When you Google “pressure washing services near me in Long Island,” our name is sure to come up. Whether you’re looking for pressure washing near me in Massapequa or pressure washing near me in Oyster Bay, we’re here for you.
Many houses in Long Island have vinyl siding. So the question begs, can you pressure wash vinyl siding?
Simply put, you can pressure wash vinyl siding. There are just many things to keep in mind, including but not limited to:
- Using low pressure
- Using the best detergent
- Getting a good pressure washer
- Pressure washing at the right angle
Considering how much there is to keep track of, this is a job best left to the professionals. Your home is your greatest asset and the last thing you want to do is damage it by pressure washing incorrectly.
Let’s go over the ins and outs of pressure washing vinyl siding!
Using a pressure washer
Pressure washers may seem intimidating, but there’s no reason to be scared! Pressure washers are very easy to use and are safe to use on vinyl siding. You just need to use a lower water pressure setting so the water doesn’t end up behind your siding or hurting it.
The best way to pressure wash vinyl siding is to begin at low pressure and slowly adjust it as you need to. After that, use the best detergent. Don’t use corrosive solutions that use degreasers, polishes, or undiluted bleach. All of these things will hurt your vinyl siding!
If you have a one-story home, pretty much any washer at low pressure will get the job done. If your home is two stories, a gas-powered washer is more powerful and will help you reach higher spots. You could also use an extension wand so your reach is longer from the ground and you can get closer to the second floor.
Pressure washing is a good solution when your vinyl siding is molded, full of algae, or simply has dirt on it.
About detergent
A combination of detergent and water will always clean better than water by itself. Using a pressure washer detergent is vital if you want to get the job done right. The majority of pressure washers include an injector that lets you mix your detergent directly into your jet stream.
Detergent is the most important thing behind getting a good pressure washer and doing the job safely.
A word of caution
Only buy products that are approved for pressure wash usage. It will say so on the label. If the solvent isn’t approved, it might not be environmentally friendly or it could corrode your pressure washer.
Apply the detergent
Apply the mixture of water and soap using low pressure and overlapping, smooth strokes. Start from the top and work your way to the bottom, otherwise the areas you’ve cleaned will end up dirty again! Don’t spray randomly or you’re bound to miss a spot.
If your house is multi-story, think about utilizing a high-pressure kit. Most washers will only spray a soap mixture with low pressure. But with the use of a kit, you can spray soap as far as 25 feet using high pressure.
It’s definitely worth getting a kit to get to those hard-to-reach places.
Use a brush
If it’s been a long time since your home has been cleaned, try using a utility or rotating brush to help get off some of the dirt and grime. The brush attaches to the end of your wand. Most importantly, it will also foam and make a soap solution while you clean!
Let it soak
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sun while your detergent works hard at breaking down stains, grime, and mildew. Just keep your eyes peeled to make sure your solution doesn’t dry on your vinyl siding. It won’t work very well if it’s all dried up!
Start at a distance
Now it’s time to wash everything off. Pressure washers are made to be powerful, so always start far away with low pressure. If you start off too strong and close, you might damage your vinyl siding or accidentally spray water into your walls. Both scenarios spell disaster!
Because of this, start at least five feet away and slowly move closer if you need your spray to be more powerful. You may be tempted to begin guns ablazing, but you’ll be in trouble if you don’t stay cautious.
Spray
Be extra careful to avoid spraying right at light fixtures, vents, or eaves. Intense water pressure has the potential to break loose window panes. Also be sure that the wand’s angle points down so as not to spray under the siding. That can break it off!
As previously mentioned, start up top and work your way down to make sure the whole area is free of soap.
Final thoughts
There’s a lot to think about when you’re pressure washing vinyl siding. That’s why it’s a job best left to the pros.
We have a great track record of pressure washing in Long Island and have been at it for years. We have the best equipment, detergent, and training. Our associates are friendly, will answer all your questions, and will get the job done right.
Before you take a gamble on ruining your home, call us! We know what we’re doing and will keep your home safe all the while making it cleaner than it’s ever looked before.