What You Need to Know About House Washing
House washing is the process of removing mold, mildew, moss, dirt, and grime from your home’s exterior surfaces. It can be a DIY project for many homeowners, but hiring professionals ensures the job is done properly and without property damage.
During house washing, it is important to cover up doors and windows with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. This will prevent the possibility of water getting into your home and causing damage or contaminating contents. See our home page.
Pressure Washer
Pressure washers are powerful pumps that can increase the water flow through a hose. They can be run either on gasoline or electricity. The type of nozzle and cleaning solution used will determine the surface material the cleaner will reach and how much power or psi (pressure) will be applied.
It can remove moss, mildew, and other debris that is damaging surfaces, causing stains, and lowering curb appeal. It can also improve indoor air quality by removing mold, mildew, and allergens that can make people who live or work at the property cough, sneeze, or have itchy eyes.
Professional house washing can protect your home from premature wear and tear, deterioration, and stains, as well as boost its value by making it more appealing to prospective buyers. This is particularly important if you plan on selling it in the future.
Detergent
When it comes to cleaning stubborn stains and greasiness, detergents make the difference. Detergents work in conjunction with high-pressure water to break down and dissolve stubborn dirt. Choosing the right detergent for your project makes it easier to get clean while protecting surfaces from damage.
The type of surface you are cleaning determines the detergent strength or mixture ratio. For example, smooth surfaces like Hardie siding and concrete use a lower mix ratio of 1% to 3% sodium hypochlorite, whereas more porous materials like brick and Stucco require a higher solution concentration of up to 3%.
Additionally, specialized detergents are available for projects that need more than just a general cleaning. For example, a degreaser is formulated to remove grease and oil and can even contain rust remover for more serious surface corrosion. This type of specialty chemical can help you save time and money while delivering an outstanding clean. It also helps you stay competitive by offering more eco-friendly options to your customers.
Cleaning Equipment
There are many different types of equipment used in house washing, but one of the most important is the pressure washer. Without it, the job could take much longer and may cause damage to your surfaces and landscaping.
The wands (also known as tips) that are attached to the pressure washer can also be very important. They determine the amount of pressure that is applied to each surface, as well as the spray pattern and direction. The wands are typically identified by color-coding and by the orifice size, which is indicated by a 4 or 5-digit number (for example 2505 has a spray angle of 25o and an orifice size of 5)
It’s also important to consider what kind of chemical is being used and how long it will be allowed to dwell on a surface. Doing so will help prevent issues like pencil striping, flash oxidation, and chalky residue on siding and windows. A professional soft wash team knows the proper cleaning methods and chemicals for a variety of surfaces so that these potential problems can be avoided.
Safety
The key to a successful house wash is a careful combination of pressure control and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. While some homeowners may be tempted to tackle this task on their own, soliciting the help of an experienced professional ensures that the job is done properly, quickly, and safely.
It also reduces the risk of long-term damage to surfaces like windows, metal railings, and painted surfaces from corrosive dirt buildup. Additionally, routine cleanings remove unsightly mold, mildew, and algae that can pose a health risk to individuals with allergies or respiratory problems.
While high-pressure washing is highly effective for removing stubborn dirt, it can be dangerous when not used correctly. It is important to always wear safety goggles to protect eyes from spray, rubber gloves to minimize skin irritation from abrasive detergents, and non-slip shoes for stability on wet surfaces. It is also recommended to use a lower gallons-per-minute setting and a fairly wide spray radius to prevent damage. Check out this interesting post!