Tips for Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding
Remember in the past when cleaning your home required you to carry around a brush and a bucket of water? These days are long gone, and pressure washers are here to stay.
While it may seem like a no-brainer to use a pressure washer for cleaning your vinyl siding, it is important to note that there is an art to it. When you do it right, you will stay safe, finish the job quickly, and not use so much energy.
Getting Started
If you are ready to use a pressure washer for cleaning your vinyl siding, make sure you are not intimidated by the power of this machine. They are designed to be safe and easy to operate. Try to use lower pressure settings so that the water does not get behind the siding or cause damage to the surface.
Pro-Tip: Begin at a lower pressure setting and adjust the pressure as necessary. From this point, make sure you choose the right detergent or soap and avoid any type of corrosive cleaning solution that contains untraditional cleaners or undiluted bleach. These things can cause serious damage to your siding.
Use a Pressure Washer Detergent
While using soap and water is better than using just water when pressure washing, an even better option is a detergent that is made exclusively for pressure washing. Usually, you can get an injector that will mix the cleaning solution you are using into the water stream.
Look for solvents that read “approved for use with pressure washers.” A solvent that is not approved may not be eco-friendly, and it may wind up eating away at the components in your pressure washer.
Apply Your Detergent Solution
Try applying the soap mixture using lower pressure and overlapping, slow strokes of the wand. You can prevent streaking by starting at the base and moving upward. Pressure washing is similar to painting. If you get too “hose happy” and begin spraying “willy-nilly,” you are going to miss one or more spots.
Use a Brush on Tough Spots or Dark Stains
If you have not had your home cleaned in a while, then using a utility or rotating brush will help to loosen the thicker layers of dirt. You can find brushes that will snap to the end of the wand and work automatically. You can also find options that will foam, which helps to clean set-in stains.
Leave the Solution to Work Before Rinsing
After applying the soap and brushing the siding, take a five-to-10-minute break. This will give the cleaning solution time to work and break down the stains, grime, and mildew. If you are working in the sun, be sure to watch your solution to ensure it does not fully dry.
Hire the Professionals
When it comes to pressure washing your vinyl siding, if the job is too much for you, then hire the professionals. They can ensure the work is done properly and that the siding is clean. In most cases, this is going to be the best option.
