Hi,
I’ve just finished repointing and cleaning a few small granite and sandstone walls and there is still some whitish appearence to the stones when they dry off. If I wet them they look perfect but as soon as they dry they have some type of what I think is mortar residue over the surface.
What is the best way to get that off. I have some muriatic acid but that could be over kill, is there any off the shelf cleaning agent specifically designed for this.
Thanks,
Wayne
Replies
bump
what ever happened to Brickie?
Find in the yellow pages, or inquire at the local lumberyard for the location of a Brick & Block company.
Ask the sales person at the desk for Prosoco Brick Ceaning Solution...a non acid cleaner.
Other brands may be available....
Vinegar works as a very weak acid to remove grout smudges.
.............Iron Helix
Thanks IronHelix, I'll give those 2 a shot.Best,Wayne
waynew
Dilute that muratic acid with water.. you'll want a 5% solution. spray it on with one of those pump sprayers and let it sit for about 30 minutes.. Then hose it off. let dry and if there still is a film increase the strength to 10 % (you waited too long to flush the residue off and didn't do a complete job when you did)
To avoid that on future jobs make sure that your wash off sponge is only dipped into crystal clean water. I have several sponges which I dip into the water only once then toss the dirty one down to my wife who completely rinses it out using the garden hose and tosses it back up to me.
Muriatic acid (Hydrochloric acid)is very corrosive.
It also can attack bare skin and sear your lungs.. (even diluted) It will need plenty of ventilation.
This is just a suggestion, but my remedy will cost nothing, require no hazard disposal problems,or toxicity. Simply consume lots of Mexican food (or Sushi) and wash it down with citrus drinks.
It also helps to do strenuous push ups and the like. Soon your gastric juices will want to vent.... (Barfing? Tossing one's cookies?
Gather up the erupted mass and apply to the stone liberally. Rinse with cold water. (your stone and hands)
Steinmetz.