Reader support keeps this site open, opinionated, and happily independent. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Brick Cleaner For Outdoor Use | Stop Pouring Bleach

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RMR-86 is the fastest-acting mold and mildew stain remover in this lineup. It works on contact — spray it on black-stained brick, concrete, or stone and you’ll literally watch the discoloration fade within seconds without scrubbing. The active chemistry is essentially bleach amplified, which gives it unrivaled speed but also means you must wear a full-face respirator and chemical gloves during application. The 1-gallon size is ideal for a chimney, a retaining wall, or a large patio section, and users report that it takes about 24 hours for the stain to vanish completely on deep-set mold.

This is a stain remover, not a surface sealer or a long-term mold inhibitor. After the stains lift, you’ll want to apply a siloxane sealer to prevent moisture from feeding future mold growth. The fumes are potent enough that even outdoors you should work upwind and keep pets and plants covered — overspray can bleach vegetation. On the positive side, the no-scrub formula saves hours of labor on textured brick surfaces where a brush can’t reach every crevice.

Buyers with bounce houses, concrete floors, and shower grout have all confirmed its effectiveness on mold stains. The gallon jug includes a spray nozzle, but several users recommend storing the concentrate with the original screw cap to prevent leaks. For the user who wants instant visual results on stubborn mildew stains and is willing to suit up with PPE, RMR-86 is unmatched.

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If you have painted brick, wooden siding, or any surface near delicate landscaping, CLR PRO’s bleach-free formula is the smart choice. It uses hydrogen peroxide-based chemistry to lift mold and mildew stains without the harsh chlorine smell or the risk of bleaching fabric patio cushions. The EPA Safer Choice certification means the formula contains no phosphates, ammonia, or bleach — a real advantage when runoff heads toward your lawn or garden. Users report that applying it with a damp cloth and letting it sit overnight reduces even large areas of black mold on caulking and concrete.

This product is less aggressive than RMR-86. It’s effective on newer, surface-level mold but requires repeated applications for deeply embedded stains on stone and concrete. One reviewer noted it took several treatments to remove old mildew from a stone patio. It also does not work on rust stains, so if your brick has orange iron discoloration, you’ll need a dedicated rust remover. The 1-gallon jug is heavy at over 8 pounds, so you’ll want to decant it into a spray bottle for easier handling on vertical brick walls.

For homeowners who want a responsible, low-odor cleaner that won’t harm their plants or their pet’s paws, CLR PRO delivers solid results. It’s also effective inside the home on shower grout and baseboards, making it a versatile multi-surface purchase. Just be patient with older, deeper stains and expect multiple passes.

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Jomax is a bleach-free concentrate designed to treat large exterior surfaces like siding, fences, decks, and patios — and it works beautifully on outdoor brick when diluted correctly. One gallon of concentrate makes up to 5 gallons of cleaning solution, covering up to 1,500 square feet. You mix it with water in a pump-up garden sprayer, wet the brick, and let natural weather conditions handle the stain removal over a few days. No scrubbing, no pressure washing — the formula breaks down algae and mold biologically.

The trade-off is speed. Unlike instant-action sprays, Jomax takes 24-48 hours to show results, and some users report needing to hose off a light residue after treatment. It’s also not effective on heavy oil or grease stains — this is strictly a mold, mildew, and algae cleaner for porous surfaces. Many buyers have used it for years on their homes before painting, and several reviewers confirm it works on shower grout as well. The lack of bleach means you can use it near painted trim without fear of discoloration.

For the budget-conscious homeowner who wants to treat an entire brick wall or patio without renting a pressure washer, Jomax is the most economical choice per square foot. Just plan ahead — apply it on a dry day and let the rain do the rinsing for you. Avoid windy conditions to prevent overspray on cars or windows.

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Quick Prep is not a stain remover — it’s a surface preparation tool designed for bare concrete brick that will be painted, stained, or coated with epoxy. The 3-in-1 chemistry cleans dirt, degreases oil, and lightly etches the surface to promote coating adhesion in a single step. For garage floors, concrete driveways, or brick patios that you plan to seal or paint, this product eliminates the need for separate degreasing and acid etching stages. One gallon covers about 250 square feet.

