Removing cement stains from brick face

Possom

I've heard that hydrochloric acid (which can be purchased on eBay or Amazon) can be used to remove cement stains from red brick face. Can it also be purchased in DIY stores (I couldn't see it on B&Q or HomeBase websites)?

Can anyone confirm if this is a good product for this purpose, or would you recommend another product?

Thanks.

rich13348

Hydrochloric acid is a very dangerous product and can be harmful to people and buildings and foundations if you were planning on using it you would have to make sure that any that was spilt was neutralized so it didn't get into ground water or to foundations.

A_Frayed_Knot

How about sanding it, or power washing?

Possom

A_Frayed_Knot wrote: »

How about sanding it, or power washing?

I don't think power washing would remove cement stains. Sanding may damage the face of the red brick.

27col

rich13348 wrote: »

Hydrochloric acid is a very dangerous product and can be harmful to people and buildings and foundations if you were planning on using it you would have to make sure that any that was spilt was neutralized so it didn't get into ground water or to foundations.

A bit exaggerated and scare-mongering I feel. I have used a mortar removing product on both my self build houses. I think that it was called Disclene or something similar. The amount that you use is usually very small and as it is applied with a brush, is hardly likely to damage foundations. It is very effective on newish mortar, but less so on old and hardened mortar.
Obviously one needs to take sensible precautions when using it. But that applies to almost all building products.

ceredigion

brick cleaner
http://www.jewson.co.uk/building-materials/bricks-blocks/bricks/brick-cleaners/products/LECBPC05/jewson-brick-26-patio-cleaner-5l/