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Brick surfaces develop a tired, patchy look over time as moss, mildew, soot, and efflorescence settle deep into the pores. The right cleaner erases those stains without damaging the masonry — but the wrong one leaves a chalky residue or fades the color permanently.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time comparing chemical formulations, reading hundreds of owner reports, and studying surface-compatibility data so you don’t have to guess which product actually works.
After carefully studying owner reports and comparing chemical formulations across leading brands, I’ve identified the Rust-Oleum Jomax as the top best cleaner for bricks.
How To Choose The Best Cleaner For Bricks
Not every stain responds to the same chemistry. Choosing the wrong cleaner can etch the brick or leave a white film that looks worse than the original mark. Here are the three most important factors to weigh before buying.
Formula Type — Bleach vs. Bleach-Free
Bleach-based cleaners kill mold instantly and whiten mortar lines, but they can also lighten the brick colour unevenly and damage nearby plants. Bleach-free alternatives, like Rust-Oleum Jomax, rely on oxygenated compounds that lift organic stains without altering the masonry’s natural hue. If your brick is painted or aged, a bleach-free formula is almost always the safer choice.
Application Method — Spray, Scrub, or Pressure Wash
Some cleaners work by simple contact — spray on, let it dwell, and rinse off. Others require mechanical agitation with a stiff brush. For vertical brick walls or chimney exteriors, a thickened spray that clings to the surface delivers better dwell time. For horizontal pavers or walkways, a concentrate you apply with a garden sprayer and then rinse is faster and more economical.
Surface Compatibility
Brick, stone, concrete, and masonry all have different porosity and pH sensitivities. A glass-and-masonry cleaner designed for fireplace surrounds may not have enough bite for heavy moss on a retaining wall. Conversely, an industrial-strength mold remover can damage soft brick or leave etching on glazed surfaces. Always verify that the label specifically lists brick as an approved surface.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rust-Oleum Jomax | Concentrate | Large brick patios & siding | Makes 5 gallons; 1,500 sq. ft. | Amazon |
| RMR-86 Instant Mold Remover | Spray | Deep-set mildew on brick walls | 1 gallon; no scrubbing needed | Amazon |
| Imperial KK0047 Clear Flame | Masonry Spray | Fireplace brick & glass doors | 16 oz; thickened formula | Amazon |
| Drillbrush Nylon Brush Set | Brush Kit | Grout lines & tight crevices | 4-piece; stiff nylon bristles | Amazon |
| Hearth & Stove Glass Cleaner | Glass Cleaner | Brick-adjacent glass & small areas | 2 lbs; biodegradable formula | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Rust-Oleum Jomax 308764 Spray Once
The Rust-Oleum Jomax is a bleach-free concentrate that covers up to 1,500 square feet when diluted — making it the most economical option for large brick patios, walkways, and siding. Owners report that it lifts moss, mildew, and even dark lichen stains without needing a pressure washer, and the lack of bleach means you won’t accidentally lighten aged brick or kill nearby shrubs.
Application is straightforward: mix the concentrate with water in a pump-up garden sprayer, wet the brick, and let the weather do the rest. The formula works gradually with natural rain and UV to break down organic stains, so there’s no frantic scrubbing or rinsing. Multiple reviewers note that stubborn areas may need a second application after a week, but the result is an even, clean surface without chemical streaking.
Where the Jomax truly earns its top spot is in versatility. It’s labeled for siding, fences, decks, patios, and roofs, so one bottle handles the entire exterior. For brick specifically, the bleach-free chemistry preserves the original color while removing the grime that makes masonry look neglected.
What works
- Bleach-free formula protects brick color
- Concentrate provides excellent coverage per dollar
- No scrubbing or rinsing required
What doesn’t
- Works slowly — can take 1-2 weeks for full results
- Requires a pump sprayer (sold separately)
- Less effective on heavy soot or creosote
2. RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray
The RMR-86 is a professional-strength spray that starts dissolving mold and mildew stains the moment it touches the brick. It’s designed for deep-set discoloration that has penetrated the porous surface, and the ready-to-use formula means you don’t need to mix or dilute — just spray, watch the stain fade, and rinse after a few minutes.
Owner feedback consistently praises the speed. Many report that stains which had been on brick walls for years begin to lift within 60 seconds. The formula is safe for use on brick, concrete, wood, vinyl, and drywall, making it a solid choice for mixed-surface cleaning projects like patio walls or chimney surrounds. The 1-gallon size provides enough volume for multiple applications on moderate staining.
One trade-off is the strong chemical odor, which requires good ventilation and PPE during application. Also, because it’s a powerful oxidizer, you should test an inconspicuous area first — especially on painted or sealed brick. For raw, uncoated brick with serious mildew, though, the RMR-86 delivers results faster than almost any other spray on the market.
What works
- Starts dissolving stains immediately
- Ready-to-use — no mixing required
- Works on multiple outdoor surfaces
What doesn’t
- Strong fumes require ventilation and PPE
- Not ideal for large areas due to cost per square foot
- May lighten painted or sealed brick
3. Imperial KK0047 Clear Flame 2 In 1 Glass and Masonry Cleaner
The Imperial Clear Flame is a 2-in-1 cleaner formulated specifically for glass and masonry — making it a smart pick if your brick is adjacent to a fireplace glass door or a window. The spray is specially thickened to cling to vertical surfaces, so it doesn’t drip off before it has time to dissolve soot, creosote, and smoke stains.
