How to Remove Calcium Deposits From a Red Brick Driveway
A red brick driveway adds style to the entrance to your home. Over time, calcium deposits may form on red brick from constant exposure to water from sprinklers and rain. While the acid in rainfall typically removes some calcium deposits, red clay brick has a high acidity resistance, and you may find your driveway taking on a white hue. Cleaning with a power washer or a hose alone will not remove the calcium deposits. You need an acid-based solution to remove calcium deposits from a red brick driveway. Use a mild acid-based solution of vinegar and water or a tougher, chemical solution -- such as TSP, trisodium phosphate -- for stubborn calcium deposits.
Vinegar Solution
Step 1
Spray the brick driveway with a 3,000 psi or less power washer to remove loose dirt. A low psi power washer will remove topical dirt without disturbing the mortar and will not etch the bricks.
Step 2
Put on protective gloves and clothing before you mix the cleaning solution. Wear protective eyewear and a mask to protect you from splashing.
Step 3
Mix 2 cups of white distilled vinegar with 2 gallons of hot water in a bucket.
Step 4
Spray the brick driveway with the hose to thoroughly wet the pavement.
Step 5
Scour the brick surface with the vinegar and water solution using a stiff bristle brush.
- Spray the brick driveway with a 3,000 psi or less power washer to remove loose dirt.
- Put on protective gloves and clothing before you mix the cleaning solution.
Step 6
Rinse the driveway with clean water.
TSP Solution
Step 1
Wash away dirt and grime from the bricks with a low power 3,000 psi power washer.
Step 2
Put on protective clothing, gloves, eyewear and a mask before you mix the chemical cleaning solution.
Step 3
Mix 2 cups of TSP with 2 gallons of hot water in a bucket. Use a plastic bucket rather than metal with this chemical solution to prevent any adverse chemical reactions.
Step 4
Rinse the brick with the garden hose.
Step 5
Scrub the red brick with the TSP and water solution with a stiff bristle brush. A bristle brush will not loosen the mortar between the bricks the way a wire brush will.
- Rinse the driveway with clean water.
- Scrub the red brick with the TSP and water solution with a stiff bristle brush.
Step 6
Rinse the bricks with clean water.
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Writer Bio
After attending the University of Missouri St. Louis, Stephanie Rempe worked as a documentation manager in the finance industry 10 years before turning to her first love, writing, which she's been doing professionally since 2008. She currently divides her time between Missouri and her fiance's hometown in Oregon. In addition to her freelance writing, Rempe is working on a romance novel and short stories.
