A Simple Guide to Pressure Washing Siding

As someone who has owned rental properties for over two decades, I’ve seen my fair share of houses in need of a serious sprucing up.

From grimy windows to dirt-streaked siding, the challenge of making a house look like a home again is one I’ve faced many times.

With the right tools and techniques, even the most stubborn grime doesn’t stand a chance. And among those tools, one of my all-time favorites is the pressure washer.

In this post, I’m going to share with you my tried-and-tested method of pressure washing siding.

This process has helped me transform countless properties from drab to fab, and I’m confident it can do the same for you.

Whether you’re a fellow landlord looking to increase your property’s curb appeal, or a homeowner wanting to give your home a fresh, clean look, this guide is for you.

Why Pressure Wash Siding

Power washing is an effective way to clean and maintain the exterior of a house, especially siding.

However, it is important to know how to properly and safely power wash your siding to avoid damaging it and ensure the safety of yourself and your tenants.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to power wash your property’s siding.

Tools and Equipment Required:

• Power washer
• Safety goggles
• Dust mask
• Pressure washer nozzle tips
• Cleaning solution

If you live in a home with vinyl siding, you will likely experience dirt and grime on your home at some point.

Removing build-up, mold, and mildew from your house or gutters are made easy by using a pressure washer and outdoor cleaning solution.

Follow these simple steps to pressure washing for a clean and fresh looking home.

While most homes don’t look this bad, here is an example how what your house or garage could look like if you avoid cleaning it for several years.

This is caked on mildew, dirt, and mold from several years of rain, dirt, and storms.

While it may look like this will be overwhelming to resolve using the right tools it’s very quick and easy.

Tools and Equipment Required:

• Power washer
• Safety goggles
• Dust mask
• Pressure washer nozzle tips
• Cleaning solution

How To Prepare the Area For Pressure Washing

Before you power wash, remove any furniture, plants, or other items near the cleaning area.

Cover any electrical outlets or wiring that could come into contact with water. (I didn’t do this in the pic, because the electric is discounnected in this garage)

Finally, turn off any electrical power supply to the areas being cleaned.

Attach the Nozzle

Attach the appropriate nozzle to the power washer according to the cleaning task.

For example, use a 25-degree nozzle tip for general washing, a 15-degree nozzle tip for heavy-duty cleaning or a detergent nozzle tip for applying cleaning solutions.

When Power washing a large area such as a house, garage, or storage unit, always start at the top and work your way to the bottom.

This method is recommended because water and cleaning solutions will run down the structure, making your work easier.

Use a ladder or extension wand to power wash hard-to-reach areas.

While it’s not necessary, you may want to give your area a quick rinse with water to remove any cleaning solution that might be left behind and ensure it is cleaned entirely.

We recommend power washing 1-2 times each year to maintain a clean home, rental property or garage.

Once you have the outside of your home clean, follow 👉 this guide 👈to ensure you never miss any inside areas while cleaning.

Step-by-Step Guide To Pressure Wash Siding

1. Prepare the Area: Before you begin to power wash, remove any furniture, plants or other items near the cleaning area. Cover any electrical outlets or wiring that could come into contact with water. Finally, turn off any electrical power supply to the areas being cleaned.
2. Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Mix a cleaning solution according to manufacturer instructions, or use a commercial siding cleaner. Make sure the cleaning solution is appropriate for the type of siding you are cleaning.
3. Attach the Nozzle: Attach the appropriate nozzle to the power washer according to the cleaning task. For example, use a 25-degree nozzle tip for general washing, a 15-degree nozzle tip for heavy-duty cleaning or a detergent nozzle tip for applying cleaning solutions.
4. Apply the Cleaning Solution: Apply the cleaning solution evenly, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Do not let the solution dry on the siding.
5. Rinse the Siding: Rinse the siding thoroughly with water, starting from the top and working your way down. Keep the nozzle at a distance of 6 to 10 feet from the surface to avoid causing damage to the siding.
6. Clean Hard-to-Reach Areas: Use a ladder or extension wand to clean any high or difficult-to-reach areas.
7. Follow Proper Safety Procedures: Wear safety goggles and a dust mask during the cleaning process. Do not point the power washer at people or pets, and make sure all tenants are out of the cleaning area.
8. Let the Siding Dry: Allow the siding to dry completely before re-energizing the electrical power supply or allowing tenants to enter the clean area.

Tips for Effective Cleaning:

• Use a power washer with a PSI (pounds per square inch) rating of 2,000-3,000 for effective cleaning, while minimizing the risk of damage to the siding.
• Avoid using a high PSI setting, as it may cause damage to the siding or create paint chips, which are hazardous to tenants and their pets.
• Use a soap reservoir to fill with a commercial cleaning solution or use the manufacturer’s directions to make your cleaning solution.

What Are The Different Colors For Power Washers

• Black: This nozzle has the largest spray angle and lowest pressure, making it ideal for applying soap and detergent onto surfaces. It can also be used for rinsing large areas and delicate surfaces that could be damaged by higher pressure.
• Green: This nozzle has a wider spray angle than the yellow and white nozzles, but with more pressure. It’s a good choice for general cleaning tasks like washing cars, boats, and outdoor furniture.
• Yellow: This nozzle has a narrower spray angle and even more pressure than the green nozzle. It’s useful for removing tough stains on surfaces like concrete or brick walls.
• White: This nozzle has the narrowest spray angle and highest pressure. It’s best suited for removing stubborn stains, paint, and graffiti from surfaces like metal, concrete, and brick. However, it should be used with caution as it can easily damage delicate surfaces.

Conclusion

Power washing your property’s siding effectively maintains its appeal and functionality, but it must be done properly and safely.

By following these steps and precautions, you can ensure the siding is effectively cleaned, that tenants’ safety is maintained, and that the property continues to look its best.

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