Every part or detail of your home has been installed with a purpose. One of them is the siding of your house, which has two main functions. It protects your home from harsh weather elements and maintains insulation to keep the temperature in your home from fluctuating. One of the more popular materials used for home siding is aluminum because of its durability and resistance to water damage.
Benefits of Soft Washing Aluminum Siding
Similar to any other portion of your home, it also needs to be maintained for it to last long. Your home siding typically needs periodical cleaning to remove stains, mold, mildew, and other surface oils. One of the best ways to do this is through soft washing aluminum siding. Here’s a list of reasons why you should go with this method.
It’s Gentle on the Surface
Soft washing is one of the methods that uses pressure to wash surfaces. Compared to power and pressure washing, a soft wash is the more gentle option because it only uses around 500 PSI of pressure. This makes soft washing a better option in cleaning aluminum siding because the pressure level is more delicate, preventing damage and water penetration.
Aside from that, this technique focuses on using specialized cleaning solutions. So, unlike power and pressure washing, which only uses pressurized water, this technique is more effective in removing stubborn stains and mold.
It’s Cost-Effective
Grime, mildew, and algae tend to develop again on the surface because of bacteria buildup. Luckily, the cleaning agents used in soft washing can target its root and prevent these fungi from growing back. This means you won’t have to pay and schedule constant cleaning because of its longer effect.
How To Do It
Soft washing is a cleaning method best left with professionals to ensure that it is done safely and correctly. But to help you understand how it’s done, here’s a step-by-step explanation of its process.
Move Away or Cover Nearby Items
Before anything else, it’s important to move away any plants, objects, or equipment that are nearby your siding. Doing so will protect these items against any chemicals used in the disinfectant that might be harmful to them. You can also use a tarp to cover other areas if needed.
Pre-Wet the Surface
After that, make sure to rinse your aluminum siding with water first. Its surface needs to be moist before you apply the cleaning solutions. Pre-wetting the surface will prevent the cleaning agents from drying out immediately, which can leave marks.
Choose Your Solution and Load It
Cleaning solutions that you can use for your siding can range from homemade to store-bought sanitizers. But remember to do your research about them first and follow the instructions needed to use them safely. Some of these items at home that you can use as a cleanser include bleach, laundry detergent, and vinegar mixed with some lemons. Once you’ve chosen your preferred cleanser, you can begin loading it into the washer.
Spray It All Over the Siding
To apply the solution evenly, decide how to divide your workspace into sections. In this way, you’ll know when to put the disinfectant before the surface dries out. After that, make sure that you have the right nozzle attached to your hosepipe for soft washing aluminum siding. In this case, use a 25° nozzle tip since it uses a spray pattern that is gentle but efficient for hard surfaces. Once it’s applied, let it sit for at least an hour for the chemicals to take effect.
Rinse and Dry
The final step is to rinse off the solution from the surface. Make sure that it is done thoroughly, as the chemicals from the residue can leave marks on the surface and affect your siding. After that, just let the exterior structure of your home dry out before bringing everything back into position.
Key Takeaway
The lifespan of your home will depend on how well you take care of it. Keep in mind that each material used to build your house has different ways of maintaining them. So, it’s your responsibility as a homeowner to do your research beforehand in choosing the best cleaning option. But when in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask experts for help to ensure that both your home and family are in safe hands.
