Clean wood siding with a garden hose
When using a garden hose, it is recommended to use a solution of water and cleaner, which is often a mild detergent, and scrub the siding with a sponge, cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Be careful not to push too hard with a brush as this can damage the siding.
Wooden decks are highly vulnerable to severe damages when you subject them to power washing. The pressure that the pressure washer exerts on the deck surface leads to splintering. This problem mainly occurs when there is a section on your deck where the woods show the signs of split apart.
A pressure washer can quickly ruin vinyl siding by cracking it with the high-pressure stream of water, so it's necessary to know which pressure-level and nozzle to use. Starting low and gently working your way up is the safest bet.
Ideally, power washing a wood deck will not ruin the wood and etch or erode the softwood fibers. However, when wood gets wet, the fibers may become raised, creating a rough surface. This is a particular problem on handrails, where the raised fibers can lead to splinters. Make sure the wood is dry before sanding.
Wash the siding area with the pressure washer. Insert the detergent tip, which is often black, into the pressure washer wand and apply detergent as needed. Rinse the siding using the pressure washer and clean water as a final step. Use a soft bristled brush attached to an extension pole to clean heavily soiled areas.
No matter the surface, power washing your home is the best way to get rid of mold, mildew and stains on your home's siding, driveway, deck, and fencing. A fresh look is a great way to feel pride in your home and is a way to contribute to your neighborhood's community.
As I discussed, they have the ability to go up to 40,000 PSI, which can punch a hole straight through structural steel. Any physical contact with these pressure washers can immediately sever a limb or damage an organ, depending on where the point of contact is.
For power washing a painted finish or siding, we recommend using a nozzle of 15 or 25 degrees – marked yellow or green, respectively – for a powerful stream that won't cause damage if used correctly.
Decks made from South American hardwoods, such as ipe, cumaru, and tigerwood, will hold up to a power wash just fine. Those made of pressure-treated wood—typically Southern yellow pine, a soft wood— are generally okay, too, assuming you don't hold the nozzle too close.
The main difference with power washing vs. pressure washing is the heat. The jet wash in a power washing machine uses heated water, whereas the water in a pressure washer is not heated.
If you have timber deck boards, a power washer's pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibers. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only exacerbate the issue.
Can you pressure wash cedar siding? Yes, you can pressure wash cedar siding by using a low PSI pressure washer or adjusting a pressure washer to its lowest PSI setting. This protects the cedar from being damaged from too high of pressure because it is softwood.
Similar to the process for cleaning mold off siding, cleaning mildew off siding is simple. Use a solution of 75% water to 25% white vinegar and apply with a sponge to the areas with mildew. Rinse clean with a low-pressure garden hose.
The strong spray from a pressure washer can cause serious wounds that might first appear minor. Wounds that appear minor can cause a person to delay treatment, increasing risk for infection, disability or amputation.
Never pressure wash humans, pets, or plants. The force of water coming from a pressure washer can cause physical harm — even penetrate skin—and will most certainly destroy your plants. When you pressure wash appropriate surfaces, always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
In order to breach the human skin the ejection pressure has to be at least 100 pounds per square inch (psi)8 while most high-pressure guns and injectors reach pressures of 2000 to 12000 psi3. The puncture wound is small, inconsiderable and not distinct.
DON'T use a pressure washer.
Save this powerful cleaning tool for your deck. Power washing can do more harm than good to patio furniture, since the force of the water can strip the finish (particularly on wood). In most cases, a garden hose and a little elbow grease is all you need.
This should remove mildew and algae and reveal that buff tan color. You can scrub off any persistent dirt or grit with a nylon bristle brush. Non-professionals should not pressure wash shingles. High pressure can remove wood fibers and drastically shorten the life of the shingles.
In general, houses should be power washed at least once a year any time between March and November. As it gets later in a calendar year, you'll want to make sure your home is taken care of before the freezing temperatures and winter weather arrive.
Dirt and other organic material can stain home siding. The mold, mildew and moss can even cause permanent damage to the paint and surface of your siding, possibly threatening its structural integrity. At CHS Clean, we use the proven soft pressure washing technique to effectively clean home exteriors.
Scrub the wood down using soapy water or a combination of detergent, bleach, and water to clean the wood. Always remember to protect yourself with proper safety equipment from the fumes of the cleaner and any mold spores. If the wood isn't cleaned the first time, don't be afraid to restart the process.
Pressure washing will easily power away all the mold spores along with any debris/dirt that hides on your deck. However, too much pressure may damage the surface, leaving it fuzzy. Just stick to the directions that come with the device and you'll soon find your deck cleaner than it's been in years.