If you don’t have a lawn or if you live along a road then your siding will need frequent cleaning. When dirt settles in, the best way to get rid of it is by using a pressure washer to clean it. The best thing about a pressure washer is that it is a lot less work. Read on for more tips about how to pressure wash a mobile home the right way.
Preparation
First things first, you need to have the right pressure washer for your kind of siding. You also need to use pressure washer detergent to get the job done. Different pressure washers have different cleaning abilities, so make sure you read the instructions that come with yours. If you can’t find them, here is a site with instruction manuals for most models. Learn how to set up the machine first and how to select the spray pattern correctly.
In addition to that, get the area ready by removing all the obstacles in your way and turn off any electrical lightings and fixtures. Protect your nearby plants by covering them up, so they don’t drown. Also, save yourself from nasty accidents by closing all the windows and doors before you begin.
Get to know the power of the pressure washer
Pressure washers take care of tough grime through speed, power, and strength. Because of their design, power washers can be as dangerous as they are efficient. Case in point: the water from the pressure is forceful enough to harm your skin, so ensure you put on safety gear and you grip the handles tight enough to avoid recoil. Start at the lowest setting and aim the nozzle away from people or pets at all times.
Use different nozzle tips for different areas
Pressure washers come with a variety of tips that range from wide-spray to very narrow streams. You should know that the more narrow the stream is, the more the power it will have. The wide nozzle will work well in removing dirt and cleaning the siding while narrower streams work best on surfaces like concrete. The narrowest tips are best for removing stubborn stains because they are very concentrated.
Soap beforehand
In most cases, soaping up the siding is necessary before washing it. Pressure washers come with detergent attachments or siphon tubes. While applying the soap, use the pressure washer on low and make smooth and overlapping strokes. You should start from the bottom and work your way up to prevent streaking. You see, pressure washing is just like painting, if you get too excited, you will probably miss a spot.
Start washing
You can use the pressure washer brush to loosen the dirt and grime and then rinse the soap mixture off. Start spraying at the lowest pressure and from a reasonable distance. Remember, it’s possible to damage things with the pressure washer. Be very careful that you don’t spray directly on vents or eaves and light fixtures. You should also aim down to prevent spraying under the laps if you have horizontal siding and prevent the vinyl siding from buckling under pressure.
As you wash, work your way around your home systematically. Make sure you wash off all the soap. If a spot still looks dirty after you rinse it off, you may need to soap and scrub it again.
Get A Free Quote for Manufactured Home Insurance
*Save $250 per year, on average!
1. Don’t use the pressure washer on everything
Even when you are extremely careful and using the washer on low pressure, there are certain things you should not target with your pressure washer. When a part of the house seems to be worn and torn, you should just clean it with the hose to avoid even more damage to the area. You don’t want to start a project dreaming of a clean house to end up with a nightmare full of repair work!
2. Don’t use hot water or harsh chemicals
While using a pressure washer for your mobile home exterior, do not use hot water. There is no harm in it, but it will not be necessary. Try not to use harsh chemicals because you will ruin your landscaping and don’t pressure wash your windows to avoid damaging their seals.
3. Don’t refill the fuel while the pressure washer is running
While the project may not take a very long time, if the pressure needs a fuel refill in the middle of it, under no circumstance should you refill it while it is still running. Watch where the water is running and keep your electrical cords clear. Electricity and water don’t mix!
Learning how to pressure wash a mobile home doesn’t have to be hard
If you have been wondering about how to pressure washer a mobile home, these are the things you need to keep in mind. It doesn’t have to be hard, and this is a project you can easily carry out on your own. Before you know it, your home will look like years of grime and dirt have been taken off of it!