Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Homeowners should be cleaning the exterior of their homes each year to remove dirt, mold, mildew, and stains to keep their homes and family safe. The quickest and most efficient way to get the job done is with power washing – but how does the cleaning process differ when power washing vinyl siding instead of brick?

There are a few things you should know before picking up that power washer and cleaning your vinyl siding.

If at any time you feel uncomfortable taking on this large project by yourself, the home services experts at Mr. Handyman are ready to help with all your pressure washing service needs – from siding to decks. Give the trusted professionals a call to save time, money, and energy.

How to Properly Power Wash Vinyl Siding

Power washing vinyl siding requires an extra amount of due diligence to prevent damage to your home. Making sure you power wash your home annually can help prevent serious issues that can develop over time.

Below, see the steps necessary to power wash your vinyl siding:  

First, carefully inspect your home

• Do a walk-around of your home’s exterior as a way to map out your cleaning process and prevent any damage. If you spot any cracks or broken parts of your vinyl siding, repair them if you’re able, or make sure to avoid those spots when power washing.
• If you notice any areas of your siding that are extremely dirty, check to see if there’s a likely cause, such as a broken or leaking gutter, and fix the issue before continuing. If you don’t fix the issue before power washing, it could get worse.
• If you find any areas that have thick layers of stained green algae or dirt, take a stiff bristle brush to the area so you don’t have to increase the pressure of the power washer, which could crack your vinyl siding.

Know your power

• A pressure washer can quickly ruin vinyl siding by cracking it with a high-pressure stream of water, so it’s necessary to know which pressure level and nozzle to use. Starting low and gently working your way up is the safest bet. Never start off on the highest pressure setting.
• Another easy way to protect your vinyl siding is considering your distance from the house. Start farther out and work your way in. If you see any siding that’s moving, this means you’re using too much pressure.
• If you do use too much power, water can sneak behind the siding and soak the wood sheeting behind the vinyl, which could cause future damage.
   

Observe the “Watch Out” Checklist

• Items to avoid, or to be extra sensitive around, when power washing your home:
  • windows
  • window screens
  • outdoor lights
  • screen doors
  • existing cracks or damage to your home’s exterior
  • painted surfaces

Spray away!

• After checking for all possible exterior home damage, knowing what to look out for, and starting on a minimal pressure level from a safe distance, you will be ready to power wash your vinyl siding. Make sure to use an environmentally friendly cleaning concentrate that is safe for siding, landscapes, windows, and sidewalks.

Mr. Handyman Power Washing Services

Power washing your vinyl siding can be an extremely lengthy and tedious project, however, this task helps proactively keep your home safe, clean-looking, and structurally sound when performed annually. Using Mr. Handyman for your services will help you save money, time, and peace of mind knowing it was done correctly the first time without any damage to your home’s siding or fixtures.

Trust the experts at Mr. Handyman with your power washing needs to keep your home looking its best. Call your local Mr. Handyman or schedule an appointment online.