White Stains on Brick (Exterior of House) (mover, garden)

[newmom101]

There are white stains on the exterior of my brick cape house. I did a little research online and think that this problem is effloresence (old salt and mineral deposits resulting from water exposure over time). Most of the stains are below window areas, which tend to collect water.

Can anyone recommend a good product that is effective in removing these white stains? After the effloresence remover is applied, I understand that a sealant (to prevent future water seepage) is necessary.

I'll like to get rid of these ugly, white stains once and for all. Any advice is welcome. Thanks!

[pjes]

Effloresence is the result of water getting into the brick, desolving salt and then bringing that salt to the surface of the brick and evaporating leaving the salt behind. Get rid of it by trying the easy ways first. Hose down with a garden hose, if that doesn't work hose in one hand scrub brush in the other, if that doesn't work then a power washer, next up would be muriatic acid. If you have to use acid you will have to do the whole wall and hose down everything it touches. If it still doesn't come off call a pro.
Sealing is not the way to stop efflorescence. Since the water gets behind and into the brick from the top, sealing the face will trap water in the brick and after a few winters your selant will crack or your brick will. If your problem is under windows, than you need to look at the sills or the flashing to find how the water is getting into and behind the brick and stop it there

[PANIC]

It can also be 3 other things , caulking , aluminum capping it can age and stain or paint . Before you waste your time and money first find out what it is exactly .