The best way to clean your home exterior and vinyl siding is with a pressure washer, better known as power washing by some. It allows two story home owners to avoid the use of ladders, helps save water, is easy to use and reaches difficult corners and stains.
A pressure washer is a great investment for any home because it can also be used to clean your deck, prep your home for paint jobs, and to wash your car. Speak to a professional about the type of pressure washer that would work best for you, your family and your home. Some equipment stores also allow you to rent pressure washers if you aren’t sure about purchasing one just yet.
For vinyl siding it is recommended to get a pressure washer with 2500-3000 psi. You don’t want to get a washer that is too strong, because these machines can be dangerous and can potentially damage not only your home but you as well if not used correctly. You also don’t want to low ball it because you may find the pressure washing isn’t cleaning anything after all.
Once you get the pressure washer, the other tools you will need are:
- a house wash or side cleaning detergent
- garden hose
- protective covering or plastic drop cloths
- gloves and safety goggles
Safety always comes first, make sure you have a clear path to walk through for when you are power washing. Also close all windows and cover any plants or pots. Since many pressure washers are electric, electrocution is an issue, cover all electric outlets and avoid lights.
Now you are ready to start cleaning!
- Always maintain a distance from you and the siding. Depending on the pressure, 3 to 5 feet should be an adequate distance. Similar to how you handle your garden hose, check the pressure and test it out before washing the siding of your home.
- First wash your home with the detergent. If you have mildew or stains, make sure to dilute bleach solutions before putting them into your pressure washer. Bleach alone will damage your machine. Wash your home from the bottom and work your way up.
- When rinsing the detergent off the surface of your home, prevent streaks and follow the opposite direction your followed when washing by starting at the top and working your way horizontally and then down.
- Always spray at an angle and never directly on. And rinse with fresh water until all of the detergent has come off your home.
Good luck and happy cleaning!