Hi Ralph,

When you say collecting bricks you do mean the ones for building houses & casinos I hope, if you do then you can clean them with a mixture of Muriatic Acid & water I think the quantity is 1 part acid to 3 parts water & use a brush called a whitewash brush / distemper brush that is what they're called in Australia, your local hardware store will have all the things you need.

Good Luck

Brian R 4575