As long as you're using the right equipment and procedures, a pressure washer can be a useful tool for cleaning the exterior of a house.
Vinyl siding can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi). Aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood homes will do better with a less powerful washer (about 1,200-1,500 psi).
Using a water blaster or a pressure washer, spray a solution of bleach, detergent and water onto the exterior surface of your home. This solution is a miracle worker when it comes to removing stubborn dirt, grime and mould. Mix 5 litres of household bleach to 4 litres of water and your regular dish wash liquid.
Pressure washers can be used to clean concrete, brick and stone façades. It is also possible to pressure wash wood or render but you will have to reduce the pressure of your tool to a maximum of 120 bars.
Pressure washers can be used to clean driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, siding and fencing. But you need to do it right so none of your surfaces are hurt or improperly cleaned.
Pressure washers are designed to pack a punch, so remember to start at a distance and using a low-pressure spray. If you start too close and too strong, you could damage your siding or spray water into the walls of your home, creating a breeding ground for mold.
Winter: Although power washing in winter is possible, we don't recommend it in extreme cold or snow. However, we can power wash on warmer days or during breaks in the weather.
2. Regular Exterior Washing Maintenance Saves You Money in the Long Run. If you think about it, protecting your home will actually cost you less than having to repair or refinish it. Washing the house exterior is a good way to get the most out of your house paint and siding.
For a one-story home, you'll spend between $150 and $1,000. Some professional washers can wash the exterior of a two-story home without needing extra equipment. As such, you'll pay $400 to $1,400, with costs largely dependent on the size of your home and the difficulty of the project.
Most homes should be power washed a minimum of once a year. Power Washing your siding will actually extend the life of it so it won't need repairs and you won't need to replace it as often.
Wash the Vinyl Siding on Your Home
Create a solution using Dawn and warm water to gently clean exterior siding that's covered in dirt, moss, or mold.
Professionals use a gas-powered pressure washer, a surface cleaner attachment, and a careful selection of specialized nozzle tips, surfactants, bleaches, degreasers, and oxalic acid for pressure washing.
It is not that one is better than the other, it is just that soft washing is meant for siding and pressure washing is meant for wood, concrete, brick, and so on. Power washing is ideal for grease stains on your deck or walkway for example. Soft washing is ideal for “Softer” surfaces like your roof or home.
Locate the hose mount on the back of the pressure washer. Attach the garden hose to this mount, making sure that the other end is attached to the spigot outside of the house. For harder surfaces and a higher psi, use a 15-degree spray nozzle. For softer surfaces and a lower psi, choose a 25- or 30-degree nozzle.
It will take about two days for the house to completely dry out, though the hot summer temperature can certainly speed up this process. If you're planning to paint, you'll have to wait until the siding is completely dry.
The Power of Professional Cleaning
One of the primary reasons why pressure washing can seem expensive is due to the professional grade of cleaning it provides.
Yes, using soap would increase the cleaning power of the pressure washing process, so the efficiency in removing dirt, grime, and persistent dirt marks will be greater.
How often should I clean vinyl siding? Even if your siding looks as clean as it did the day it was installed, it's best to give it a good wash every couple of years to prevent build-up and keep insects and spiders from building nests or webs in the nooks and crannies.
Cleaning your roof, siding and gutters in the spring after the rainy season protects your surfaces from growing mold and mildew. Enjoy comfortable outdoor weather: Pleasant temperatures make power washing easier. You'll clean more efficiently with better weather in spring when you aren't too cold or hot.
Clean patio with pressure washer
But be careful: depending on the type of material, the direct water jet can roughen or even damage the patio slabs. Hard types of stone can be cleaned with high pressure without hesitation, while only low pressure should be applied to softer natural stones.
One of the primary ways power washing can cause electrical issues is through water ingress in electrical components. High-pressure water can penetrate electrical outlets, light fixtures, and other outdoor electrical components, leading to short circuits and electrical shocks.