You’re planning to give your house a deep wash, right?
Do you know how to clean vinyl siding with a pressure washer? Probably not if you’re reading this.
Well, you’re in the right place.
This guide will provide an in-depth overview of how to (properly) clean vinyl siding with a pressure washer and touch on a few other aspects, like safety and frequently asked questions.
Let’s get started!
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Hey there, I’m Cody.
A decade of residential and commercial pressure washing led me to start JCS Refresh. Now I can share my knowledge with folks like you.
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Quick Answer
Here’s a quick overview of how to wash vinyl siding with a pressure washer for those short on time.
However, we recommend you read the full article before cleaning.
- Examine the vinyl sidings
- Clean up the surroundings
- Set the pressure washer
- Spray the soapy water
- Rinse
Quick questions before starting
Here are two quick questions we think are worth covering before we get too ahead.
How difficult is this to do?
Pressure washing vinyl siding is an easy task for a professional. However, it lies in the easy to medium category for a beginner because you have to be careful with certain things, which we’ll discuss later.
How long does it take?
Various factors determine the time it takes to complete this task. However, the estimated time for a single-story house is 3-4 hours with set up and take down.
Items needed
Other than a pressure washer, here’s what you’ll need:
- Detergent: $20 to $25
- Extension wand (if you have a 2-story home): $12 to $18
What PSI level is best for vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding can bear higher pressure than wood or window panes, so 2000 to 3000 PSI is a good range.
Too much pressure can cause damage, and water can seep into the walls.
Here’s how to clean vinyl siding with a pressure washer
Here’s a step-by-step process to pressure wash vinyl siding.
For single-story homes
1. Examine the walls
First, take a careful look at the exterior walls of your home to understand how dirty they are.
Look for cracks or breaks; if you find any, restore them before washing, or you’ll do more harm than good. Applying low pressure (about 1500 to 1700 PSI) is best if your siding is old or brittle.
2. Clean up the surrounding area
Next, start by preparing the surrounding area. Remove any outdoor lights and if you have any furniture or plants, move those too or cover them. Be on the lookout for electrical outlets as well.
3. Prepare your pressure washer
Now we have to set the correct PSI and nozzle.
As mentioned above, the optimum PSI range for this project is 2000 to 3000 PSI.
As far as nozzles go, 40 degrees is the most appropriate for vinyl siding.
Lastly, prepare your cleaning solution. You can use mild all-purpose detergent or solution specifically made for vinyl.
Just be sure to avoid the following:
- Corrosive cleaning solutions
- Detergents having a high quantity of bleach
4. Spray soapy water
Here comes the fun part. Let the water flow, and spray your solution from bottom to top. Then, just take care of the following:
- Stand almost 5 feet away
- Don’t hold the nozzle perpendicular to the siding (always spray at an angle)
5. Rinse
Let the soap sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse. Remember, don’t wait too long because we don’t want the soap to get dry. When rinsing, start from the top to get a streakless finish.
For a 2-story house
All the steps are the same here, but there are a few minor adjustments.
For a 2-story house, increase the pressure and reduce the angle. Doing so will allow you to access those hard-to-reach spots near your roof.
Tips and safety considerations
Safety first! Be sure to follow these tips:
1. Don’t use too much pressure
Using too much pressure can crack or damage vinyl. Stick within our suggested range and always test a small section before moving to the main area.
2. Avoid using a ladder
Don’t use a ladder to wash second-story siding. It’s risky- Instead, use an extension nozzle to reach the height. Only use a ladder to secure electrical outlet and protect specific areas from potential water damage.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions you might find helpful.
Is pressure washing safe for vinyl siding?
Yes, it’s safe to wash vinyl siding with a pressure washer. However, be sure to monitor your PSI settings because that’s what can lead to damage.
What do you use in a pressure washer to clean vinyl siding?
You can use a mild detergent or a specific cleaning solution.
What should you not clean vinyl siding with?
Corrosive cleaning solutions, detergents with bleach, grease remover, and furniture polish are some options you should avoid.
How often should vinyl siding be pressure washed?
You should wash vinyl siding every 1 to 2 years. Though it might not look dirty, there’ll be a little layer of dirt and some grime in the slits.
Conclusion
Pressure-washing vinyl siding is the fastest way to make your house shine. You can easily handle this task with just a few simple steps and safety considerations.
Keep in mind that it’s best to wash once yearly. This way, you won’t end up with extremely dirty siding that takes hours to clean.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck on your next project!
