Over time, you may notice dirt, grime, and other unwanted stains that tarnish the look of your house. While there may be places where you can easily clean, sometimes those stubborn and hard to reach places requires a pressure washer. Using water exerted at high pressure can blast off tough grime from your home’s exterior. This method is extremely beneficial to get rid of the unattractive build-up to restore structures from stucco, aluminum, steel, wood, and brick. Pressure washing can be performed every few years for general maintenance but also it’s a great way to prepare for exterior paintings.
Pressure washers use a high-pressure water spray that is ideal for tough cleaning. However, the task takes some skills and preparation.
If you spray too aggressively, it could harm siding or paint and easily damage the exterior. Pressure washing requires some serious physical labor like scrubbing and spraying. Lastly, a pressure washer can be used dangerously and failure to follow safety measures could result in personal injury. Hiring a professional may be best advised because they are equipped with specific equipment and experience in a successful cleaning job.
If you have a pressure washer or want to do it yourself, here are instructions on how to pressure wash your house.
Tools and Materials
- Drop cloths
- Duct tape
- Detergent with mildewcide
- Bleach
- 5-gallon mixing bucket
- Siding brush with extension handle
- Stiff deck cleaning brush with extension handle
- Garden sprayer
- Garden hose
- Safety goggles
- Pressure washer
- 6-foot to 12-foot extension wand
Before You Begin Pressure Washing
Prepare yourself by wearing eye protection to protect your eyes from any projectiles of dirt, rock, wood, and water. Pressure washers are powerful enough to cause blindness if sprayed at eye-level and tear off skin. Make sure you cover or close any outdoor plug outlets to prevent water from getting inside. Also, be aware of any overhead power lines that could be struck by the extension wand. Never use a ladder with a power washer because it could propel you off.
Step 1
Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover shrubbery, gardens, and lawn. Secure the clothes and setting with duct tape.
Step 2
Follow the pressure washer’s instructions for your detergent with mildewcide to mix with water in the 5-gallon bucket. Add one part bleach for every nine part of the mildewcide detergent solution. Pour this solution into the garden sprayer.
Step 3
Set the pressure washer up by locating the hose mount on the back of the pressure washer, attach the garden hose to this mount as well to the hose faucet. If doing a two-story house, you will want to do the top floor first with the attachment wand.
Step 4
Thoroughly spray a single floor of your home with the mildewcide solution, starting from the bottom of the section and working your way up. Gently but firmly wash the siding with the soft siding brush. Working up is the most effective way because, if you start from top to bottom the sides and liquid will run down the wall. This could potentially obscure sections that can be overlooked.
Step 5
When the solution has been applied and scrubbed thoroughly, put on the safety goggles and turn on the pressure washer. Start by standing three feet away from the house to remove dirt without damaging the house. Work your way in inches and gauge the cleaning power. Continue to work until you find the right distance.
Step 6
At the top of the scrubbed section, spray overhangs and work your way down.
Step 7
Move to the next section and repeat until you have cleaned the entire home. When finished, remove drop cloths and plastic sheeting and throw away. Put all cleaning and equipment away. Wait at least two days for the exterior to dry thoroughly before doing any paintwork.
HydroClean Pressure Washing Asheville, NC
If you decide you don’t want to spend the money on costly equipment, or dedicate long hours of labor into pressure washing your house, consider letting the professions take over. HydroClean offers excellent pressure washing services in the Asheville area. With over 21 years in the industry, HydroClean makes the process easy as possible for their clients. If you would like to know more about the team and how HydroClean can help make your porch shine, please contact us.