How Should My Home Be Cleaned Before Being Painted Outside?

Cleaning the outside of your house can be a simple task if you use the right tools and techniques. To prepare, choose a warm, dry day to clean, protect the area around your home, and use soap and water to remove stains. Create a solution with oxygen bleach powder to remove mildew.

A low-pressure nozzle is the best bet for cleaning the exterior of your home, as it infuses the spray with a cleaning agent that may need to remove stubborn stains. Pressure washing is a powerful tool for removing dirt, mold, and other unsightly stains, but it’s important to know when and how to use it properly. Start by choosing a pressure washer, which comes in two types: gas and electric.

The purpose of pressure washing your house siding before painting is to wash it, not to strip the paint. Most pressure washers are powerful enough to take off paint, but for best results, stripping the paint is essential. For delicate surfaces like stucco or roofs, a soft wash method may be more appropriate.

Your cleaning method depends on the siding material and how dirty it is. In most cases, basic dirt and soot can be removed with warm water and a mild soap. Before cleaning a wooden exterior, ensure the cladding is completely sealed and the insulation behind it remains undamaged by water and water.

When moving into a new home, schedule a home inspection, check the driveway and other walkways, check the roof and siding, and clean the exterior using a water blaster or pressure washer. Clear the area by removing patio furniture, potted plants, and decorations near the home, and cover shrubs, flowers, and gardens with tarps to protect them. It’s best to wash from bottom to top, especially if there are areas that will not be painted.