How to Clean Vinyl Siding with a Pressure Washer ?
When it comes to cleaning your home’s exterior, there is a lot of mold, dirt, stains, and mildew to cater to. The most efficient way, of course, of getting this job done is through power washing. Be it the decks or the walls, the balcony, or the porch, the cleaning process is quite similar. But it does differ when it comes to power washing vinyl sidings.
Pondering how to get the grime out of those tough spots? How To Clean Vinyl Siding With A Pressure Washer? And most importantly, how much PSI to pressure wash vinyl siding? Worry no more, as this guide will answer all your queries. Without further ado, let’s start:
What is a Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is the plastic exterior siding for houses; it is used as an alternative to paint for weatherproofing and decoration. Vinyl sidings are usually very hardy and durable, but they require regular maintenance if you wish to keep your house’s exterior in top-notch condition.
Using a pressure washer makes cleaning vinyl siding much easier. But when it comes to vinyl, you need to be extra careful with handling the pressure washer, as you can injure yourself or the cladding.
How to Clean Vinyl Siding with a Pressure Washer? Step By Step Guide
As one of the most popular choices among homeowners, vinyl siding is commonly used to protect buildings. Not only is it durable and affordable, but it comes in different colors and textures, which makes it an appealing choice for property owners.
So, if you are among relatively new users of vinyl siding and are wondering what you use to pressure wash vinyl siding, understand that it is not complex to clean. Here’s how you can clean vinyl sidings effectively using a pressure washer:
Step 1: Using Pressure Washer Detergent:
When it comes to cleaning via liquids, soap and water are always a better combination than water alone. But using a pressure water detergent is always the best option. Try only using solvents with ‘approved for pressure washer use’ labels—using a pressure washer with a mixed cleaning solution.
Avoid using cleaning solvents containing chlorine bleach, nail polish remover, furniture polish, or liquid grease remover. Because using any of these products can damage the surface of vinyl sidings.
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Step 2: Applying the Detergent Solution:
When using a detergent, or a soap/water mixture, apply the liquid with low pressure and overlapping strokes. It is essential to determine what you use to pressure wash vinyl siding as your product also determines the quality of results your cleanup will achieve.
Start applying the pressure washer on the bottom to prevent streaking and work your way up.
Remember, pressure washing is very much like painting. If you spray randomly, there are high chances that you will miss a spot.
Step 3 [OPTIONAL]: Using a Brush to Reach the Tough Spots:
This step is optional in regular cases. But if your house hasn’t been cleaned in a while, you’ll need to use a utility or rotating brush to help loosen the thicker layers of dust. Using this brush will snap the thick layers to fall off before you start applying the pressure water.
Step 4: Starting From a Distance:
Remember, pressure washers are designed to pack a punch so when you start the low-pressure spray, do so from a distance. If you start too close, you could risk damaging the vinyl siding.
Hence, hold the pressure washer wand at least 05 feet from your siding of choice and gradually move closer as you work your way up.
Step 5: Spraying From the Right Angle:
You don’t want to spray on light fixtures, eaves, and vents directly because the high-water pressure can break them loose. Therefore, try to keep the pressure washer’s angle pointing down so that you don’t spray the wrong way.
How Much PSI to Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding?
Contrary to popular belief, there is a thing such as “too much pressure” when cleaning vinyl sidings. So, you must be mindful of determining how much psi to pressure wash vinyl siding is ok. When washing the vinyl sidings, you must keep your pressure between 1000 to 1400 pounds per square inch (PSI).
While too much pressure can damage the sidings, too little power will result in inefficient cleaning results.
Is Cleaning Vinyl Siding With Garden Hose Possible?
The best way to clean your vinyl siding is through a power washer. But sometimes, if you don’t own one and cannot call a cleaning service provider, you can use a garden hose as a vinyl siding cleaner.
When using a garden hose to wash the siding, only spray the section you are working on. Moreover, ensure that you use the spray downward so that no water is forced underneath the siding.
Top 05 Must-Read Tips on Cleaning Vinyl Sidings with a Pressure Washer
Now that you have learned exactly how to wash your home’s vinyl sidings through a pressure
washer, try these tested tips to guarantee 100% clean surfaces:
➔ Carry out your cleaning project on a dry, warm day to allow the siding to dry quickly.
➔ Before applying the streams, assess the condition of your vinyl seamings so you can ensure no water seeps through the sidings. Also, seal the windows and vents and/ or perform any necessary repairs before you pressure wash the vinyl.
➔ When doing this house siding cleaning project, work in small sections instead of trying to complete the entire surface in one go, especially if you are working with a double-story building.
➔ Cover all electrical fixtures for added protection. If any outdoor wiring or outlet comes in contact with the pressure wash, it should be sealed enough to avoid any damage.
➔ If you are unsure how to start cleaning through a pressure washer, point the stream straight at eye level and not at an upward angle so no water drives behind the vinyl siding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Now that all the steps and tips have been discussed let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions regarding vinyl sidings cleanup via pressure washers:
What is the easiest way to clean vinyl siding?
The easiest way to clean your vinyl sidings is to use a cleaning product that is specifically designed for vinyl and does not contain any caustic chemicals. Depending upon the type of stains and whether the vinyl you wish to clean is interior or exterior, the cleaning mixtures may vary. So, use a cleaning solution that can be sprayed via a pressure washer to get the job done.
How do you clean siding on a pressure washer?
When facing a tough stain such as oil or grime, you need targeted delivery of the cleaning solution to get the stains out. Using a pressure washer would make it easy to achieve that pristine clean vinyl you desire. While using a pressure washer, take care not to direct the hose at one specific spot since it can result in the cracking of the vinyl. Instead, keep moving the hose as you spray.
Is it OK to pressure wash vinyl siding?
Yes, however, you must take care to avoid damage or discoloration. If you select the wrong cleaning product or if your spraying technique is wrong, you will encounter problems like cracking, loss of texture, and unwanted discolorations and spots.
What PSI should be used to clean vinyl siding?
Taking the type, age, and location of the vinyl into account, the pressure may vary from 1000 PSI to about 1400 PSI. If the pressure is too high, it will rip and damage the vinyl, and if it’s too low, the cleaning solution will not adequately penetrate the vinyl, and the cleaning process will be compromised.
What should you not clean vinyl siding with?
Any cleaning agent containing caustic chemicals and/or organic solvents may severely damage the vinyl siding. Using acetone or alcohol-based cleaning products is highly counter-productive. This is because these products can damage the vinyl surface; not to mention, the color and texture also get lost if such solvent or bleach-based cleaners are used.
The Bottom Line
Today we have shared how you can keep those vinyl sidings looking new for years. This article shares some of the safest and most effective ways how to pressure wash vinyl siding. We have covered everything from cleaning vinyl siding with a garden hose to using pressure washers. Read our guide about washing car with a Pressure Washer.
We hope that the next time you are faced with the dilemma of how to wash your vinyl sidings, you will make the right calls & will end up saving time & money. So, the next time your vinyl stains put you in a fix, remember to use the tips & tricks you learned from this article. Read more about pressure washers.
