Key takeaways
- It is salt left behind when water evaporates
- It shows that water is moving through the masonry
- Dry brushing and the right cleaner remove it
- The cure is to find and reduce the water source
White powder or crust on brick looks alarming, but it is a clue more than a problem.
What it is
Water moves through masonry and dissolves natural salts. When the water reaches the surface and dries, the salt stays behind as a white deposit.
What it tells you
The salt is usually harmless, but the water is not. Leaks, bad flashing, poor grading and failed joints all feed it.
How to clean it
Start with a dry stiff brush. A mild cleaner can lift the rest. Flooding the wall with water can drive more salt into the brick, so go gently.
Stopping it coming back
Fix the source of water, repair open joints and, where it helps, finish with a breathable sealer.
Related services
Questions about your own masonry? Call or text 800-224-9245, or use the estimate form below.