Best Brick Cleaner for Pressure Washers: Top Outdoor Cleaning Solutions
Pressure washing brick surfaces can restore curb appeal, but selecting the right cleaner is essential to avoid damage or discoloration. This guide reviews five top brick-cleaning solutions compatible with most home pressure washers. Each product is evaluated for brick and masonry surfaces, concentration, eco-friendliness, and ease of use. Read on to find options that lift mildew, algae, oil stains, and dirt without harsh chemicals.
| Product | Brand | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton 6160 Project Pro Perfectmix Extreme | Briggs & Stratton | Brick and Tile cleaning on driveways and walls | OEM-compatible concentrate with Perfectmix system |
| Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner | Simple Green | Wide-surface outdoor cleaning, including brick | Peroxide-based formula lifts grime without harsh chemicals |
| Simple Green Oxy Solve House & Siding | Simple Green | Brick in exterior siding and masonry areas | Peroxide-powered cleaning for algae and mildew |
| Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete & Driveway | Simple Green | Driveways, walkways and masonry surfaces | Lifts oil stains and rust with peroxide power |
| Kärcher Multi-Purpose Detergent | Kärcher | Concrete, brick areas and general exterior cleaning | Highly concentrated, compatible with most pressure washers |
Briggs & Stratton Brick & Tile Cleaner
Briggs & Stratton 6160 Project Pro Perfectmix Extreme Concentrate is designed for heavy-duty brick, concrete and tile cleaning. The listing emphasizes that it is a genuine OEM Briggs & Stratton replacement part and part of the Perfectmix system, providing consistent dilution and performance. The 32-ounce concentrate is intended to be mixed with water to create a cleaning solution suitable for power washers. When used as directed, it can tackle years of grime on masonry surfaces, including mildew and algae growth around brickwork.
Because this product is a concentrate, users should follow dilution guidelines and test a small area before full application. Apply with the appropriate nozzle and maintain recommended pressures to prevent surface damage. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and avoid prolonged contact with plants or fragile landscaping. Always prepare for proper ventilation and wear gloves during handling, as with any concentrated cleaner.
Simple Green Oxy Solve Outdoor Cleaner
This Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner from Simple Green uses peroxide chemistry to lift grime from a wide variety of exterior surfaces, including brick, wood, vinyl, stone and concrete. The formula is designed to remove mold, mildew and algae while remaining relatively mild on plant life and surrounding vegetation when used as directed. The product is intended for large outdoor cleaning tasks and can make brickwork look substantially brighter by dissolving dirt and staining at the surface level.
To maximize results, pre-wet the area, apply evenly, and allow sufficient dwell time before rinsing. Always test a hidden area first to confirm there is no adverse effect on the brick’s color or finish. For best results on textured brick, use a rotating nozzle or surface cleaner to ensure uniform coverage. After cleaning, rinse away residues to prevent staining or white film formation on porous bricks.
Simple Green Oxy Solve House & Siding
Simple Green Oxy Solve House & Siding is formulated to clean siding materials—vinyl, aluminum, stucco, wood—and brick within exterior brickwork and adjacent masonry. The peroxide-based formula helps lift discoloration caused by algae, moss and mildew, restoring the natural color of brick surfaces. This option is especially appealing for homeowners dealing with exterior brick features integrated into home siding or decorative brick walls around the property.
When using this cleaner on brick, follow the manufacturer’s dilution and dwell-time recommendations. Start with a smaller area to gauge results before expanding to larger sections. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue and avoid directing high-pressure spray into fragile mortar joints or around plantings. As with all peroxide-based cleaners, wear eye protection and gloves during application.
Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete & Driveway
Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway is explicitly designed for driveways, walkways, patios and masonry surfaces. It tackles oil stains, rust, grease, automotive fluids, tire marks and exhaust buildup, making it well-suited for brick-adjacent concrete features and masonry patios. Like other Oxy Solve products, it relies on peroxide chemistry to lift grime without harsh chemicals, reducing the risk of color loss on bricks when used as directed.
For brick cleaning, apply evenly, let the formula dwell, then agitate if needed before rinsing. Because brick can be porous, multiple light passes may yield better results than a single heavy application. Always ensure thorough rinsing to prevent residue from darkening the brick over time. Personal protective equipment is advised during handling and spraying.
Kärcher Multi-Purpose Detergent
Kärcher’s Multi-Purpose Pressure Washer Detergent is designed for broad compatibility with most consumer gas and electric pressure washers. It is highly concentrated and can be diluted to create up to five gallons of cleaning solution from a single quart of concentrate, making it a value-driven option for cleaning brick, concrete, fences, patios and other exterior surfaces. The formula is intended to help remove dirt, grime and some stains efficiently when used with the appropriate spray nozzle and pressure setting.
When using this detergent on brick, consider the level of staining and the pressure rating of your washer. Start with a milder dilution to reduce potential mortar or brick surface disruption, then increase as needed. Always rinse thoroughly to prevent detergent residues from affecting brick color and texture. Store the concentrate in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations help users pick the right brick cleaner for their pressure washer and masonry surfaces. Here are the main factors to weigh when selecting a product:
- Surface compatibility: Brick, mortar, stone, and concrete respond differently to cleaners. Peroxide-based formulas are typically gentler on brick finishes and mortar joints, but always test on a small area first.
- Concentration and dilution: Concentrates offer greater value per use, but require accurate mixing. Ready-to-use formulas are convenient for quick jobs but may be less cost-efficient for large areas.
- Stain type and intensity: Mildew and algae require oxygen/peroxide-based cleaners; oil and rust stains may need stronger degreasers or longer dwell times.
- Eco-friendliness and safety: Look for biodegradable formulas and low VOC content if runoff could reach landscaping or play areas. Avoid cleaners with chlorine or acidic components near bricks with lime mortar.
- Application method: Surface cleaners or rotating nozzles can speed large-area brick cleaning, while hand-poured detergents may suit smaller jobs or intricate brickwork.
- Compatibility with equipment: Ensure the cleaner is compatible with your pressure washer’s PSI, GPM and the machine’s warranty requirements. Some products warn against certain materials or surfaces.
- Storage and handling: Store concentrates away from heat and moisture; follow label instructions for mixing ratios and dwell times. Wear gloves and eye protection during handling.
- Cost and quantity: Compare price per use rather than per bottle. Concentrates typically reduce long-term costs for frequent brick cleaning tasks.
For brick-focused tasks, the best approach often combines a peroxide-based outdoor cleaner for broad surface dirt and a dedicated masonry cleaner for stubborn stains. A good strategy is to start with a gentle cleaner on brick, observe the results, and progress to stronger formulations only if necessary. Pairing a high-quality detergent with proper rinsing and appropriate nozzle selection can prevent soil rebound and ensure even cleaning across rough brick textures. Finally, consider product compatibility with your specific pressure washer model to avoid voiding warranties or damaging materials.