Users report that this formula excels on 10-to-15-year-old garage floors with heavy grease and oil buildup, but it requires vigorous scrubbing with a stiff brush or a scrubbing machine for the best results. The manufacturer recommends a dwell time of no more than 10 minutes before rinsing, so you need to work in manageable sections. The Low-VOC formulation is safe near grass, but overspray should still be avoided. It’s not designed for mold removal — if your brick has organic growth, address that with a mold-specific cleaner first.

If your brick project involves applying a coating like Rocksolid or a masonry paint, Quick Prep is the right first step. Skip it if you only need to remove mildew stains from a decorative brick wall — you’ll want a dedicated mold remover instead. For DIY epoxy enthusiasts, this product is a reliable foundation layer.

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When a simple spray won’t cut through the black tire marks and cooking grease that has soaked into your brick driveway, Zep’s construction-grade degreaser is the answer. This concentrate is designed for professionals who need to remove heavy hydrocarbon stains from concrete, brick, asphalt, and pavers. Users have reported that it completely erased a large greasy grill spill from a concrete patio that had resisted other cleaners. The key is following the directions precisely — apply with a mop or pump sprayer, scrub with a brush, and rinse thoroughly within 10 minutes of contact time.

For large surface areas, this product can be diluted according to the stain severity, making it very economical per square foot. It does have a strong chemical scent, so working in a well-ventilated area is necessary. The case of 4 is heavy (over 37 pounds), but if you’re tackling a large driveway or commercial walkway, the value is substantial. Some users found the cleaning power weaker than expected on extremely set-in stains, but a pre-treatment step for older stains is recommended by the manufacturer.

This is not a mold remover — it’s a degreaser. If your brick has both organic growth and grease stains, use a mold remover first, then follow up with Zep for the greasy spots. For homeowners with a heavily stained brick driveway or garage floor who want professional-level results, Zep is the right tool for the job.

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Once you’ve cleaned your brick, protecting it from future water damage is just as important. MasonryDefender’s Chimney Brick Sealer is a clear, water-based siloxane formula that penetrates deep into the brick pores and creates a breathable, water-repellent barrier. It’s designed specifically for vertical masonry surfaces like chimney stacks and brick walls, where trapped moisture causes freeze-thaw spalling over winter. The sealer is non-film-forming, meaning it won’t change the brick’s color or flake off over time — water beads on the surface and runs off while trapped vapor escapes.

One gallon covers 80-150 square feet for two coats. Application is straightforward with a pump-up garden sprayer, though you should use drop cloths to protect shingles and windows — overspray wipes off easily with soapy water if addressed within 10 minutes. The sealer dries to the touch in 2-6 hours and becomes fully waterproof in 4-6 hours, continuing to strengthen over several weeks.

This sealer is specifically optimized for vertical applications. If you’re sealing a flat patio or walkway, the All Purpose version (next in this list) is a better choice. For anyone who has invested time in cleaning their brick chimney or retaining wall, applying this sealer extends the clean look for years and prevents the need for frequent re-cleaning.

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For homeowners with large patios, long walkways, or wide concrete driveways, the 2.5-gallon size of MasonryDefender’s All Purpose sealer makes it the most practical option for substantial sealing projects. This silane-siloxane blend penetrates deeper than standard siloxane alone, offering superior protection against water intrusion while remaining completely breathable. It’s suitable for concrete, brick, patio stones, limestone, granite, and sidewalks — making it a versatile choice for the entire property. One gallon covers 90-150 square feet, so the 2.5-gallon container can handle up to 375 square feet with two coats.

Users confirm that the product beads water effectively after just two coats, and it has successfully stopped water seepage from basement ceilings where previous repairs had failed. The sealer dries clear and does not create a glossy finish, preserving the natural look of the brick. Some users noted that shaking the container thoroughly before use is critical to avoid clumps that can clog the spray nozzle. It also dries quickly, so you’ll want to apply it in manageable sections to ensure even coverage.

This is not a cleaner — it’s a protective coating applied after brick has been thoroughly cleaned and dried. The sealer lasts for years under normal weather conditions, resisting UV degradation and foot traffic. For anyone who wants to seal a brick patio, walkway, or driveway after a deep clean, the All Purpose sealer in this large format delivers both value and performance.