Cleaning the exterior of your home is important for maintaining curb appeal and preventing long-term damage caused by dirt, mold, and mildew. Regular exterior house cleaning can extend the life of your siding, windows, and other outdoor surfaces. In this article, we will show you how to clean exterior of house using practical techniques and helpful tips.

Why Clean the Exterior of Your House?

The exterior home cleaning process is frequently disregarded, yet it is critical for maintaining your property in good condition. Dust, debris, and environmental toxins can accumulate over time, causing unsightly stains and possible structural damage. Routine house exterior cleaning keeps your property looking good and protects it from the weather.

How to Clean Exterior of House: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tools and Supplies For Exterior House Cleaning

To achieve an effective exterior house cleaning, prepare the area first.

Steps to prepare:

• Clear the area: Remove patio furniture, potted plants, and decorations near the home.
• Protect plants: Cover shrubs, flowers, and gardens with tarps to protect them from cleaning chemicals.
• Close all windows and doors: Ensure all windows and doors are tightly closed to keep water and cleaning solutions out of your home.

There are different methods for cleaning the exterior of a house, depending on the type of siding and how dirty the surface is. Here are some recommended approaches:

Using a Pressure Washer: A pressure washer is the best way to wash the house exterior efficiently. A pressure washer can quickly remove dirt, mold, and mildew from most siding materials.

• To avoid harming the siding, put the pressure washer low to medium.
• Work from top to bottom, beginning at the roofline and progressing downward. This helps to prevent streaks and removes all dirt.
• If necessary, apply a cleaning solution with a detergent attachment and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
• Rinse well with clean water.

Hand Cleaning with a Garden Hose: If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can still get excellent results with a garden hose and manual scrubbing.

• Combine water and mild detergent in a bucket to form a cleaning solution.
• To loosen dirt, spray the house down with water.
• Working in tiny pieces, scrub the surface with the cleaning solution using a soft-bristle brush or broom.
• Scrub each part and then rinse with a garden hose.

How to Remove Mold and Mildew From the Exterior?

Mold and mildew are frequent in the exteriors of houses, particularly in moist or shaded places. Use bleach to remove these tougher stains.

Steps for Removing Mold and Mildew

• In a bucket, mix one part bleach and three parts water.
• Apply the solution to the afflicted regions with a sponge or brush.
• Allow the bleach to remain for 10-15 minutes to eliminate the mold and mildew.
• Rinse carefully with water until no bleach residue remains.

Cleaning Different Types of Siding

Cleaning the exterior of your house requires slightly different procedures depending on the type of siding you have. The following are some best practices for common forms of siding.

Vinyl Siding: Vinyl siding is long-lasting but prone to grime and algae buildup. It’s best to clean it with a power washer or a garden hose and some mild detergent. Avoid using aggressive chemicals that could damage the finish.

Wood Siding: Wood siding requires gentler cleaning. Use a garden hose and a soft-bristle brush to avoid harming the wood. Check the wood for rot or fractures since water can exacerbate existing damage.

Brick: A pressure washer on a low setting effectively cleans brick and stucco. For persistent stains, wash carefully with a mixture of water and bleach using a brush.

Best Way to Clean Windows and Doors

Remember to clean the windows and doors when cleaning the exterior of your property. Even if your siding is clean, dirty windows can give your home a neglected appearance.

Steps to Clean Windows:

• To clean your windows, use a glass cleaner or make your own vinegar and water solution.
• To eliminate filth, scrub with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Rinse the windows with clean water and dry them with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.

Clean the Roof and Gutters

Cleaning your roof and gutters regularly is another aspect of home exterior maintenance. Remove debris, such as leaves and twigs, from the roof and gutters to avoid clogging and water damage.

Steps to Clean Roof and Gutters:

• Use a ladder to reach the roof and gutters safely.
• Remove debris by hand or using a scoop.
• Rinse gutters with a hose to allow water to flow freely.

When to Hire Exterior Cleaning Services

Hiring exterior cleaning services may be the best option if cleaning your home’s exterior is too time-consuming or requires specialized tools. Professionals have the experience and equipment to ensure a deep clean, especially for large homes or hard-to-reach areas.

Conclusion

Cleaning the exterior of your home is an important part of maintaining its appearance and structural integrity. Whether you wash the house outside yourself or hire professional exterior cleaning services, following these steps will ensure a fresh and spotless look. Regular exterior house cleaning boosts your home’s curb appeal and extends the life of your siding, windows, and roof.

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