Brick flooring is durable and beautiful, but it’s also one of the hardest surfaces to maintain correctly. Dirt gets trapped deep in pores, stains settle quickly, and unsealed brick absorbs moisture like a sponge. And while many homeowners start by searching “how to clean and seal brick floors,” most quickly realize something:
Brick floors require specialized cleaning and sealing to stay protected long-term.
This guide is written specifically for homeowners, who want clean, protected, long-lasting brick flooring and are deciding whether to handle it themselves or call a professional.
What Most People Don’t Know About Brick Floor Cleaning
Brick looks tough, but it’s actually one of the most porous and absorbent flooring materials you can have. Without the right cleaning approach, you can easily cause:
Uneven color
Dull appearance
Deep-set stains
Surface erosion
Moisture absorption
Grout discoloration
White powder (efflorescence)
Standard mops and over the counter cleaners simply can’t reach the dirt packed inside the texture and pores of brick.
This is why brick floors often look dirty again just days after DIY cleaning.
How to Clean a Brick Floor (Basic At-Home Care Only)
Many homeowners search how to clean brick floors, but the truth is:
you can only safely handle basic surface cleaning on your own. Anything deeper should be done professionally to avoid damaging the brick or ruining the sealer.
Here’s the only safe at home method:
1. Sweep or vacuum thoroughly
Brick holds dust inside tiny pores and grooves. Removing loose dirt prevents scratching.
2. Use a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner
Avoid vinegar, bleach, degreasers, or acidic cleaners they can etch brick, strip protection, and cause discoloration.
3. Lightly scrub with a soft-bristle brush
Just enough to remove surface grime. Deep scrubbing can break down old sealers and open the pores.
4. Rinse with clean water
Residual soap causes haziness and uneven color.
5. Allow full drying time
Brick holds moisture longer than most flooring. Any leftover moisture leads to mildew, odor, and issues during sealing.
Important:
This routine only cleans surface-level dirt. It cannot:
Remove deep stains
Lift grease or embedded soil
Restore faded or dull brick
Fix uneven color
Clean out grout lines
Protect brick from future damage
That’s why professional brick floor cleaning and sealing is needed for long-term results.
Hardware-store sealers, harsh chemicals, and over-scrubbing often do more harm than good and can permanently damage brick.
Why Sealing Your Brick Floor is Non-Negotiable
A professionally cleaned brick floor is only half the job. Without a high-quality sealant, your beautiful, clean floor will begin to absorb dirt, oils, and spills immediately.
Sealing is the ultimate protection and the key to long-term, low-maintenance brick flooring.
Stain Prevention: Sealer acts as a barrier, preventing red wine, oil, pet messes, and general grime from sinking into the porous brick and grout. Spills simply bead on the surface for easy wipe-up.
Moisture and Mold Control: For interior brick (especially basements or humid areas), a professional impregnating sealer limits moisture absorption, which is critical for preventing mold, mildew, and efflorescence (the white, powdery salt deposits).
Enhanced Appearance: Depending on your preference, we offer two primary types of professional-grade sealants:
Natural/Invisible Finish: Preserves the brick’s original color and texture while still offering maximum protection.
Gloss/Enhancing Finish: Adds a slight sheen and deepens the natural colors of the brick, giving it a richer, “wet” look.
Professional Brick Floor Cleaning & Sealing (Our Proven Process)
Knight’s Coastal Cleaning Solutions uses a structured process designed to restore and protect brick floors the right way.
1. Deep Pore Cleaning
We use:
Professional-grade rotary scrubbers
Hot-water extraction
Eco-safe, brick-safe solutions
This removes embedded dirt that normal cleaning can’t reach.
2. Neutralization & Drying
We restore the correct pH level and ensure proper drying for perfect sealer adhesion.
3. Premium Sealing Application
We apply commercial-grade sealers designed for durability, color enhancement, and strong stain protection.
The result?
A cleaner, richer, more vibrant brick floor with long-lasting protection and easier maintenance.
Interior vs. Exterior Brick Floor Maintenance
Interior Brick (Mudrooms, Kitchens, Basements)
Needs gentle cleaning
Requires a penetrating sealer
Must avoid acids & harsh chemicals
Exterior Brick (Patios, Entryways, Walkways)
Must withstand rain, moisture, and UV
Needs a more durable, weather-resistant sealer
Requires deeper cleaning before sealing
Conclusion
Your brick floor is a standout feature of your home or business. Don’t risk its structural integrity and aesthetic value with guesswork and generic cleaning products.
Choosing Knight’s Coastal Cleaning Solutions for your brick floor cleaning and sealing is an investment that pays for itself through longer-lasting protection, better appearance, and fewer maintenance headaches.
We deliver the deep clean your floor needs and the protective seal it deserves, backed by the expertise of true cleaning specialists.
Ready to restore your brick floors?
Book Your Brick Floor Restoration Service Today!