What Is a Brick Cleaning Specialist?

A Brick Cleaning Specialist is responsible for removing mortar smears, dirt, stains, and construction residue from new brickwork. They ensure your bricks look clean, sharp, and consistent in finish — ready for final inspection, sealing, or handover.



They’re typically engaged after bricklaying and before any external painting, rendering, or sealing work begins.

What Does a Brick Cleaning Specialist Do?

Your Brick Cleaning Specialist will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, they will:

  • Clean all brick and blockwork areas across the dwelling
  • Remove excess mortar, efflorescence (white salt), and general grime
  • Apply a test patch to confirm the best method and avoid brick damage
  • Use approved cleaning solutions — often mild acid — matched to the brick type
  • Protect windows, doors, timber, and concrete with covers before cleaning
  • Neutralise treated areas with a freshwater wash to prevent acid damage
  • Follow correct runoff management and environmental controls to keep the site safe
  • Leave the area neat and residue-free

Tip: Check Brick Cleaning Methods and Site Protection

Ask them to clean a test patch first — every brick reacts differently to acid and water pressure.


Check if your bricks need non-acid solutions — especially for handmade or specialty finishes.


Confirm who’s responsible for protecting nearby materials like windows, doors, timber trims

What to Look For in a Brick Cleaning Specialist

You’re looking for someone who:

  • Specialises in post-construction residential brick cleaning
  • Knows your specific brick type and manufacturer recommendations
  • Uses correct chemicals and avoids high-pressure systems that damage mortar joints
  • Provides environmental management for chemical runoff
  • Can work quickly but safely around completed external surfaces
  • Has references or photos of other homes they’ve cleaned

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Brick Cleaning Specialists, you’ll need:

  • Brickwork completed and scaffold dismantled
  • Type of bricks used (e.g. face brick, textured, handmade)
  • Site access conditions (steep blocks, retaining walls, etc.)
  • Any special surface coatings or finishes applied
  • Your construction timeline for external finishes (e.g. render or paint)

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10   business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I clean the bricks myself with acid?

    You can, but it’s risky. Using the wrong acid strength or pressure can etch the bricks or weaken the mortar. Professional brick cleaners have the right tools, safety training, and experience.

  • Will brick cleaning affect render or paint?

    Yes — which is why brick cleaning must be done first. Any render, paint, or coatings should follow later to avoid damage from acid or runoff.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.