How To Remove Stubborn Siding Stains When Pressure Washing Houses

When we think about cleaning the exterior of our house, one of the more stubborn areas to address is the siding. Whether removing graffiti, mold, or rust, it can be difficult to know how to remove stubborn stains on exterior surfaces.

A professional pressure washing service is an excellent way to bring every square footage of your house back to beauty. Today, we look at the removal process of siding stains by power washing your home. Let’s get started!

Introduction to Removing Stubborn Siding Stains

Siding stains are common and are caused by moisture, algae, and fungus build-up. Left alone for long periods, they can cause deterioration to your house. Both wood siding and vinyl siding can depreciate, and to top it off, it will affect your curb appeal.

Pressure washing is one of the best ways to maintain a clean exterior. Expert house pressure washing removes the various stains from your siding, and a professional will remove all traces. While it’s important to note that mildew will build again over time without regular house washing, pressure washing will give your siding a fresh start.

Tools and Equipment for Effective Pressure Washing

To undergo the pressure washing process yourself, a few pieces of equipment are required. First, a pressure washer. These are powerful, portable, and a lot of fun to use. They cost approximately $100-200 and you can even get a cordless pressure washer.

You can purchase different pressure washing nozzles for various purposes. Quick-Connect nozzles are the most common and have five degrees of cleaning. The 0-degree Red-Nozzle is high pressure and is used to blast problematic substances, such as the ones described below—tar, glue, and caked mud.

The 15-degree Yellow nozzle removes grime from manual equipment, prepares paint, and takes outgrowth on boats and other nautical equipment. The 15-degree Green Nozzle is for standard cleaning, ordinary dirt, and the like.

The 40-degree White Nozzle is a lower-pressure washing job, as it is used for cleaning windows and cars. Finally, a black Nozzle uses a lower pressure and facilitates a wider spray to apply soap broadly. It works with the chemical solution conduit, combining it with the pressure washer’s stream.

If you do not have experience with pressure washing, hiring professionals with several years of experience in the industry will save you time and money in the long run.

Safety Precautions

With all pressure washers, there’s a safety risk. Wear safety goggles, avoid spraying it directly at temperamental objects or other people, and use low pressure when necessary.

Identifying Types of Stubborn Stains

Over time, the following can build up on your siding. Here is how you distinguish one from another.

• Dirt and grime: Dirt can get blown onto your walls in storms and is the most basic stain you will discover when pressure washing your house.
• Mold and mildew: This is caused by moisture accumulation. It’s more likely to grow when deprived of sunlight.  Mold is usually green or black, while mildew spans a breadth of white to yellow.
• Rust and mineral stains: This form of stain is common around the house. They are often seen around your toilet or water faucets. It is a reddish brown and will be very apparent if the stain is chronic.
• Paint and graffiti: This one should be relatively easy to decipher when pressure washing. Pressure washers can remove loose paint from your home’s exterior.

Techniques for Removing Stubborn Stains

Before the pressure washing process, you can make the removal easier by pre-soaking the stained area with hot water. You can also scrub them with the appropriate detergents and cleaning solutions that are most suitable. For instance, don’t use a solution that is too strong for wood siding.

Different stains will also require different water pressure. For example, vinyl siding requires low water pressure. This way, the water won’t end behind the siding or cause surface damage.

It’s generally advisable to use a scrub brush for stubborn spots. Apply gentle scrubbing to the area in question. Later, the process will be even more expedient when the pressure washer is used.

Specific Approaches for Different Stains

Now, some solution tips. You’ll need different cleaning agents to remove dirt and stubborn build-up. Bleach solution is best for mold and mildew, whereas rust removers are most effective for rust stains.

Paint removal techniques should be applied for paint and graffiti stains. For hard-to-reach stains, you can purchase an extension wand, to help you to reach high-up stains.

Preventing Future Stubborn Stains

To prevent future stains and future pressure washing jobs, schedule regular maintenance and cleaning schedules. Also, apply protective coatings on sealants in the relevant pressure washed areas.

You can even implement landscaping strategies to ensure water doesn’t run onto the siding. This will ensure that you don’t need pressure washing for a while.

The Verdict

In summary, pressure washing effectively removes damaging buildup from your homes siding. It’s important to identify the stains and use the best equipment for expedient removal.

If you have stubborn stains on your home and have yet to consider pressure cleaning them away, then why not take proactive measures to maintain your home? You can begin by perusing our services and start pressure washing today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pressure washing damage the siding?

It’s reported that aluminum siding or vinyl can become scratched, bent, or warped if you apply too much pressure. To avoid this, use a lower-pressure washing nozzle and do research when necessary.

How often should I pressure wash my house?

Once a year is an ideal pressure washing routine; dirt, grime, and mildew will have built up in this time.

Is it safe to use bleach for cleaning siding?

Yes, it’s very effective. Just remember to use a product with a 0.4 to 1 bleach-to-water ratio.

Can I pressure wash my house myself, or should I hire professionals?

That depends on the size of the job, your pressure washing expertise, and the task’s complexity. It’s generally better to hire professionals, as they will do a thorough job. But find a pressure washing vendor that includes the best package.