How to Use Simple Green to Power Wash House
Using Simple Green cleaner and a power washer is an effective way to clean dirt and mildew from the outside of your home. Power washing restores your house to its original beauty without having to scrub. Simple Green is an environmentally friendly cleaner that's effective on dirt, grime and mildew. It comes in a house and siding variety that is effective on vinyl, wood and aluminum and can be used with a power washer. It is biodegradable and safe for use around plants and pets.
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Cover any flowering plants or sensitive vegetation. Remove any outdoor furniture near house siding and walls. Check and note the location of all electrical wires and plugs. Close all windows and doors, and remove bird feeders, flags and pet food dishes.
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Mix Simple Green House and Siding Cleaner or regular Simple Green in your power washer's reservoir according to the manufacturer's directions. The dilution should be about 10 parts water to 1 part cleaner. Follow the pressure washer's instructions for adjusting pressure and changing tips.
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Practice using the power washer on an inconspicuous section first to gauge pressure and cleaning results. Never allow the power washer tip to come into contact with the house, and be careful around plants and furniture.
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Apply Simple Green to the sides of your house with the power washer, using the black soap dispensing tip. Start at the bottom and work up to avoid streaks. Be careful around windows and door seals. Allow the cleaner to dwell for a few minutes but do not allow to dry.
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Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom, using the white tip, removing all of the cleaner. The cleaner may need to be re-applied to the dirtiest areas and allowed to dwell again before rinsing. Scrub heavily mildewed or stained areas with a soft brush and rinse.
References
Tips
- Pre-wet heavily soiled areas and soap these spots first.
- Extension wands and variable spray nozzles will enable you to clean a second story without using ladders.
- Rinse soap thoroughly from concrete and decks to avoid streaks.
Warnings
- Never spray directly onto electrical outlets or power lines.
- If you are using ladders to reach second-story sections or roofs, exercise care. Place the ladder on firm ground and be careful of kick back from the pressure wand. Keep hoses away from the ladder.
- Adjust pressure and wand distance with care. Pressure washers can easily damage siding, seals, windows and doors if too much pressure is applied.
Writer Bio
Based in the bayou country of Louisiana, Robert Fergeson has been writing about psychology since 2000. His articles have appeared in the "TAT Forum", and in the book "Beyond Mind, Beyond Death". He is an avid photographer and owns a cleaning business. Fergeson attended Louisiana State University.
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