What Needs to Prepare:
The tools below will make your cleaning job faster and easier, check to see if there are any missing items.
Soft-bristled brush
Spray bottle
Water
Garden hose
And protection gear:
Microfiber cloth
Protective gear- goggles, rubber gloves, face mask
Steps Guide To Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding
Adhere to the outlined procedures below for successfully utilizing a pressure washer to render your vinyl siding impeccably hygienic:
Step 1: Remove The Surface Dirt
The first step in cleaning your vinyl siding is to remove any dirt, debris, mold, or algae on the surface. You'll need some basic supplies for this part – a microfiber cloth, a soft bristle brush, or a brush with a long handle.
Mix and spray the cleaner mixture onto the bars below and any eye level or area you can reach. The tool can use a spray bottle.
For high areas, use a ladder, spray bleach solution on any hard-to-reach spots, and scrub them with a long-handled brush. For the undersides, use a regular hand brush to remove surface dirt.
Rinse the walls with water from a garden hose. Removing this surface dirt first will make it much easier for a pressure washer to deep clean your vinyl.
Step 2: Fill The Pressure Washer Reservoir With A Cleaning Solution
Next, mix up a clean solution, then spray this mixture on the lower siding boards and any sections at about eye level.
For the tough-to-reach areas, you'll want to use a ladder. Spray the bleach solution on those spots and scrub them with the long-handled brush. For the lower areas, just use a regular hand brush to wipe away the dirt.
Once you've wiped everything down, rinse all the walls with water from the garden hose. Getting that surface dirt off first will make it a lot easier for the pressure washer to give the siding a deep clean later.
Step 3: Apply The Soap
To apply soap to your siding using a pressure washer, first you need to find the soap tank and fill in this, attach the soap applicator tip to the end of the pressure washer wand. Make sure you choose the right tip for the job. The soap tip sprays the soapy water in a wide fan shape and at low pressure. This allows you to cover a large area of the siding with soap. Start pressure washer and spray
Be very careful about increasing the pressure, even a small bump up can damage the siding. It's best to start at a lower pressure and go slowly to avoid harming the vinyl siding. Take your time and be cautious as you adjust the pressure to find the right PSI to thoroughly clean your siding without causing any damage.
I would recommend keeping the pressure in the 1,300 to 1,600 PSI range when applying the soap. Using a lower pressure lets you get familiar with the pressure washer and see if that PSI is enough to properly clean your vinyl siding. If it seems like it needs more power to get your siding clean, you can slowly increase the pressure.
Turn on the washer, lift the wand to eye level, and spray the water directly to the surface of the vinyl siding.
Use the nozzle at a 45-degree angle; do not tilt the wand up or blast the cleaning detergent in the seams where the vinyl slats meet. Facing the wand upward can cause water to sip through the siding, resulting in water damage to your walls.
Use a tall ladder when cleaning hard-to-reach spaces. You will avoid tilting the wand upward and therefore keep it at eye level for safe use of the machine.
Step 4: Allow The Cleaning Solution To Sit For A Bit
When cleaning the siding of your house, it's important to give the cleaning solution some time to work its magic and dissolve the dirt on the surface.
Letting the solution sit for 5 to 10 minutes is enough time for the solution to take effect. However, it is important to avoid letting soapy water dry on the surface, as this can cause streaks and leave residue on the surface.
To prevent this, you should go back and spray some soap solution on the section before you work on the rest. This will ensure that the soap doesn't dry out on the parts you've applied before.
Step 5: Rinse The Vinyl Siding
To properly pressure wash your vinyl siding, begin by pointing the wand directly at the surface of the siding and holding it at eye level. Start blasting clean water from the top and work your way down to allow the soap to wash away. If there are areas that are out of reach, use a ladder to ensure that they are also cleaned properly.
To ensure that you don't miss any spots, work on one small section at a time and make sure that the water runs clear before moving on to the next section. If necessary, blast more clean water until you are satisfied with the overall look and feel of your vinyl siding.
When operating the pressure washer, be sure to hold the wand about 3 to 4 feet away from the siding for the best results. Don't stay in one spot for too long. Keep the pressure washer nozzle moving over the surface at a steady pace. If you focus the spray in one area for too long, you risk damaging the siding. The key is to maintain a consistent distance from the siding and keep the nozzle moving.
Vinyl Siding Cleaning Tips
Get your cleaning supplies ready and plan to do your siding cleaning on a warm, sunny day. The siding needs a few hours to dry completely before it starts to get dark, so start early in the day.
Check your siding first to make sure everything is in good shape. Look out for any loose parts or caulking around windows that need to be replaced. Fix any issues beforehand so you don't end up getting water behind the siding when you pressure wash.
Water your plants and garden around the house before you start cleaning. This will protect them from any chemicals that might spray out when you use the bleach or cleaning solution.
Cover up things like outdoor lamps, wiring, and electrical outlets so they don't get hit by any spray or standing water while you clean. The last thing you want is an electrical problem!
Summary
In conclusion, pressure washing your vinyl siding can be a great way to restore its appearance and remove dirt and grime. However, it's important to follow the right techniques and safety precautions to avoid causing damage to your siding or injuring yourself.
By following these tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a successful and safe pressure-washing experience that leaves your vinyl siding looking clean and refreshed. Remember to always prioritize safety and take your time to achieve the best results.
