House Washing 101

Maintaining the exterior of your home is a crucial aspect of homeownership. As dirt, mold, mildew, and other contaminants accumulate over time, they can detract from your home's curb appeal and even lead to long-term damage. In this blog post, we'll explore two effective methods for house washing: pressure washing and soft washing. Understanding the differences between these techniques will help you choose the right approach for your home.

Pressure Washing:

Pros

• Can be done with your standard homeowners power washer

• No special solutions needed

Cons

• Risk of damaging surface/paint

• Takes a very long time

• Requires ladders to reach anything higher than head level

• A steady hand is required to keep tip at a constant distance

Pressure washing is a popular and powerful method for cleaning various surfaces around your home. This technique involves using a high-pressure stream of water to remove dirt, grime, mold, and other stubborn stains. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly pressure wash your house:

1. Preparation:

• Inspect the exterior of your home for any loose or damaged siding, and make necessary repairs before starting.

1. Equipment:

• Use a pressure washer with an appropriate PSI (pounds per square inch) for residential use.

• Choose a nozzle with the right spray pattern for the surface you are cleaning. (Usually the green or yellow tip)

1. Pressure Washing:

• Hold the pressure washer nozzle at a consistent distance from the surface.

• Work in sections, keeping the nozzle moving to prevent damage to the siding.

• Rinse from top to bottom to ensure dirt/grime is washed away.

1. Post-Cleaning Inspection:

• Inspect the house to ensure no damage occurred during the pressure washing process.

• If needed, touch up any areas with fresh paint or make additional repairs.

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Soft Washing: The Gentle Approach

Pros:

• The proper professional method

• No high pressure, no risk of damaging your surface

• Much faster, relies on solutions to remove organics and dirt

• No ladders needed, can all be done from the ground

Cons:

• Special equipment is needed

Soft washing is a more delicate method that utilizes a low-pressure water along with specially formulated cleaning solutions to do all of the work. This technique is ideal for surfaces that may be damaged by high-pressure washing, such as stucco, painted wood, vinyl, or delicate landscaping. Here's how to properly execute soft washing:

1. Preparation:

• Inspect the exterior for any fragile or damaged areas, and address them before starting.

• Water or cover sensitive plants and landscaping to protect them from cleaning solutions.

1. Equipment:

• Use a soft wash system with a low-pressure nozzle.

• Choose a cleaning solution suitable for soft washing.

1. Cleaning Solution:

• Apply the cleaning solution using a soft wash system, ensuring thorough coverage of the surface. Move from bottom to top to ensure full coverage. Sweep the nozzle with a consistent speed.

• Allow the solution to dwell for the recommended time to break down contaminants.

• Warning! - Do not attempt to use a sodium hypochlorite solution through your soap injector, you WILL destroy your pump!

1. Rinsing:

• Use low pressure to rinse the surface, top to bottom, avoiding any potential damage.

• Work in sections, keeping the nozzle moving to ensure an even clean.

1. Post-Cleaning Inspection:

• Inspect the house for cleanliness and any signs of damage.

• Touch up any areas that may require additional attention.

Whether you opt for the powerful pressure washing or the gentler soft washing method, regular house washing is essential for preserving the beauty and integrity of your home. Consider the specific needs of your exterior surfaces and choose the method that best suits your requirements. With the right technique and proper care, you can keep your home looking pristine for years to come.