaner and 8 cups of cool/cold water.
3. Use the mop to apply the solution to the floor.
4. Scrub dirty areas well to remove dirt prior to applying any sealants as they will not be accessible once the floor is sealed.
5. Rinse well with clean, cold water.
6. Allow the floor to dry completely.
7. Apply the floor wax following the manufacturer’s instructions. Two thin coats may be necessary. If you choose a wax that is self-sealing, it will not be necessary to apply a separate sealer.

• Do NOT use acids, strong soaps or abrasives on brick floors.
• Solvent-based polish CAN be applied over water-based polish.
• Water-based polish CANNOT be applied over solvent-based polish.
• Ensure all sealers are designed for brick, basic lacquers and varnishes are not enough.

• AquaMix carries a wide variety of cleaners and sealers that are safe to use on brick flooring.
• If a solvent-based wax is applied to the floor, a sealant is required as well.
• Wax build-up is a problem with water-based polishes and will need to be stripped periodically.
• Reseal your floor each year to maintain the seal.
• If applying a wax over a sealant, it may be helpful to test a small area first. Some waxes will leave a streaky finish. One way to avoid this is try buffing the area with a microfiber mop or microfiber cloth.
• For lighter cleanings on a sealed floor, just a quick mopping with plain water will do the job.

Related:

• How to Clean Marble Flooring
• How to Clean Particle Board Subflooring
• How to Clean Porcelain Tile Flooring
• How to Clean a Brick Floor
• How to Clean the Kitchen Floor
• How to Remove Paint from Vinyl Flooring