That cedar deck you love to lounge on, or the warm stone patio where you cook and entertain has taken a beating over the past couple of years. Tree pollen, dirt, mold, and mildew have left their marks behind, robbing those outdoor living spaces of their original beauty.
Even if you recently stained or sealed the wood or brick, you’re likely seeing stains, streaks, or discoloration develop over time. Rest assured, a thorough deck power washing near me treatment by a 5 star power washing company like National SoftWash is all you need to restore the aesthetic and functionality of your home’s exterior surfaces.
Now that the kids are on summer break and the weather is ideal for getting outside, why not tackle that power-washing project you’ve been putting off? We’ve written this beginner’s guide to teach you everything you need to know about DIY power washing and when it pays to call in the pros at National SoftWash.
Why Every Home Needs Power Washing
There’s no doubt about it – every home’s exterior surfaces collect dirt, grime, and bacteria over time. From the walks and driveway to vinyl siding, decks, fences, patios, and beyond, the Nooks and crannies on most homes provide the perfect place for mold, mildew, and algae to take hold. Even if you can’t see these organisms, they likely lurk there, slowly deteriorating your home’s exterior.
Power washing uses a high-pressure stream of water to clean every Nook and cranny thoroughly. While a garden hose is great for a light rinse, it can’t pack the punch needed to remove years of accumulated buildup. When done correctly, power washing restores your home’s exterior to a like-new condition by:
- Removing dirt, pollen, mold, and mildew
- Lifting away faded exterior paint/stain
- Opening wood grain to accept new stain
- Cleaning out grimy crevices in brickwork
- Stealing oil residue from driveways and walks
By restoring your home’s exterior to a clean, inviting condition, you’ll want to spend more time enjoying those outdoor living areas. Your home’s curb appeal will also get a nice boost!
When to Hire a Professional House Washing Service
Power washing seems simple enough, but this project poses hazards homeowners often overlook. Risks like damage to surfaces, injury, and excess moisture seeping into walls all make power washing a job best left to trained professionals equipped with commercial-grade equipment.
The power washing technicians at National SoftWash in DuPage County bring extensive experience to the job as a leading 5-star power washing service. Their top-quality equipment allows them to customize the water pressure to suit each cleaning task. Softer wash techniques remove dirt without digging into and damaging delicate materials like wood, brick, and natural stone.
Homeowners who attempt dangerous do-it-yourself power-washing projects often create more significant, more costly problems down the road. Avoid these headaches by calling in a professional house washing service for:
- Two-story homes where falls are likely
- Fiber cement and synthetic siding that damage easily
- Pool decks and patios made of delicate natural stone
- Any job requiring chemical cleaning solutions
- Homes with vinyl, cedar shake, or soft finishes
Follow the pros’ advice on power washing frequency to avoid future deterioration of your home’s exterior surfaces. Generally, an annual power washing is ideal, but high-traffic areas like pool decks and patios may need cleaning every 4-5 months.
Getting Started: Beginner Power Washing Tips
If your single-story home has uncomplicated vinyl or aluminum siding and you’re eager to save money, a DIY home power washing project may fit the bill. Follow these beginner tips for getting great results safely:
Choose the Right Day
Avoid power washing on hot, sunny days when surfaces quickly dry out, and water will evaporate faster than you can work. Overcast days or moderate temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees F allow you to work methodically without surfaces drying prematurely.
Gather Quality Equipment
Don’t expect great results from cheap homeowner-grade power washers. It would help to have a heavy-duty gas-powered model generating at least 3,000 PSI and a GPM over 2.0. Electric power washers generally don’t offer enough cleaning power for homes. Invest in a quality pressure washer from a reputable brand and various nozzle tips to handle all cleaning tasks.
Evaluate Surface Conditions
Walk around your home and make notes on which areas need attention. Use a wire brush to scrape off peeling paint. Inspect for holes/gaps/cracks in siding needing repair after washing. Identify painted areas needing primer and new coats of paint post-washing.
Protect Landscaping
Use tarps and plastic sheeting secured with stakes to protect plantings surrounding the home. Remove window screens and consider covering windows with plastic if you work close to the house. Seal exterior receptacles with electrical box covers.
Work From Top to Bottom
To avoid re-soiling recently cleaned surfaces:
- Begin washing at the roofline and work downward in continuous sections.
- For siding, apply broad vertical strokes overlapping slightly.
- Avoid spraying directly at corners, seams, and horizontal joints to prevent moisture intrusion behind the siding.
- Manage runoff by working in smaller sections.
Allow Surfaces to Dry Completely
After rinsing soap residue from washed surfaces, use a leaf blower to remove pooled water. Allow surfaces to dry completely before attempting paint touch-ups or new paint. Thoroughly dried surfaces readily accept and bond with fresh paint and stain.
Stay Safe With Proper Gear
Your pressure washer came with comprehensive safety gear for good reason. Waterproof coveralls, non-slip shoes, protective eyewear, heavy-duty rubber gloves, and a particle mask are essential when operating a pressure washer. Keep pets and children safely away when power washing.
Keep expectations realistic when tackling an exterior power washing project for the first time. While you should notice a definite improvement, understand that DIY equipment must match the professional strength power washers’ cleaning potency. Don’t hesitate to call the expert house washers at National SoftWash if you have any concerns about attempting this project yourself.