How to Pressure Wash the Siding on Your House

It is time to move out of the spring cleaning mode and into those cleaning projects for summer that you just can’t do during the winter. Why not pressure wash your house and give it a whole new look.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pressure washer
• Garden hose
• Buckets
• Plastic or cloth drop cloths clear not black
• Cleaner
• Bleach
• Scrub brushes

1. Start by turning off the power to all your outside hookups. Most houses have one breaker that you can shut down to do this. Test them by turning them on or plugging something in. Once you have proven that they are off, seal them with plastic and use tape if needed to provide a water tight barrier. Do not spray these areas directly while washing to avoid water buildup.

2. Drop cloth any patio items or plants that you need to protect. Close all your windows and remove screens to avoid damaging. Check your siding for loose panels and make sure they are secure.

3. The preclean with brushes and bleach is only for tougher areas. Remove and slime or mold build up from the winter. The bleach solution will help it from coming back as quickly. Once complete mix your spray solution according to package directions in a bucket and place the detergent hose deep inside. Place a low pressure nozzle on the spray gun and start applying the soap. You should work in 5 ft sections bottom to top and allow the agent to soak on the side of the house for about 3 minutes before spraying off. Do not allow to dry and test a small section if you are unsure of the times.

4. To rinse, switch over to the high pressure nozzle and spray at an angle top to bottom to avoid drips. Continue working in sections until the entire house is complete. Remove plastic and drop cloths quickly so that no plants end up with heat stroke. Restore power.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful to only use the bleach out of the reach of children.
• Do not use the high pressure when on a ladder they make extention wands.
• Never leave the washer on and unattended. The high pressure is enough to remove skin if misused.

[quillerlady]

on 4/25/2009 Great article! Thanks for the tips.

[shasha10]

on 4/11/2009 I have been in my house for several years and each year I want to power wash it. This is my first time reviewing what steps need to be taken. Thanks 5*

[missval7]

on 3/6/2009 Great article. I purchased a home in November and it needs to be power washed so I'll be attempting this in the Spring! I didn't realize how powerful the washer is!

[PawPawFrankie]

on 3/5/2009 Pressure washing the house is on my to-do list for the coming weeks. Thanks for the tips.

[tundranut]

on 3/3/2009 I pay a guy $500 a year to do this. This spring I'm doing it myself. Thank you for the tips. 5*