How to Clean Streaks From Exterior Paint

Metal objects can cause rust streaks on exterior walls.

Streaky marks on the exterior of your house can be the result of leaking drain pipes and guttering. You should remove the streaks promptly, not only because they are unsightly, but also because they can attract mold and mildew growth. In addition, excessive moisture on the exterior can seep into the paint work and eventually lift it from the surface, causing flaky patches. Removing the streaks is not very time-consuming, and you can use a homemade, inexpensive cleaning solution to remedy the problem.

Things You'll Need

• Stiff-bristled yard brush
• White vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Cleaning bucket

Instructions

1. Brush down any excess stain residue on the exterior paintwork with the stiff-bristled yard brush.

2. Mix 2 cups white vinegar with 1 gallon warm water in a cleaning bucket. Add a few squirts of lemon juice. White vinegar and lemon juice are natural cleaners that remove rust and mold streaks.

3. Dip the stiff-bristled yard brush into the bucket of cleaning solution, and scrub the exterior streaks until they are gone.

4. Rinse down the cleaned area with clean water, and allow it to air dry. Using a garden hose is the most effective method of rinsing.

Tips & Warnings

• Fix the source of water leaks on the exterior of your home to prevent future streaking.

• Do not mix vinegar with any cleaning product containing bleach. The combination produces toxic fumes.

References

• Mrs. Clean USA: How To Remove Rust Stains
• Cleaning Tips: Cleaning Your Home's Exterior
• Stain Expert: Getting Rid of Mould and Mildew

Resources

• Going-Green-Challenge.com: Green Cleaning Products