Should homeowners clean the siding on their home or hire a professional?
Cleaning the siding of your home can help maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan. Here are some steps you can follow in cleaning the siding of your home:
- Gather the necessary supplies: You will need a pressure washer or a garden hose, a bucket, a cleaning solution, a scrub brush, and a ladder.
- Prepare the cleaning solution: You can make a cleaning solution using a mixture of water and mild detergent. You can also use a specialized siding cleaner that is available at most home improvement stores.
- Protect your plants: Cover your plants and flowers with a plastic sheet or tarp to protect them from the cleaning solution.
- Start at the top: Use a ladder to reach the top of the siding. Start cleaning from the top and work your way down to the bottom. This will prevent dirty water from running down onto already cleaned areas.
- Wet the siding: Use a pressure washer or a garden hose to wet the siding.
- Apply the cleaning solution: Apply the cleaning solution to the siding using a scrub brush or a spray nozzle.
- Scrub the siding: Use a scrub brush to scrub the siding. Pay special attention to areas that are heavily soiled or stained.
- Rinse the siding: Use a pressure washer or a garden hose to rinse the siding thoroughly.
- Repeat the process: If necessary, repeat the cleaning process until the siding is clean.
- Allow the siding to dry: Allow the siding to dry completely before removing the plastic sheet or tarp from your plants.
Cleaning your siding improperly can cause damage to the material, which can be costly to repair or replace. Here are some ways you can damage your siding by cleaning it:
- Using too much pressure: If you use a pressure washer with too much pressure, you can damage the siding by denting or cracking it. It’s important to use the appropriate pressure setting and distance when using a pressure washer to avoid damaging the siding.
- Using abrasive materials: Using abrasive materials like steel wool or stiff-bristled brushes can scratch or damage the siding, especially if it is made of a soft material like wood or vinyl.
- Using harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can discolor or damage the siding. It’s important to use mild cleaning solutions that are recommended by the manufacturer.
- Not being cautious around windows and doors: If you spray water or cleaning solution around windows and doors, it can seep inside and cause damage to the interior of your home.
Homeowners can clean their home’s siding, but it’s essential to do so carefully and safely to avoid damaging the siding or causing injury. Here are some tips to consider before cleaning your home’s siding:
- Siding type: The siding on your home will determine the appropriate cleaning method. Vinyl siding, for example, can be cleaned using a pressure washer or a soft-bristle brush and soapy water. However, other types of siding, such as wood or brick, may require different cleaning methods.
- Cleaning products: Using the wrong cleaning products can damage your siding or harm the environment. It’s important to use eco-friendly cleaning products whenever possible and to avoid using harsh chemicals that can strip the siding of its protective coating.
- Professional help: If you’re not comfortable cleaning your home’s siding or if you have a large or complex home, it may be best to hire a professional siding cleaning service. They have the experience, equipment, and cleaning solutions to clean your siding safely and effectively.
There are several reasons why you should consider hiring a professional to clean your home’s siding: