It is essential to conduct an exterior house wash of your home to maintain its beauty and longevity. However, it isn’t a cakewalk, as it seems to be. If you don’t undergo a proper exterior house wash, it may result in more harm than good. In this article, we will explore the common problems that may arise while cleaning your house exterior and how you can overcome these problems.
Keep reading to learn about some handy tips that can be of high utility to you.
1. Ignoring the Material Type
Before you start cleaning your house exterior with a power washer, you must know what you are engaging with. There are different cleaning methods for different exterior materials. For example, vinyl siding material can handle a stronger wash, while materials like wood or stucco should be handled gently. If you employ a wrong technique while cleaning, it could lead to damage to the exterior of the house, making it look worse than what you started with.
Solution
Start with identifying the type of exterior of your home and then find out which are the best washing techniques for that material. You can consult with a professional if you don’t have high knowledge regarding this. A short conversation will help you save a hefty bill.
2. Applying too much Pressure
Applying high pressure is not always a solution. Sometimes, it can do more harm than good. High pressure may lead to stripping paint and cracking siding, and the water may reach places in which it wasn’t intended.
Solution:
The best way is to start with low pressure and gradually increase the pressure. For delicate materials like wood or stucco, the pressure should remain low. If you are not able to manage the pressure while cleaning, then it is best to hire a professional for exterior cleaning. You can easily hire professionals for an exterior house wash in Auckland. They will not just have the expertise but also the right set of tools for maximum cleaning.
3. Ensure the Protection of Plants and Windows
Water is good for cleaning, but not so much that you splash it all over the flower beds or seep into the windows. If applied with high pressure, water can damage your plants or even cause window seals to break.
Solution
You can use plastic sheeting to cover the plants and flowers before you begin the job. For windows, check the seals before washing and don’t spray directly on them. It is like giving your house a cleaning bath. You need to be gentle on fragile parts and scrub harder where it can take it.
4. Mould and Mildew Are Important
Generally, mould and mildew are present in the home’s exterior, as these are shaded and damp, promoting their growth. You can’t cut the growth with a simple spray, and ignoring them will lead to issues like structural damage or health problems.
Solution
There are cleaning solutions available to specifically target mould and mildew. You can hire professionals who know what cleaning solution is for what purpose. They will kill the spores without damaging your siding. You must ensure that you first address this issue, as they can reappear shortly after the cleaning job is complete.
5. Not Conducting Regular Maintenance
We need to admit that home washing is not something that makes us excited. But if we skip it, our home will require more costly maintenance service after a time. The formation of dirt, grime, and mildew is a gradual yet fast process. If it is left for cleaning for a long time, it will require more effort to clean.
Solution
You must take professional cleaning services for house washing in Auckland at least once or twice a year. It will not just keep your house looking captivating but also prevent any long-term damage.
6. Usage of Harsh
It is tempting to use harsh chemicals for faster results, but that will cause a lot of harm. Some cleaning agents can discolour the paint, or damage the siding, or even harm the environment. To get a cleaner house, it doesn’t mean you will make your garden dead or peel the paint.
Solution
You must go for eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are tough on pollutants but gentle on your home and garden. The professionals of this field can provide you with non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners, the usage of which will leave no nasty side effects.
7. Rinsing Shouldn’t be Forgotten
Things are not complete after scrubbing and spraying. If you don’t rinse it, it will make your home look streaky. Furthermore, any leftover cleaning solution will cause stains and damage over time. Rinsing provides a clean finish.
Solution
After washing, it is important to rinse the house, particularly when you are using chemical cleaners. Start at the top and work your way down, using gravity to your advantage. Remember, don’t rush it. A half-rinsed house is as awful as not washing at all.
8. Gutters and Rooflines are Important
Generally, during a home’s exterior cleaning, the focus is on the walls, and they forget about the gutters and rooflines. However, these areas are no exception in collecting dirt, leaves, and algae. If you neglect them, it will lead to clogged gutters, water damage, and even roof issues.
Solution
In the cleaning of your home’s exterior, you must give time to clean the gutters and give the roofline a good rinse. It leads to a free flow of water, and thus there will be no shocks during a major rainstorm.
9. Choosing Extreme Weather for Cleaning
Whether it is a sultry summer day or a shivering winter day, extreme weather makes the tasks of home exterior cleaning more arduous. In extreme summer, the heat will lead to quick drying of cleaning solutions, leaving streaks behind. On the other side, a freezing day can lead to slippery surfaces or ice buildup.
Solution
The solution is simple: choose a day with even weather, i.e., neither too dry nor too cool. A mild-temperature day will be the best.
10. Not Considering Safety Measures
We give so much attention to the beauty of our house that we often forget about safety. The most common dangers are slippery surfaces, falling off ladders, and exposure to chemicals. Remember, accidents happen when you least expect them.
Solution
When working at heights, always wear nonslip shoes and consider utilising a harness. When working with chemicals, always use gloves and eye protection. When in doubt, ask for help or contact an expert.
Wrapping Up
Though there is no rocket science behind house washing, it still needs some considerations of care. In this article, we have mentioned the most common mistakes that people make during cleaning of the house. We always recommend taking professional services like an exterior house wash in Auckland to keep your home tip-top forever.
Comments are closed.