Happy Fall, Grosse Pointe, are we there yet?
In this post, we'll go over the DIY options, but of course, if you want to save yourself the time and energy, give the Pros at Morris Family Window and Gutter Cleaning a call!
Before you set out to start, take these friendly reminders:
If your house was built before 1978, check with a professional to ensure there are no asbestos or lead paint as these can cause serious harm to you and the environment.
A pressure washer is no joke- wear goggles, closed toed shoes, pants, and a long sleeve shirt to protect yourself. While you’re at it, make sure you’re protecting others—never point the pressure washer at anyone or thing other than the surface you are trying to clean!
Protect your surroundings. Cover up or remove anything you do not want touched by the detergent or pressure washer.
Materials Needed:
Pressure washer - Note, If you have a one-story house an electric power washer will do just fine, but the larger and higher your home the easier it will be to use a gas pressure washer.
Detergent - Note, Make sure your soap detergent is specific to your house material (i.e. brick, vinyl, fascia, etc.).
Note, for pressure washing you will need to know the kind of lining you are working with and wash accordingly. The three most common types are: vinyl, fascia, and brick. Let's go over all three:
Vinyl
1. Start by adding your detergent solution into the pressure washer. Add the soap end piece to the pressure washer handler.
2. Apply the detergent with straight strokers from bottom to top.
3. Let the detergent sit for a few minutes. During this time any stubborn spots with a brush.
4. After letting the detergent sit, spray out the rest of the detergent in the pressure washer until you have a clean steady stream again.
5. Now you can begin to rinse from top to bottom with straight strokes.
Fascia
1. Start by rinsing the fascia on the low pressure setting to the desired areas you want to clean.
2. Then add your detergent solution into the pressure washer. Add the soap end piece to the pressure washer handler.
3. Apply the detergent with straight strokers from bottom to top.
4. Let the detergent sit for a few minutes. During this time any stubborn spots with a brush.
5. After letting the detergent sit, spray out the rest of the detergent in the pressure washer until you have a clean steady stream again.
6. Now you can begin to rinse from top to bottom with higher pressure straight strokes.
Brick
1. Before you get started, it is important to patch up any breaks or holes in your brick to prevent water seeping in and creating a mold issue. Let your brick and mortar patches sit for at least one week. 2. After this, you can start by rinsing the brick on the low pressure setting. With brick make sure you have your pressure washer on delicate or low as brick could break if pressure washed too harshly. 3. Then add your detergent solution into the pressure washer. Add the soap end piece to the pressure washer handler. 4. Apply the detergent with straight strokers from bottom to top. 5. Let the detergent sit for five or so minutes. During this time any stubborn spots with a brush. 6. After letting the detergent sit, spray out the rest of the detergent in the pressure washer until you have a clean steady stream again. 7. Now you can begin to rinse from top to bottom with again delicate pressure straight strokes.
Pressure washing in Grosse Pointe can be hard work, but that much needed Annual clean-up is oh-so worth it! You can also pressure wash your patio, porch, and driveway the same way to give your home a full spa treatment :-)
Now that you’ve put in the hard work, or hired the Pros at Morris Family Window and Gutter Cleaning, sit back and enjoy that accomplished feeling. You deserve it!
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