Cleaning the exterior of your home is an important part of maintenance. Not only will it keep your house looking nice, but it will also help protect your home from mold, rot and other risks. The siding and paint on your home are there as a protective layer. If you have vinyl siding, you may consider pressure washing it. This is a great way to keep things clean but requires a proper technique.

Start With an Inspection

Before you begin washing anything, you should walk around the exterior of your home and look for any visible damage. If you notice any cracks or broken parts in the siding, repair them if possible. If you can’t repair them, simply make note of them and avoid them when washing. You can clean them by hand later.

If you notice any unusually dirty areas, check to see if there is a cause before you begin cleaning. There is no point in cleaning your home for it to become dirty again almost immediately. A broken gutter may the culprit, for example. Also, consider scrubbing at the worst areas briefly to get any large clumps of dirt off.

The Cleaning Process

The main risk with vinyl is that you may accidentally crack the siding. Additionally, having overly high pressure may get water behind the siding, causing more damage. It is important to get the pressure level right. Try starting on a low setting and gradually increasing the pressure to the point where it is working effectively but not causing damage.

Avoid standing too close to the side of the house while you clean. For most dirt on your home, you don’t need that much power to clean it off. The closer you are to the house, the more forceful the water will be on it.

Be careful around windows, screens, lighting, doors, paint and any cracked parts of the siding. Power washing is a great way to clean your home with vinyl siding. Provided that you are careful and smart about how you use the washer, it can make cleaning your home easier than ever.

Learn more about pressure washing to see how much you can accomplish with one. If you are unsure about cleaning your house with a pressure washer, consider coming to the pros. With the right help, you can be confident that your home will be sparkling clean without risking any damage to the siding.