The vinyl coating can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi). Aluminum, stucco, or soft-grain wood homes will work best with a less powerful washer (around 1,200 to 1,500 psi). Determine if you will rent or buy your machine. Before you start pressure washing, you should use a brush or broom to remove dirt and loose debris from the surface of the vinyl coating. Removing this dirt ensures that the cleaning solution you apply next can penetrate deep into the material and break up persistent dirt and grime.
It is during this process that you clean the mold and mildew, for which you will need to use bleach. Instead of applying the maximum pressure that won't damage the vinyl, look for the lowest pressure to clean it. Stay away from the coating for a good distance and use a dispersion nozzle (one that expels water in the form of a fan) to further reduce pressure and speed up work. Be sure to spray from above and in the direction in which the coating overlaps so as not to force water up or through the joints.
Pressure washing vinyl siding can quickly remove accumulated dirt and restore the house's curb appeal. These include protecting nearby windows, doors and gardens from high-pressure water, using safety equipment, such as eye protection and anti-slip shoes, and testing the pressure washer on a small, inconspicuous area of the coating to make sure it doesn't cause damage. Always start with low pressures and test first on a small area when cleaning the most delicate surfaces, such as wood paneling. Before pressure washing, it's a good idea to remove anything that's close to the area you're cleaning, such as outdoor furniture or grills.
When you have removed all the loose dirt, fill the pressure washer reservoir with a cleaning solution designed specifically for the vinyl coating and the pressure washer. When using a pressure washer, one of the most important settings is the water pressure in psi (pounds per square inch). The first step in preparing to pressure wash your vinyl siding is to make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment. If you live in an area with particularly harsh weather conditions or if your home is in a heavily forested area, you may need to pressure wash more than once a year.
If you're not sure how to use a pressure washer safely, it's best to hire a professional who has experience with these types of tasks. With more than six years of industry experience, Ben specializes in window and gutter cleaning, pressure washing, and installing holiday lights. When washing vinyl, wood, or fiber cement siding, a PSI of 1800 to 2000 inches should provide sufficient cleaning power to remove dirt, mold, and other build-up. If you can't get them out of the way, make sure to cover them with a tarp or plastic sheet so they don't get damaged by water or pressure washer debris.
With the right pressure setting, you can achieve professional-level cleaning results without the risk of damage. In this blog, we'll discuss some of the steps you should take to prepare your house for washing pressure.
