A clean and well-maintained exterior ensures an insurable structure and improves curb appeal. Below are some professional tips that should help with successful exterior house washing, including pressure washing, soft washing, and green cleaning. You can handle all the ugliness from dirt, mold, or grime and finally get that shiny, clean home exterior.
Did You Know Your Cleaning Options?
Pressure washing – a high-pressure application of water to remove stubborn stains, dirt, or debris from surfaces such as concrete, brick, or siding.
Soft washing: Normally, it involves the use of low-pressure water and eco-friendly cleansers on the surface to be cleaned. For this reason, it is widely used in cleaning delicate surfaces like wood, stucco, or vinyl.
Evaluate Your Home’s Exterior
Before you undertake any cleaning projects, thoroughly inspect your home for potential problem areas. These include but are not limited to, molds, mildew, algae, dirt buildup, or discolorations that may require special attention.
Assemble the Right Tools and Equipment
Pressure Washer: Invest in a good-quality Pressure Washer with adjustable pressure settings for different surfaces and cleaning requirements.
Cleaning Solutions: Always go for natural biodegradable detergents and cleaners that are less harmful to the environment and safe for your plants.
Safety Gear: Wear safety goggles, gloves, and sturdy shoes to shield yourself from chemical exposure and debris while cleaning.
Soak the outside of your house with ordinary water before using detergents or a pressure washer. This will help remove dirt particles and other pollutants, which will be washed off later.
Choose the Correct Cleaners
When purchasing washing solutions for your house’s exterior, make sure that you get the right cleaner for the surface. Avoid strong chemicals that may destroy paint, siding, or landscaping, and try eco-friendly options.
Observe Proper Pressure Washing Techniques
It is essential to note that a pressure washer with appropriate pressure determined by nozzle attachments should be used against every surface from far away. Start with low pressure, then gradually increase if necessary, but be careful because too much pressure can cause further damage.
Work Top Downwards
Start from the top, moving downwards since this prevents streaking and ensures that all areas in the outer part of a home are cleaned. Begin by cleaning the roof and gutters, then proceed to the side, windows, and doors, after which the foundation and landscaping are done.
Pay Attention to All Areas
Ensure thoroughness by spending enough time cleaning every part of the external surfaces of houses, including those parts that seem complicated, such as eaves, corners, or crevices. Use strong brushes or scrubbers where necessary to scrub off tough stains and molds, and then rinse well to remove any more dirt left behind on the surface.
Rinse Well and Dry Completely
After washing, rinse off all outer portions of the home’s walls using clean water so as not to leave any detergent traces or debris behind. Allow them to dry up naturally in the air or hand-dry using a soft cloth or towel so they do not appear streaky after drying.
Safeguard Landscaping & Plants
Moisten plants and cover delicate landscaping features with plastic sheets or tarps before starting the cleaning process so that cleaning solutions or high-pressure water do not damage them.
Test Wash Solutions
Before applying large quantities onto more expansive areas, test cleaning solutions on a small part of house exteriors that cannot be easily noticed to ensure they are safe and do not cause harm.
Plan Frequent Cleanup
Keep up appearance by having routine maintenance cleanups for exterior parts at least once or twice annually. This prevents dirt buildup, mildew formation, and grime accumulation, which can significantly reduce the life span of a building’s exterior if not done regularly.
These are 12 pro tips for washing the exterior of your house to keep it looking clean and beautiful for many years.
Choose Regal Lawn Care For Power Washing & Maintenance
Does your home need exterior house washing to look all new, fresh, and clean? Contact Regal Lawn Care today for quality home exterior house washing services. Our experienced team will help keep your house sparkling clean and well-tended, thus increasing curb appeal and protecting the value of your investment. Schedule your cleaning appointment now to get started!