If you don’t have a cleaning system that works for you, things can get messy. Start by organizing and preparing supplies.
Then tackle those hard-to-reach spots, like ledges and high windows. Lastly, make sure to cover tender plants and flowers. This will protect them from the high water pressure. Read on to learn more.
Preparation
House Washing removes mildew and mold from your home’s surfaces and helps prevent it from recurring, while also making your house look brand new. This process uses specific cleaning solutions that easily wash away dirt, mold, and grime, leaving behind a clean surface.
Before a house wash, it’s important to prepare the area. This includes relocating outdoor furniture or other items that could get sprayed with water and/or chemicals, covering plants and bushes that are in the direct path of the spray, and removing or tying back loose branches and limbs that may fall during the washing process.
When using a pressure washer, it’s also important to wear the appropriate safety gear and follow all equipment instructions. Whether washing Hardie siding, stone, brick, or Stucco, it’s important to use the correct chemicals and dwell times to ensure an effective clean without damage. In addition, it’s important to stay on the ground and avoid climbing ladders or walking on roofs, especially if your house is painted.
Equipment
Many people dread the task of washing their home’s exterior surfaces. It often falls to the bottom of a homeowner’s to-do list because they lack the time, equipment, or knowledge to tackle the project. Luckily, professional house-washing experts have the necessary tools and cleaning procedures to complete the job without damaging your property.
The first step in the soft wash process is to sanitize the surface with bio-degradable cleaners. These cleaners are diluted with water and sprayed using low pressure. The amount of detergent used and the dwell time required to break down the contaminants varies depending on the surface material and type of stain being removed. For example, smooth surfaces like Hardie siding and brick require a lower detergent strength mix of up to 3% sodium hypochlorite (SH) to water, while porous surface materials like Stucco can benefit from a higher mixture. The typical sanitizer used is harmless to most plants and shrubs and safe for children and pets to touch.
Safety
As with any cleaning job, safety measures are a must. Rubber gloves are important, and chemical-based cleaners should be used with caution because of their potential to irritate skin or create harsh fumes that can be inhaled. Keeping items out of the way can prevent damage, as well. For example, the intense water pressure of a washing machine can dent cars or shatter pots and planters. This is why it is best to move those things before beginning the cleaning process.
It is also a good idea to cover delicate plants and flowers with large sheets before washing a house. The spray from the hose can be harmful to these plants, and even though most washing solutions are harmless to Texas plants, it is best to be safe than sorry. Finally, children and pets should be kept inside the home while the washer is working. They are prone to meandering in front of the spray and may be injured.
Routine
Experts recommend pressure washing the exterior of your home once every six months, or at least once a year, depending on the weather conditions in your area. Aside from being unsightly, the dirt, mildew, and rust that accumulate on your house’s exterior surfaces can also be dangerous for your family’s health. If not removed, these elements can enter your home and cause various allergies.
In addition, if left unattended, this grime can eat away at your building’s materials and eventually cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements. Considering how important curb appeal is for your property’s value, routine cleaning is a wise investment. Not to mention, it’s a great way to spot any potential issues that might need to be repaired or addressed in the near future. So, don’t wait any longer: start planning your next house wash! It’s time to dust off the drop cloths, throw away the duct tape, and get ready for some serious cleaning. Discover more interesting articles.