Maintaining the beauty and resale value of your home's vinyl exterior can be accomplished by periodically cleaning it.When it comes to restoring the look of vinyl siding, a pressure washer is an indispensable tool, as it will allow you to blast away dirt, grime, and mold with ease.Take a few minutes to learn the settings of the pressure washer and make sure you can work safely and efficiently.
Step 1: It's important to wear safety gear.
If you want to be safe, make sure you have a breathing mask and gloves on when you use the pressure washer.Pull on rubber gloves and a facemask.It is important to have a barrier in place over your nose and mouth to prevent mold and other icky substances.A pair of goggles or other form of eye protection can help prevent water from splashing back into your eyes.
Step 2: Remove or cover objects.
All furniture in the immediate vicinity should be put into temporary storage to protect it from the water and dirt particles that will soon be flying around.It is a good idea to drape a tarp over plants that might be damaged by the stream.If off-site storage isn't an option, move furniture and appliances a safe distance away from where you'll be operating the pressure washer.
Step 3: All exposed electrical components should be covered.
If you want to avoid shorts and other accidents, you need to make sure your outdoor electrical outlets and ports are free of water.External wiring, light fixture, and any other equipment is the same.Plugging anything that is currently connected as a safety precaution is a good idea.If you can't find covers to fit your home's outlets, you're able to hide them with small squares of plastic anchored with waterproof tape.
Step 4: By hand, scrub away mold.
You can combine bleach with water in a spray bottle.Mist the areas with the most build up and then wipe them down with a soft cloth or sponge.When you are done, rinse the entire surface with water from a hose.If you get bleach on you, be sure to wear gloves.The bleach treatment will make it easy for the pressure washer to take care of the rest.
Step 5: An appropriate cleaning solution can be used.
If you have already treated your home's exterior with bleach, it is recommended that you use some type of solution to pressure wash it.There is a separate compartment for soaps and detergents in some pressure washer models.After filling this compartment, an internal injector will mix the soap and water together into a single stream that will kill stains and germs at the same time.There are products that have been approved for use in pressure washers.It is possible to make a quick comeback if you clean with water alone.
Step 6: Start with a low pressure setting.
It's a good idea to keep the pressure washer set to 1,300-1600 until you know what effect it will have on the vinyl.For a less concentrated stream, fit the nozzle with a 25 degree spray tip.It's a good idea to stay away from the work surface so you don't get hit with the most part of the stream.A standard gasoline or electric washer with a pressure rating around 3,000 PSI should provide enough force to clean even hard-to-reach places.To get used to the power, perform a few test sprays on the lower corners of the siding.Before you start using your pressure washer, make sure the water is turned on.
Step 7: The pressure should be increased gradually.
If the stream isn't strong enough to clean the siding, crank it up little by little.This can be accomplished by either moving closer to the work surface or adjusting the nozzle in either direction.You shouldn't have to use more than 3000 PSI for persistent stains.
Step 8: Start with a small part of the siding.
Start at one corner and keep the nozzle fixed in one place, holding it steady while it chips away at the accumulated dirt and discoloration.Slowly and deliberately move to the surrounding area.Continue spraying until the area is completely free of spray.If you need to loosen dried up, you can go over the same spot a few times.Take your time.There are long-standing messes that may not come off right away.
Step 9: The surface should be blasted clean using smooth, sweeping motions.
Go up and down first, then left to right.The water should peel away the caked-on grime gradually.Do not spray in circles, swirls, or other indiscriminate patterns.This is inefficient and can leave behind noticeable streaks due to the way it pushes the dirt around.
Step 10: Work in sections.
Move over and clean the next strip after you've completed a 2–3 foot wide strip of siding.It is quicker and more systematic to go over one part of the surface at a time.It will result in more thorough cleaning.Before rinsing, look for any small patches of dirt or gunk that you may have overlooked.
Step 11: The nozzle should be held straight or at a slight downward angle.
The amount of water behind the siding will be minimized by this.As this pushes the water directly up into the spaces between the segments, never spray in an upward direction.If you want to hit the upper areas of the exterior, you may have to stand on a ladder.If too much water is trapped, it can cause a number of problems.
Step 12: Allow the solution to sit for a while.
As they sit, the water and cleaner will work together to remove stubborn stains from the vinyl.A stream of fresh water can be used to rinse the siding.Don't allow the solution to dry completely.It could leave a mess.While you work on the rest of the siding, wet the sections you went over previously to prevent them from drying.
Step 13: Don't use the cleaning solution.
If you want to run clean water through the pressure washer, you need to get rid of detergent.To make sure the line is clear, hold the wand down for a few seconds.
Step 14: Go to a lower pressure.
If you want to avoid putting unnecessary stress on the vinyl, adjust the pressure setting to between 1,000 and 1,200.You only need enough pressure to wash away the remaining cleaning solution if you've already removed all visible dirt and stains.The garden hose can be used for a softer touch.You can cover a larger surface area with a spray tip that is 40 or 60 degrees.
Step 15: The siding should be washed from top to bottom.
The soap will wash down the exterior if you work in the opposite direction.It's possible to leave streaks.When cleaning, rinse one section at a time, until the water runs clear and no traces of soap remain.Take an occasional break to give the excess time to drain.
Step 16: The siding should be allowed to dry.
Depending on the weather, this could take a few hours.There will be plenty of sunlight left by the time you finish, so get started early.If you want, you can use a chamois to pat down narrow nooks and other parts of the exterior that don't get as much exposure.The warm, dry conditions will help speed up the drying of your project.
Step 17: It's a good idea to clean your vinyl siding regularly.
Every other year, try to give your home some attention.Warm, sunny weather in the summer will help slow the growth of new mold and make wet jobs more tolerable.Your vinyl siding can last for decades if properly cared for.If your home is located in a shady area where it doesn't get a lot of sunlight, you may need to increase the Frequency once a year.After an initial pressure washing, you'll most likely be able to get by with some old fashioned elbow grease.
Step 18: Between the cleanings, touch up the siding.
If you want to prevent day-to-day build up from getting out of control, scrub exposed surfaces periodically with a mild bleach solution.If you stay on top of things, you can reduce the number of cleanings to every three or four years.For a little more scrubbing power, use a Brillo pad or stiff-bristled brush.One of these tools will be able to dig into the soft surface of the vinyl better than an ordinary cloth or sponge.It's a good idea to touch up the exterior of the house on a bi-monthly basis.
Step 19: Look for signs of damage and decline.
The cleaning should begin and end with a visual assessment.If you discover potential problem areas, get in touch with the contractor who installed your siding.The damaged section needs to be patched or replaced sooner rather than later.Exposure to the elements or the impact from falling tree branches can cause considerable wear and tear over time.If not addressed immediately, damaged siding can become an issue for your home, putting it at risk for more serious issues like leaks, drafts, and water damage.