Owners of wood stoves and fireplaces often use this on the surrounding brick and the glass door in one pass. The improved trigger mechanism includes a child-safety lock, which is a thoughtful addition for homes with curious kids. The formula works on brass, paint, and lacquer without damaging the finish, so it’s safe for fireplace surrounds with metal accents.
The main limitation is the 16-ounce size, which covers only small to medium areas. For a full brick patio or exterior wall, you’d need multiple bottles. But for targeted cleaning on fireplace brick, grill surrounds, or brick veneer near windows, this is the most precisely designed option available.
What works
- Thick formula clings to vertical brick
- Safe on adjacent metal and painted surfaces
- Child-resistant trigger adds safety
What doesn’t
- Small bottle — not suited for large projects
- Less effective on deep moss or lichen
- Premium price per ounce
4. Drillbrush Red Stiff Nylon Bristle Brush Set
Sometimes the best cleaner for bricks isn’t a liquid — it’s mechanical leverage applied in the right way. The Drillbrush set includes four stiff nylon brushes that attach to any cordless drill, turning it into a powered scrubber for brick, concrete, stone, and grout lines. The 4-inch round flat brush tackles larger surfaces, while the 2-inch circular brush and crevice tool reach mortar joints and tight corners.
Owner reports highlight how much time the kit saves compared to hand-scrubbing a brick wall or patio. The stiff red nylon bristles are firm enough to dislodge embedded dirt and moss but won’t damage the brick surface when used at moderate speed. The set includes a corner scrub brush for edges and a crevice tool for seams — everything you need to prep brick for a chemical cleaner or to maintain it between deep cleans.
This kit is a companion product rather than a standalone cleaner — you still need a chemical solution to dissolve biological stains. But paired with the Rust-Oleum Jomax or RMR-86, it dramatically cuts physical effort and cleans deeper than either spray could alone. The 90-day no-questions return window adds peace of mind.
What works
- Cuts scrubbing time dramatically
- Works on brick, grout, concrete, and stone
- Multiple brush sizes for tight spaces
What doesn’t
- Cordless drill not included
- Does not remove stains — only agitates
- Bristles wear down over time on rough brick
5. Hearth & Stove Glass Cleaner
This cleaner from Northline is formulated primarily for glass doors on hearths and stoves, but its biodegradable formula and non-toxic profile make it a gentle option for cleaning light soot and grime from brick surfaces near fireplaces. If your project is small — a single chimney face or a brick surround — this ready-to-use spray offers a low-odor, plant-friendly alternative to heavy chemicals.
Owners appreciate that it leaves no chalky residue behind, which can be a problem with some masonry cleaners. The 2-pound bottle lasts through multiple cleanings of a standard fireplace brick area. Because it’s marketed as a glass cleaner first, the formula is designed to evaporate streak-free, so it won’t leave water marks on the brick face.
The main drawback is limited scope. This cleaner is not designed for heavy mildew, embedded moss, or large exterior brick projects. For those applications, you’d want the Rust-Oleum Jomax or RMR-86. But for a quick, eco-conscious touch-up on indoor or covered brick, the Hearth & Stove cleaner gets the job done without the chemical smell or disposal concerns.
What works
- Biodegradable and low-odor
- Leaves no chalky residue on brick
- Good for small, indoor brick areas
What doesn’t
- Not strong enough for heavy moss or mildew
- Small volume — not economical for large patios
- Designed primarily for glass, not masonry
Hardware & Specs Guide
Spray Trigger & Cling
Brick is porous and often vertical, so a cleaner that runs off before it dwells will waste product and leave streaks. Thickened sprays like the Imperial Clear Flame use viscosity modifiers to cling to brick faces. For horizontal pavers, a thinner concentrate works fine because gravity keeps it in place. Look for spray triggers that offer a “stream” vs. “mist” option — mist is better for brick because it coats the rough surface evenly without overspray.
Coverage & Concentration
Concentrates like Rust-Oleum Jomax stretch a single bottle across 1,500 square feet, making them the clear choice for large areas. Ready-to-use sprays cap out around 100-200 square feet per bottle. Calculate your brick area (length × height for walls, length × width for patios) before buying. A gallon of concentrate cleans roughly 10x more surface than a gallon of ready-to-use spray — but requires a garden sprayer and proper mixing ratios.
FAQ
Can I use a pressure washer after applying brick cleaner?
Is brick cleaner safe for all types of masonry?
How long should I let the cleaner sit on the brick before rinsing?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners tackling dirty brick, the best cleaner for bricks winner is the Rust-Oleum Jomax because it combines bleach-free safety, massive coverage, and a no-scrub application that works with nature rather than against it. If you need instant results against deep mildew, grab the RMR-86. And for tight spaces and grout lines that sprays can’t reach, nothing beats the Drillbrush brush set paired with your cordless drill.