Most people only think of their home’s exterior as something that needs to look good and appeal to their guests. But your home’s exterior is more than just a cover for your home and all your belongings.
It’s the first line of defense against the elements. Over time, dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other contaminants can accumulate on various surfaces, detracting from your home’s appearance and potentially causing damage.
Regular exterior house cleaning is essential to preserve the integrity and longevity of your home’s materials, whether they are siding, brick, stucco, wood, or concrete.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of maintaining your home’s materials through exterior house cleaning and the best practices for cleaning each type effectively.
Understanding Your Home’s Materials
Before diving into the specifics of exterior house cleaning, it’s crucial to understand the different types of materials commonly used in home construction. It’s also crucial to understand their unique cleaning requirements. The most common exterior materials include the following:
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, affordability, and low maintenance requirements. However, it can become dirty and discolored over time due to exposure to the elements.
Regular cleaning with a mild detergent, water solution, and gentle scrubbing or power washing can help remove algae, dirt, and mildew without damaging the siding.
Brick
Brick is a timeless and classic exterior material known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. While brick is relatively low maintenance, it can accumulate dirt, moss, and mildew over time, detracting from its appearance.
Cleaning brick surfaces typically involves using a mild detergent or brick cleaner and a stiff brush or pressure washer to remove stains and all dirt effectively.
Stucco
Stucco is a popular exterior material known for its versatility and ability to create unique textures and finishes. However, stucco surfaces are prone to collecting dirt, mold, and mildew, especially in humid climates.
Use a gentle detergent or stucco cleaner and a soft-bristled brush or pressure washer to remove dirt and stains without damaging the surface.
Wood
Wood is a classic and timeless exterior material prized for its natural beauty and warmth. However, wood surfaces are susceptible to moisture, rot, and decay if not properly maintained.
Regular cleaning and sealing of wood surfaces is essential to protect against weathering and prolong the life of the material. Cleaning wood typically involves using a mild detergent or wood cleaner and a soft brush or pressure washer. This is perfect for removing mold, dirt, and mildew effectively.
Concrete
Concrete is a durable and versatile exterior material commonly used for driveways, sidewalks, and patios. While concrete is relatively low maintenance, it can become dirty and stained over time due to exposure to the elements and foot traffic.
Use a pressure washer with a mild detergent or concrete cleaner to effectively remove dirt, oil, grease, and stains.
Best Practices for Exterior House Cleaning
You probably spend a lot of your time cleaning and thinking about your home’s interior. Now you can start spending some time doing the same for your home’s exterior.
Here are some best practices for exterior house cleaning to ensure optimal results and protect your home’s materials.
Start With a Visual Inspection
Before cleaning your home’s exterior, take the time to inspect the surfaces for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or discoloration. This might be the first time you have truly looked at your home’s exterior in such a detailed fashion.
Take your time with it so you don’t miss a thing. Addressing any issues promptly can help prevent further damage and ensure that your cleaning efforts are effective.
Choose the Right Cleaning Products
Select cleaning products that are specifically designed for the type of material you’re cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage or discolor surfaces.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Test any cleaning products in an inconspicuous area before applying them to the entire surface.
If you are unsure even after testing, then it might be better to bring in professional cleaners who are experts in cleaning all sorts of surfaces without damaging them.
Use the Proper Cleaning Technique
When cleaning your home’s exterior, use the appropriate cleaning technique for the material you’re cleaning to avoid damaging the surface.
For example, use a soft brush or sponge for delicate surfaces like vinyl siding and stucco, and a pressure washer for more durable surfaces like brick and concrete.
Be mindful of the water pressure. Avoid using excessive force, which can cause damage to the material.
Work from Top to Bottom
When cleaning your home’s exterior, start at the top and work your way down to make sure that dirty water and debris get washed away from the surface. This prevents streaking and ensures a more thorough clean.
Additionally, rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning to remove any residue and prevent streaking or spotting. Try to clean your home’s exterior on a day when it’s sunny out so the sun can dry out all the external surfaces in a jiffy.
Consider Hiring a Professional
While many homeowners tackle exterior house cleaning as a DIY project, some may prefer to hire a professional cleaning service for optimal results. Professional cleaners have the expertise, equipment, and experience to clean various exterior surfaces safely and effectively, saving you time and effort while ensuring a pristine finish.
This way you don’t have to fret about having the right equipment or cleaning materials. All you need to do is make a call and the professional cleaners will do the rest!
Exterior House Cleaning Improves Curb Appeal Greatly
There’s no point spending lots of time and resources on your landscape or garden if your home’s exterior looks shoddy, dirty, and disheveled. Your home’s curb appeal will go up tens of times if you only focus a bit of your time on exterior house cleaning.
Don’t want to do it all yourself? Then, hire Brian’s Pressure Washing & More to get all your exterior surfaces cleaned without a bead of sweat on your part.
Contact our team to set up an appointment or request a free quote today.
