Ask the Carpenter: How to clean siding without a pressure washer
Pressure washers can do this job faster, but they are not as thorough and can damage the siding and finish.
Pollution, dirt, and mold are common problems with all types of house siding. Sometimes siding that looks as if it needs a new coat of paint really needs only a good scrubbing. The most time-consuming — but thorough — way to wash it is the old-fashioned way: with a bucket of sudsy water, a nozzle hose, and a soft-bristled nylon scrub brush screwed onto the end of a pole.
Pressure washers can do this job faster, but they are not as thorough and can damage the siding and finish. If you go this route, learn how to use a pressure washer properly. (I’ll cover this in an upcoming article.)
Items needed:
■ Soft-bristled nylon scrub brush
■ Extension pole
■ Bucket
■ Hose
■ Spray nozzle
■ Bleach
■ Trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent
■ Ladders
■ Mildewcide, if needed
How to wash your house:
If mildew is present, use a solution of 1 quart of bleach to ¾ gallon of water and a small amount of the TSP detergent. (Paint dealers also sell mildewcide that can be used to clean wood siding.)
■ Turn off the power to any outside lights that could get wet.
■ Remove any items in the way.
■ If you have shrubs or flowers in the area, cover them with plastic so no cleaning solution gets on them.
■ Close windows and vents.
■ Put on eye protection and gloves, and be careful on the ladder.
■ Wet the siding, spraying in a direction away from doors and windows.
■ Scrub the areas with a soft-bristled brush on the end of an extension pole, working in small sections at a time.
■ Start at the top and work your way down; this allows the dirt to wash down and keeps the bleach from staining.
■ Rinse the cleaning solution off the siding before it dries.
Dear Rob
From Debbie in Andover: You answered my question about refinishing a mahogany exterior door (“How to give cedar siding of various ages that uniform look,’’ Feb. 14). I wanted to let you know that I finally tackled the project, and it looks great! I used the Cabot product you recommended and sanded the living daylights out of the door and sidelight before applying the product. I did the door a few weeks ago (it is protected by a storm door), but waited on the sidelight until I was certain the pine pollen season was over. Thanks again.
From Carol in Carver: Hi, Rob. Read your column about how to get rid of old paint (“How to dispose of leftover paint,’’ June 21). You forgot one step. You can buy a package of paint hardener at the store. Very easy. I just did it with a couple of cans, but I didn’t know about not putting the top back on. Enjoy your column. Even though I’m 80, I still do things around the house.
Rob Robillard is a general contractor, carpenter, editor of AConcordCarpenter.com, and principal of a carpentry and renovation business. Send your questions to [email protected] or tweet them to @robertrobillard. Subscribe to the Globe’s free real estate newsletter at pages.email.bostonglobe.com/AddressSignUp.
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