Power Washing Siding

Power Washing Siding

When it comes to house maintenance, a lot of people assume that they’ll never have to worry about their exterior again after the initial installation. But even if you maintain your home well, there will always be dirt and debris that can accumulate on the outside of your house. In order to maintain a healthy coat of paint on your home or rental property, make sure to schedule power washing siding every few years!

What You’ll Need

It’s easy to power wash your siding with these simple tools:

• Garden Hose
• A Watering Can (optional)
• Pressure Washer (available for rent at local hardware stores)
• Water Based Soap or Detergent (optional)

Now that you know the basics of power washing siding, it’s time to learn how to use this tool on your house!

1. Find a safe place to work. When pressure washing, be sure to stay clear of windows, doors, and other areas where water could seep in and cause damage.
2. Connect the garden hose to the pressure washer.
3. Fill up the pressure washer with water.
4. Add soap or detergent, if desired. 
5. Start spraying! Aim the nozzle of the pressure washer at a 45-degree angle and start moving from top to bottom. Be sure to overlap each stroke by at least 50%.
6. Once you’ve completed the front of your house, do the same on the back of your home.
7. Turn off the pressure washer and unplug it from the outlet.
8. Use a bucket of just-barely-warm water to rinse away any streaks left by soap or detergent residue. 
9. If you’re not satisfied with your pressure washing results, repeat the process.

Here are some quick tips for getting your siding sparkling clean:

• When power washing wood, make sure you dilute an equal mix of water and vinegar to soften any streaks left by soap residue.
• If there are tough stains on your siding, try applying baking soda or bleach to see if that works.
• After power washing, keep your siding moist by spraying it with water every few hours for the next 24 hours. This will prevent cracking and help your home look its best!

When power washing siding, be sure to take the necessary safety precautions to avoid any accidents. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when working with pressure washers.
2. Stay clear of windows, doors, and other areas where water could seep in and cause damage.
3. Don’t stand directly in front of the pressure washer when it’s on – you could be seriously injured if the jet of water were to hit you in the face.
4. If you’re using a detergent or soap, make sure to rinse your house thoroughly afterwards to avoid any streaks or residue.
5. Keep children and pets away from the area while you’re working on your house.
6. Never point the pressure washer at any of your limbs, and especially not at a high angle towards your eyes or face.
7. Always remember to unplug your power washer before you start refilling it with water!
8. Don’t let the nozzle of the pressure washer come into contact with any of your house’s windows or siding. This can cause damage to the surface of your home, as well as the pressure washer’s nozzle.

Maintaining the exterior of your house is an important part of home ownership, and pressure washing is one of the best ways to get your siding clean. By following these tips, you can ensure that your power washing goes smoothly and that your siding looks its best!