Removal of Exterior House Stains

Bring your siding back up to snuff in a few easy steps.

Buildup of mold, mildew and other stains along the exterior of a house can be a common problem. Natural weathering causes moisture that may linger and cause mildew, and dirt and debris that fly about in high winds can mix with rain and cause staining. Exterior house stains can be easily removed by the homeowner.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Pants
• Rubber boots or sneakers
• 1-gallon jug (empty)
• Large bucket
• Wooden spoon or dowel
• Hose and water
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP), 1-lb. bag
• Stiff-bristled brush (nylon material)
• Telescoping pole
• Duct tape
• Pressure washer

Instructions

1. Dress in the proper safety gear (long sleeves, long pants, boots, goggles and rubber gloves), making sure you are prepared for the job. Do not remove any safety gear until the project is complete.

2. Combine 2 gallons of water with 1 lb. of TSP in the bucket. Measure the water using the jug. Be sure to pour the water in first, and then stir with the dowel or spoon.

3. Fasten the nylon brush to the end of the telescoping pole with duct tape.

4. Soak the brush in the solution, and then start scrubbing the stains along the siding. Remove the brush from the pole once you have scrubbed the hard-to-reach areas so that you can manually scrub the lower regions of the siding.

5. Fill the pressure washer with water, and then wash the solution off of the siding. The intense force will also remove any lingering dirt and stain-causing elements.

References

• Home Tips: Cleaning Siding
• DIY Life: House Siding Cleaning