Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding

July 28, 2015
Blain's Farm & Fleet

Make your house look new again by pressure washing your vinyl siding.

Your house’s siding is what provides your home protection as well as curb appeal. Being exposed to the elements, that siding can get quite dirty, and cleaning it, may seem like a daunting task, but with the right pressure washer, you can make quick work of even the biggest projects. Get a fresh paint look while saving money by pressure washing your vinyl siding with help from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Before you get started, it’s important to know how much pressure to use at what distance.

  • 2000 or less PSI Rating = 10 in. to 24 in. Nozzle Distance
  • 2000 to 3000 PSI Rating = 12 in. to 24 in. Nozzle Distance
  • 3000 or more PSI Rating = 18 in. to 36 in. Nozzle Distance

How to Pressure Wash Your Vinyl Siding

Prepare the Siding

First, remove any obstacles and obstructions from the pressure washing work area. Wet and cover nearby plants and vegetation, and cover nearby electrical components such as light fixtures and breaker boxes. Also, close all nearby windows and doors, otherwise you’ll end up washing the inside of your home as well.

Start Pressure Washing

To prevent streaks, start by spraying cleaning solution from the bottom and work upward in sections. Make sure to wear safety goggles when using the cleaning solution to protect your eyes. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for about five to 10 minutes, but don’t let it dry; keep it wet.If your siding is especially dirty or stained, a rotating, scrub-brush wand attachment for the pressure washer can help scour the heavily soiled areas.

Switch to a general, medium-pressure pattern, and flush any detergent from the system and test the cleaning power on an inconspicuous area. Move closer or further away as necessary.

Rinse off the detergent and residue with water. This time, work from the top, down, covering one or two panels of siding at a time. Work in the same direction as any overlaps to keep water from getting underneath the siding and damaging any wood that’s underneath.

Remember, jobs as big as a washing your house can go a lot easier and faster with a pressure washer. We recommend a 40 degree spray-pattern or white spray tip for best results.

Visit our home maintenance blog for more tips and information on maintaining and improving your home.