How to Clean Aluminum Siding on a Mobile Home
Mobile homes are a common style of residence found throughout the United States. Several of these mobile homes are designed with aluminum siding. This type of siding comes in a large variety of colors and can be painted. It requires cleaning as a regular part of your home upkeep or routine maintenance.
If not, mildew can form on it or oxidation (chalky film) will make it appear faded. The quickest and easiest method to use to clean aluminum siding on a mobile home is with a pressure washer (power washer). Using it will require less or no scrubbing at all. Cleaning can be completed in a few hours or an afternoon with only a few necessary items.
-
Obtain a scrub brush that can be attached to a long handle. Use either Clorox or some other type of penetrating cleaner in a sprayer.
-
Test the pressure of the power washer. It is very important to not use too much pressure or you may damage the aluminum siding. Set it to create a "fan-like" stream, not a small concentrated one. Do not place the end of the hand held wand too close to the mobile home siding at any time. Practice using it and adjusting the water spray until you are comfortable with it.
-
Decide if you need to pre-wash or use scrub brush. It will depend on the amount of grime on the aluminum siding, if you need to do this step. If the mobile home has a lot of mildew or other buildup, complete this step. Use the sprayer to spray the cleaner on the aluminum siding. Start at the top and use the scrub brush, if needed for heavily soiled areas. Let the cleaner stand for about 10 to 15 minutes, before doing the next step.
-
Begin spraying the aluminum siding with the pressure washer from the top and gradually go down. Spray the mobile home from side to side, not up and down. This will prevent the water from getting under or lifting the aluminum siding. Move around the mobile home doing small areas at a time.
-
Inspect the home when it is completely dry for any spots that may have been missed.
Things You Will Need
- Water hose
- Sprayer
- Clorox or other cleaner
- Pressure washer
- Scrub brush (optional)
- Long handle (optional)
Tip
Power washers can often be rented from a local hardware type store, if you do not own one. The sprayer can be a small hand held bottle or larger ones that are used for bug spray. Mix the concentrated cleaner as directed or use one part Clorox for each three parts of water.
Warning
It is better to use less pressure and hold the power washer farther away than actually needed. This will prevent it from causing damage to the aluminum siding on the mobile home.
Writer Bio
Diane Dilov-Schultheis has been writing professionally since 2000. She is a food and travel writer who also specializes in gaming, satellites, RV repair, gardening, finances and electronics. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and has been published online at the Travel Channel and Intel.
Photo Credits
- http://www.sxc.hu/photo/744654
- http://www.sxc.hu/photo/744654
More Articles
