Everyone loves some exposed brick walls, especially in NYC. Brick walls bridge the past with the present, add texture and character, and just look really cool. But just like everything else in your home, your precious clay and mortar blocks need some TLC from time to time. Humidity, sun, mold, dirt, insects, and time can wear them away. Here are some tips to help you protect and maintain your stunning and timeless interior brick walls.  

Steps to keep interior brick walls beautiful

1. Keep it clean.

Nobody wants to breathe in dust and mold. Furthermore, the presence of dirt and mildew on brick can change its appearance and not in a good way. That said, brick, especially old brick, can be porous and fragile, so you have to be gentle with it.  For dusting, use a microfiber cloth. To give your brick a more thorough clean, use a mixture of water and vinegar or water, salt and a mild dishwashing soap with a cloth or sponge.  If you find some stubborn problem areas, get out a bristle brush, but remember to be gentle.

2. Step up the protection.

Sealing a brick wall is a great way to safeguard its beauty and prevent decay. There are two types of brick sealants, matte and glossy.  If you want to preserve the aged look of the brick, the matte finish is the way to go.  It won’t alter the appearance. If you want to brighten things up a bit, glossy is your best option. It will shine things up.  And if your brick wall is in a bathroom, make sure the sealant is waterproof too. You apply sealers the same way you would any other paint. Apply a couple of coats, making sure the first layer is completely dry before adding another and you’re good to go.  

3. Try out a new look.

Change things up with a coat of paint. White paint, whitewashing, going gray, using darker colors, and staining are all really popular choices. The paint will change the appearance of the bricks, but also add a layer of protection. Just keep in mind that it’s pretty difficult to strip paint off brick, so definitely talk to the landlord first if you’re renting. 

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