How to Pressure Wash a House to Clean Siding and Gutters?

It will take some effort to make your home’s exterior appear clean. Mildew, soot, and dirt can make your home look untidy. Unfortunately, you can’t use a brush to scrub the entire building. Fortunately enough, you can pressure wash it.

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House pressure washing allows you to remove dirt from aluminum, wood, and brick siding. This process can be done every few years to keep your home looking good all the time. You can also pressure wash your home’s exterior before it is painted.

Pressure washing a house goes beyond connecting a garden hose to a washer and turning the water on. It requires skills, safety measures, and the right cleaning agents to get the job right and avoid accidents.

How to Perform House Pressure Washing?

It is advisable to pressure wash in spring or fall. This is because washing in the summer sun could dry the cleaning agents before you rinse them off.

You can pressure wash the house by yourself or hire a pressure washing company to do the job. If you decide to do it yourself, you need to get a pressure washer.

Choosing the Right Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is a machine that generates a high-pressure water spray. A pressure washer is perfect for washing houses, sidewalks, and gutters.

A pressure washer’s strength is gauged in pounds per square inch (PSI). This refers to the amount of pressure the liquid puts on the walls of the washer container.

Pressure washers are available in two types. There are;

• Gas pressure washers: The gas models are recommended for tougher jobs. This is because they have a higher PSI. Another reason is that they are mobile. You don’t have to plug them into an electrical outlet, so you can use them to wash hard-to-reach areas.
• Electric models: These are used for less tasking jobs. Their usage depends on the availability of electricity. Where there is no electrical outlet, it may be difficult to use a pressure washer.

A pressure washer may be purchased or leased. Make sure you contact the pressure washing company if you are sure how to use it. Remember to refer to the manual to see how to attach and detach the nozzles.

Steps for House Pressure Washing

If pressure washing and window cleaning are not done the right way, there may be damage. For example, you might scatter the windows or ruin the wall painting. Follow these steps.

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Protect Doors, Windows, and Surrounding Greenery

You need to cover plants, gardens, and lawns with plastic sheeting. Make sure you shut windows and doors tightly. You can use a plastic sheet to increase protection, especially if they are prone to leaking. 

Look out for any openings or vents to prevent water from getting in. Always fix any weak spots and fill up holes before washing.

Prepare a Mildewcide/Detergent Solution

You can use mildewcide, detergent, or scouring powder to get the stains off easily. If you are using mildewcide, mix it in water-filled in a 5-gallon bucket.

It is advisable to add bleach to the solution. Add one part of bleach for every nine parts of mildewcide or detergent. You can refer to the manufacturer guide for more instructions.

After you have prepared the solution, pour it into the garden sprayer.

Attach Nozzle to the Pressure Washer

It is advisable to set up the pressure washer before scrubbing. This is so that you can rinse off the solution as soon as you finish scrubbing. Find the hose mount behind the pressure washer and attach a garden hose to the mount. 

Note that you need to use a 15-degree spray nozzle for tougher jobs with a higher PSI. For easier washing with a lower PSI, use a 30-degree nozzle. You can add a brush attachment that will allow you to scrub some extra dirt off.

If the building is a two-story structure, start washing from the top. Roof pressure washing may require you to use scaffolding and a nozzle extension.

Spray and Scrub

When everything is in order, spray a part of the building/siding with the solution. You should always start from the bottom and wash upward. This is to avoid foam from rolling down and concealing the dirt at the bottom. Always scrub gently but firmly to remove the dirt without scratching the surface.

Pressure Wash and Rinse

After scrubbing the first part, you can use the pressure washer to rinse. Maintain a short distance away from the wall while at it. Keep a distance that allows you to remove dirt without damaging the siding and gutter. If the dirt does not come off, you can move a bit closer and try again.

You should repeat this process part-by-part until you pressure wash every surface.

If you cannot handle the job, hire a company that renders pressure washing services. They are the best people who will do a great job at an affordable rate.

Safety Precautions

It is important to observe safety measures during pressure washing and window cleaning. This is not only to protect the surface but also to protect yourself.

Some necessary safety measures you should pay attention to include;

• Pressure washers have very high-pressure levels. They can cause blindness or injury if they come in direct contact with the eyes. Never play around with it, as spraying directly on a person could tear off the skin.
• Avoid using a ladder during pressure washing. A ladder may not have enough balance to stand the pressure. The force from a pressure washer can push you right off the ladder.
• It is advisable to use scaffolding because it is more reliable.
• Protect all outdoor electrical outlets with a plastic cover or duct tape when pressure washing. This is to ensure that water does not go in and cause any electrical accidents.
• Pay attention to any overhead electricity cables that could be hit by the extension wand. Try not to touch such cables to avoid damage.
• Always remember to wear eye protection such as goggles. This is to protect the eyes from dirt, pieces of wood, or anything that can hurt the eyes.

Why Wash Sidings and Gutters?

Power washing out your gutters regularly is essential. It doesn’t only make your home look good; it also makes it neat and healthy.

It also allows water to flow freely through the pipes and out the drains. Clogged gutters will make water start to flood your yard when it rains.

Conclusion

You can always make your home exterior as good as new. Make sure you use the right cleaning products and scrubbing technique for house pressure washing. Also, thoroughly rinse the surface to avoid stains from sticking to it.