Introduction:
Hello Everyone!!
Thank you for taking the time today to read Exterior and Interior Painting Specialists Blog! It’s about that time of year again, when everyone EXCEPT mother nature knows its—spring cleaning! We all know through the wear and tare of the year it can take a toll on the house; that’s why we’re here with a quick 1, 2, 3 good as new home remedy. Today we are going to go over the does and don’ts of pressure washing your house and a few other helpful tips!
WARNINGS
- don’t mix bleach and ammonia
- use caution with ladder
- always wear protective eye gear
- **ALWAYS USE CAUTION when using a pressure washer. Be sure to check the area for any possible hazards. Make sure everyone on the property also knows to stay away, they can cause extreme harm. Inspect the machine to ensure it is in the proper condition. See the owner’s manual for any questions**
HELPFUL TIPS
- cover all plants
- repair all damages
- apply bleach with brush
- let detergent sit 5-10 min. before use
- use an extender to avoid pressure washing on a ladder
- detergent depends on siding texture
- be aware of powerlines
- turn off all exterior power
- avoid full pressure on masonry or vinyl
THINGS YOU NEED TO PRESSURE WASH:
- Trisodium phosphate ( 1/3 to 2/3 cups at your local store)
- 1 gallon of water – mix with trisodium phosphate until dissolved
- large bucket
- laundry detergent
- long handle brush
- ladder
- garden hose
- bleach
- plastic wrap/tarp
- white vinegar
- protective eyewear
Before Pressure Washing:
- Check all of the siding and gutters make sure to repair all damages before pressure washing. Use tarp and tape to cover all plants and lights to ensure no damagte is done to them. Use a brush and scrub off all visible mildew.
- Mix the trisodium phosphate and water… for every 1 gallon of water mix 1/3 cups of trisodium phosphate (this may change depending on your type of pressure washer/siding.)
- Connect the hose to the pressure washer, make sure it is completely attached before turning the water on. Stand at least three feet from the house and test the pressure.
After completing those 3 easy steps you are now ready to transform your beautiful home again.
Different Types of Siding:
Vinyl- avoid door/window frames
Aluminum- avoid panel overlap
Wood- wet before applying detergent
Stucco- 2 ft from surface
Cleaning and repairing screens:
Window screens can be cleaned by soaking them in a child’s wading pool filled with soapy water, followed by a gentle scrubbing with a soft scrub brush on a flat surface. As a final step, rinse the screen with a garden hose using a fine spray setting to keep from damaging the screen.
To repair small holes in screens, flatten the fibers out and brush on several coats of clear fingernail polish for a seamless repair. Large tears or holes are best fixed by removing the rubber spline from the screen frame and installing a new piece of screen using a screen spline roller tool.
Cleaning your windows:
Spring pollen and dirt can work a number on your windows, so take the time to wash them down and clean them once the pollen has settled.
- Work in the shade to keep the cleaner from drying out too quickly.
- A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water makes a great natural window cleaner.
- Use crumpled up newspaper, rather than paper towels, to clean and dry your windows.
Conclusion:
Today we went over a few major things to go over when getting ready for the spring!