Vinyl Siding Pressure Washing
Unless you live under a rock you know what vinyl siding looks like. While vinyl siding is durable, versatile, resilient and one of the most popular building materials in the Philadelphia area, it does require some routine cleaning and care. Like any other exterior product, vinyl siding will eventually accumulate dirt, grime, pollen and occasionally animal droppings. There will always be one side of your home that does not see enough direct sun light whether it be from nearby trees and shrubs or simply the way in which the sun rises and sets. This will often result in algae, mold, mildew and moss.
Fortunately for you pressure washing vinyl siding is probably the easiest job to handle if you would like to tackle this project on your own. A combination of bleach, dish soap and water will get even the dirtiest of houses clean. Some things to keep in mind:
The Dont’s
- do not use undiluted bleach as this could discolor vinyl siding
- do not use liquid grease remover or nail polish remover
- avoid using highly-abrasive scrubbers and steel wool, a soft tip scrub brush will do the job
- when using a pressure washer use little pressure as most of the work is done by the cleaning agents
- do not forget to remove patio furniture and any other obstacles in the way
- do not forget to cover any nearby vegetation with tarps
Click for Additional Before & After Pictures
Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding
- Find the Right Pressure Washer – Most are light enough and mobile enough to wheel around all four sides of the house. If you have a one story home, an electronic pressure washer may do the trick. For homes more than one story, a gas powered power washer will most likely be needed to reach the high areas.
- Prepare the Areas – You should remove any obstacles around the home including statues, furniture, flower pots, etc. We suggest removing all of the screens so any dirt or debris that is stuck between the screens and the windows can exit. Rinse down all nearby vegetation with water and then cover with tarps. Electrical outlets should also be covered with tape.
- Apply the Cleaning Agent – Before applying your bleach, dish soap and water mix on the siding, rinse the windows with water. This will help guarantee that no streaks are left when the job is complete. Apply the cleaning agents starting from the bottom and working your way up. This will help to prevent streaking.
- Use some Elbow Grease – If your home has not been cleaned in some time, you may need to scrub the bad areas with a soft tip brush. If there is cleaning agent remaining dip the brush in it every so often between areas.
- Take a Breather – Allow the cleaning agents to settle in and do the work for you. 5 or 10 minutes is all you should need. Just make sure you keep an eye on the siding to make sure the cleaning agent does not dry, especially on extremely hot days.
- Rinse Clean – Make sure you hold the wand a couple of feet from the siding and gradually more closer. Too much pressure can damage vinyl siding. Work your way from the top down this time around making sure you hit the high areas at an angle. If you spray from directly under the siding water can make its way behind the siding.
J&J Power Wash offers residential and commercial vinyl siding pressure washing services. No matter how dirty your vinyl windows are we can help. To set up a free estimate call us 215-703-8306 or fill out our online form. Click on the images below to enlarge them or visit our portfolio page for additional before and after pictures.
