Feb 6, 2022
Acid washing is a masonry cleaning technique that uses a diluted acid solution—typically muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid)—to remove stains, mortar smears, efflorescence (white salt deposits), or grime from brick, stone, or concrete surfaces. It’s commonly used after new brickwork is completed to clean off excess mortar or to restore the appearance of old, discolored masonry.
How Acid Washing Works:
Surface Preparation: The area is pre-wet with water to prevent the acid from soaking too deeply into the masonry.
Application: A diluted acid solution is carefully applied to the surface with a brush or sprayer.
Reaction Time: The acid reacts with the surface to break down unwanted residues.
Rinse: The area is thoroughly rinsed—often multiple times—with clean water to neutralize and remove the acid.