How Much Does It Cost to Remove Efflorescence?

By Geoffrey Sperring

February 25, 2026

You've just built a retaining wall using face bricks, and to your horror, you discover a white powdery deposit all over the wall following recent rains. What you're seeing is efflorescence caused by water-soluble mineral salts.

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What Is Efflorescence?

Efflorescence on brick, concrete and paving is a deposit of the mineral calcium carbonate. It's a natural chemical reaction between moisture and water-soluble salts in building materials. These crystalline salts may be white, gray or yellow. They're initially soft, and you can usually remove them by brushing, although they harden over time. You may see efflorescence shortly after construction while the moisture in the mortar or concrete evaporates. Additionally, efflorescence often happens in winter months and during the rainy season.

How Does It Form?

Efflorescence on concrete forms when moisture enters the porous structure. Concrete and mortar naturally contain soluble mineral salts. Water can dissolve tiny amounts of these salts. Capillary action then causes this solution to move to the surface of the structure. When the solution reaches the surface, the water evaporates, leaving behind a crystallized deposit of insoluble calcium carbonate. The same process occurs with brick walls and paving. Efflorescence prevention involves dealing with foundation issues and poor drainage that allow moisture to seep into walls and paving.

How Can You Remove Efflorescence From Brick or Concrete?

Initially, the mineral salt deposits are relatively soft, but they harden over time and stain concrete and brickwork. Calcium carbonate removal methods include dry brushing, pressure washing, chemical treatments and acid cleaning. It's best to start with a less aggressive cleaning method and only resort to chemical and acid treatment for stubborn deposits.

Dry Brushing Efflorescence

Mechanical scrubbing is the best way to remove salt deposits and paver efflorescence. You need a stiff brush or rotary scrubber. Brushing breaks the adhesion between the crystalline deposits and the wall. Dry brushing works best for new deposits where the crystals have not fully hardened.

Pressure Washing Efflorescence

If dry scrubbing doesn't work, then consider light pressure washing. Aim the nozzle at an oblique angle so the water has less chance of penetrating the mortar or concrete. After pressure washing, use a wet and dry vacuum or squeegee to remove moisture and remaining slurry. As an alternative, try scrubbing the walls with a stiff brush and clean water. This can be effective if the deposits haven’t hardened with age.

Chemical Treatments

The next step is to use a chemical efflorescence remover. These specially formulated chemicals are generally water-based and biodegradable. Before applying the cleaner, remove all dust and debris with a brush. Wet the surface with water and apply the cleaner using a sprayer or brush. Leave the efflorescence cleaner for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to dissolve the crystals. Rinse the wall with water and allow the surface to dry. Repeat if necessary.

Acid Cleaners

As a last resort, try an acidic cleaner for efflorescence. Contractors commonly use muriatic acid, a 25% to 35% solution of hydrochloric acid. This highly reactive acid penetrates brickwork and etches the surface. Be aware that muriatic acid is extremely hazardous. Wear full protective gear, including goggles, face shield, gloves, protective clothing and a respirator.

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How Much Does Professional Efflorescence Removal Cost?

It's generally best to leave masonry cleaning to a professional who has the skills, knowledge and equipment to perform the cleaning. According to Homewyse, the average cost of professional brick cleaning is from $0.54 to $0.68 (CAD 0.74 to CAD 0.93) a square foot. You can expect to pay the same for cleaning efflorescence on concrete and paving.

Pressure Washing

The cost to pressure wash walls varies from $0.26 to $0.51 (CAD 0.35 to CAD 0.70) per square foot. For a wall area of 500 square feet, the total cost of professional pressure washing is from $130 to $255 (CAD 175 to CAD 350).

Acid and Chemical Brick Cleaning

Professional acid and chemical cleaning costs from $1.00 to $3.50 (CAD 1.37 to CAD 4.78) per square foot. For a wall of 500 square feet, efflorescence removal cost varies between $500 and $1,750 (CAD 683 and CAD 2,391).

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

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