Old timer on site taught me a brick washing trick

Had a job over in Tacoma last spring, 124th and Pacific. This retired mason, Frank, wandered over from the next lot. Said I was scrubbing the new brick too hard with acid. Told me to use a lighter mix, like 5 parts water, and let it sit longer. Saved me three hours of elbow work that day. Anyone else got tips on cleaning efflorescence off fresh work?

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elizabeth_gonzalez1mo ago

Ever notice how most tricks in trades are just about working smarter, not harder? Same thing with my dad and his table saw. Spent years pushing wood through fast, got burn marks every time. Then some old guy told him to slow down and let the blade do the work. Weird how the older generation always figures out the lazy way that works better. Frank probably learned that trick back when brick was cheaper and time was money. Half the battle is just listening to the guys who've already ruined a few batches of brick so you don't have to.