The material you select for your home’s exterior can affect the overall look and curb appeal of your home. Plus, different materials need to be cared for in different ways. If the exterior of your home is starting to look dull and dirty, cleaning it can help to brighten it up. Learning how to properly clean the exterior of your home is important, as you can damage your siding or exterior materials by using the wrong detergents, tools, or techniques.

Preparing for Exterior House Cleaning

Before you start cleaning the exterior of your house, it’s essential to prepare the necessary equipment and choose the right cleaning solution. This will ensure that you’re able to effectively clean all areas of your home’s exterior without causing any damage.

Gather Essential Equipment

To clean the exterior of your house, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment. These include:

• A garden hose with a spray nozzle: Ideal for rinsing off loose dirt and debris from the surface.
• A pressure washer (optional): Useful for tougher stains and grime, but be cautious with the pressure settings to avoid damage.
• A soft-bristled brush or broom: Perfect for scrubbing surfaces gently without scratching or damaging them.
• A microfiber cloth or sponge: Great for wiping down surfaces and ensuring a dust-free environment.
• A cleaning solution: Depending on your exterior material, choose a suitable cleaning solution (more on this below).
• A ladder or step stool (if necessary): To reach higher areas safely and effectively.

Having the right tools on hand will make the cleaning process smoother and more efficient.

Choose the Right Cleaning Solution

The type of cleaning solution you use will depend on the type of exterior surface you’re cleaning. For example, if you have vinyl siding, you’ll want to use a mild detergent that won’t damage the material. If you have wood siding, you may need to use a more heavy-duty cleaning solution to remove dirt and grime.

When choosing a cleaning solution, make sure to read the label carefully and look for the following:

• A pH level that’s close to neutral (around 7-8): This ensures the solution is gentle on your exterior surfaces.
• A formula that’s specifically designed for exterior use: These solutions are formulated to tackle outdoor dirt and grime effectively.
• A solution that’s free of harsh chemicals and abrasives: To prevent damage to your siding or other exterior materials.

Some popular cleaning solutions for exterior house cleaning include:

• Mild dish soap: A few drops mixed with water can be effective for general cleaning.
• A mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar: This natural solution is great for cutting through grime.
• A commercial cleaning solution specifically designed for exterior use: These are available at most home improvement stores and are tailored for different types of siding.

Choosing the right cleaning solution will help you achieve the best results without damaging your home’s exterior.

Tips for Cleaning Residential Exteriors with a Pressure Washer

Different types of home exteriors need to be cleaned in different ways to ensure the outside of your house remains in optimal condition. Learning the best way to clean your home’s exterior can help to ensure you do not damage the exterior material while cleaning it while also ensuring that the exterior of your home is as clean as possible.

We’ve put together a quick guide to some of the most common types of home exterior materials and information about the best way to clean them.

Wood Siding

Wood has long been a common material used on the exterior of houses. It is a natural material that can be stained or painted in different colors to transform the appearance of your home. Wood collects dirt, dust, pollen, and pollutants over time. They can stick to the surface of the wood, making it look dull and old. Wood can also change colors when exposed to sunlight and weather elements. Algae and mildew can also grow on wood, which gives it a dark, grimy appearance and can cause damage.

If you want to clean a wood surface, a soft wash is the best method. A soft wash utilizes a low-pressure nozzle on the end of a pressure-washing gun. While pressure washers can be effective for tough stains, using a low-pressure setting is important to avoid damaging the wood. Soft washing is not as hard on a wood surface as pressure washing or power washing. This is important because it can peel paint off of the wood itself and can become damaged by too much pressure. Use a specialized wood cleanser during the soft wash process for the best results.

Learn more about Residential Wood Restoration

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is one of the most common materials for home exteriors. Vinyl siding is easy to care for and able to withstand tough weather elements and conditions. Vinyl siding can become grimy due to dirt, dust, pollen, spider webs, lawn chemicals, and bird droppings, just to name a few things.

Using a soft brush can help remove grime without scratching the vinyl surface.

In order to clean vinyl siding, it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Some manufacturers recommend soft washing vinyl siding, while others state that pressure washing their vinyl siding product is effective. Most people use the terms pressure washing and power washing interchangeably, but cold water is used when pressure washing and hot water is used when power washing. Cold water is recommended when cleaning vinyl siding.

Brick

Brick can be used as a decorative element on one portion of a home or to side the entire exterior. Brick is long-lasting and durable, making it a great option for someone who lives in an area with strong winds or extreme weather. Brick can become faded or dirty as it sits outside and is exposed to elements, such as dirt, sunlight, and moisture. When brick begins to look faded or aged, it should be cleaned.

Before cleaning brick siding, carefully examine the condition of the material. If the bricks or the mortar between the bricks is chipped, cracked, broken, or flaking away, it’s best to be gentle. You will only want to clean it by hand. Because damaged siding can leave your home at greater risk for water damage, mold, and termites, you should call a professional to repair the area. If your brick is in good condition and not damaged, power washing is the best way to remove debris and residue from a brick exterior.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding is a durable siding material that is gaining in popularity with homeowners. It looks great, is low-maintenance and has a long lifespan. Like other home exterior materials, fiber cement can get dirty with time and exposure to weather elements.

The best way to clean fiber cement siding is by soft washing it. Power washing or pressure washing can be too harsh for fiber cement siding. The higher pressure can damage the siding, leading to cracks and a shorter lifespan. Soft washing provides just enough pressure to remove caked-on dirt and debris without causing any damage to your siding.

Learn What to Consider Before Pressure Washing Your Roof and how to Avoid the Most Common Challenges to Power Washing Aluminum Siding.

Stucco

If you have a stucco exterior, you’ll need to take special care when cleaning it. Stucco is a delicate material that can be damaged by harsh chemicals or too much pressure. Here are some tips for cleaning stucco:

• Use a soft-bristled brush or broom: Gently remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface.
• Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar: This gentle solution effectively cleans stucco without causing damage.
• Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into the solution and wring it out thoroughly: Ensure the cloth or sponge is damp but not soaking wet.
• Gently wipe down the stucco surface, working from the top down: This method helps prevent streaks and ensures an even clean.
• Avoid using too much pressure or scrubbing too hard: Excessive pressure can damage the stucco, so be gentle.

By following these steps, you can keep your stucco exterior clean and well-maintained without causing any damage.

Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts

Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is an essential part of exterior house cleaning. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage your home’s foundation, so cleaning them regularly is crucial.

Remove Debris and Leaves

To clean your gutters, start by removing any debris or leaves that have accumulated. You can use a soft-bristled brush or a gutter scoop to remove any large pieces of debris. Then, use a garden hose to flush out any remaining dirt or debris.

If you have a pressure washer, you can use it to clean your gutters and downspouts. However, be careful not to use too much pressure, which can damage the gutters or downspouts.

Once you’ve removed any debris and flushed out the gutters, use a microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior of the gutters and downspouts. This will help remove dirt or grime and leave your gutters looking clean and shiny.

Remember always to use caution when cleaning your gutters, as they can be slippery and may require a ladder or step stool to access. If you’re uncomfortable cleaning your gutters, consider hiring a professional to do the job for you.

By keeping your gutters and downspouts clean, you can prevent water damage and maintain the overall appearance of your home’s exterior.

Keep Your Home Looking Great

Trotta’s Power Washing can help you maintain your property through every season. We provide a wide range of residential services, including pressure washing, concrete cleaning and sealing, and interior/exterior painting. Contact Trotta’s at (330) 940-3705 or request a free quote.