Pressure Washing Guide

David Edwards · Joined: 25 Apr 2011 Posts: 3

Hey, everybody. I'm David and have a stupid question. I am currently doing maintenance for a community and part of that entails pressure washing vinyl siding on some of the homes and buildings. I've done pressure washing for years but only as DIY - certainly not on the level of you folks. However, if I'm going to be doing it as part of a job (meaning I get paid for it) then I want to make sure I do the best and safest job possible.

So, I've been reading posts here (and thanks to all of you who post their knowledge!) One thing I've noticed is that it seems no one mentions brushing - you know, spray the solution, brush with a soft brush (something like a car wash brush) and then rinse. Is no one doing this? If not, what chems would you recommend to avoid that step? The detergents in stock at the community are Jo-Max and bleach, but since I'm the one doing the maintenance now I can specify whatever I want. I get paid by the hour but I've always been the type to just get something done as efficiently as possible and move on to the next task - so I'd love to be able to spray and then wash with good results.

Also, the black streaks on aluminum gutters - I searched and ran across (I think) a thread the other day that mentioned a particular product for this but can't find it now. And Jo-Max/bleach won't even touch these streaks.

Thanks for any help and insight.

Midwestpro · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:18 pm Post subject:

David - Welcome to the forum.

JoMax and bleach will work but the trick is using fresh bleach and getting the percentage right. This is done by trial and error if you are using an injector on the pressure washer. Or you could simply mix some up in a bucket and brush it onto the house.

If you are dealing with mildew it should turn brown and begin to disappear a few minutes after you apply the solution. If not then the mix isn't strong enough or your bleach is bad. The bleach is for killing and removing mold, algae, and mildew and the Jomax (soap) will clean and remove the dirt and grime. This combination cleans vinyl effectively according the the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI).

As far as the black streaks on gutters you can try using a degreaser like Purple Power or Simple Green. I've had good results using PP before but make sure it is a warm sunny day. Cold gutters do not clean up well no matter what you use. Apply the solution using a brush and wait a few minutes but don't allow the cleaner to dry. Re-apply the solution and then scrub and rinse. Do a test spot first and be careful as the degreaser can remove the paint if it is oxidized.

Be sure to wet down all the landscape and shrubbery in the area and don't let any chemicals dry on the plants. Rinse the landscaping before, during, and after cleaning the gutters or vinyl. Just keep the plants well rinsed and you won't have any problems.

Hope this helps!

David Edwards · Joined: 25 Apr 2011 Posts: 3

Thanks, Barry! You and your forum are a great help!