A: If you're seeing a white, powdery discoloration on the brick, then it's called efflorescence. This is the common result of mineral salts leaching out of the brick. The good news is that it's not harmful to the brick. To remove the efflorescence, mix a heavily diluted solution of water and muriatic acid.

How do I remove efflorescence from brick?

Spray a solution of vinegar and water on the brick and scrub it with a brush. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the surface and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, spray the bricks with the mixture again and use a stiff brush to scrub away the efflorescence.

What causes bricks to turn white?

Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts that can form when water is present in or on brick, concrete, stone, stucco or other building surfaces. It has a white or greyish tint and consists of salt deposits left behind when water evaporates.