How to Clean the Outside of a House

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Cleaning the outside of a home seems like a large task, but it can actually be fairly simple if you use the right tools and techniques. Using a garden hose is the best method if the house isn't very dirty, or if your house is made out of brick, stucco, or delicate wood shingles. Pressure washing is the way to go if your house has difficult stains. Vinyl, wood siding, and hybrid materials can withstand pressure washing. No matter what method you choose, you should prepare your house before cleaning it.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Prepping the Outside of Your House

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    If possible, wait to clean the outside of your home on a warm, dry day. [1] A windy day will cause overspray, which will come back on you as you clean. If it isn't possible to clean on a warm day, at least wait for a dry to clean the outside of your house. [2]
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    Begin by making sure all doors and windows are closed. Secure them with tape if necessary. [3] Put duct tape and plastic sheeting over outside light fixtures, vents, and electrical outlets. Move lawn furniture away from the home. Cover plants and shrubbery with plastic sheeting. [4]
    • Make sure kids and dogs are inside while you clean if you're using a pressure washer.
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    Inspect your home before you begin cleaning. Look for stains that can be cleaned without the use of a garden hose or pressure washing. For most stains, you can use a scrub brush, water, and regular dishwashing soap. [5] Scrub the stain until it begins to lift. [6]
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    For tougher stains, like mildew, use a solution made out of oxygen bleach, water, and dishwashing liquid. Put a gallon (3.8 L) of water, one-quarter pound (1 L) of oxygen bleach, and a one-eighth cup (29.6 mL) of dishwashing liquid in a bucket. Dip a scrub brush in the bucket and scrub the mildew until it lifts. [8]
    • Be very careful when handling bleach. Make sure to wear eye protection, rubber gloves, and handle it in a well-ventilated area.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using a Garden Hose to Clean

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    You can buy a siding cleaning kit with a nozzle attachment from your local home improvement store. Or, you can buy an automobile brush that will attach to your hose. You can use only water to clean if your house isn't heavily soiled. If it is, you will need to use a cleanser. A siding kit should come with a compartment to pour the cleanser into the attachment. [9]
    • You can find cleanser specifically made for washing the outside of houses at most home improvement stores.
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    Spray your hose at a downward angle. Work from the bottom to the top of the house. Work in small, separate sections at a time. [10]
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    If you used more than water, you will need to rinse off the cleanser. Again, work from top to bottom as you rinse off the house with only water. You do not need to do anything to dry off the house. [11]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning with a Pressure Washer

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    Nozzles are typically measured in degrees. The spray is stronger the lower you go in degrees. Choose a low setting if you aren't familiar with pressure washing. A 40-degree angle is good to start with. You can gradually work down to a 25-degree angle if the 40-degree nozzle isn't getting the job done. [12]
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    Pressure washing can do damage to a house, especially if the material the house is made of is weak or has weakened. Spray the pressure washer on a small, hidden part of the house. Switch to a garden hose or call in a professional if you see any damage done by the pressure washer. [13]
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    Begin pressure washing by spraying at a downward angle. Spraying at an upward angle can cause water to get trapped in the cracks or seams, which can cause damage to your house later on. [14]
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    Hold the pressure washer steadily as you pressure wash. Move the pressure washer from side-to-side in a sweeping motion. You should still be holding the pressure washer at a downward angle. Continue until you have cleaned all of the outside of the house. [15]
    • Do not stop at one spot when using the pressure washer—always continue moving. Stopping in one place can cause damage.
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    Water alone should typically be enough to pressure wash the house, but you will need to wash in a different motion if you're using a cleaner. Spray from top to bottom if you're using a cleaner. Rinse off the cleanser with water when you are finished pressure washing. [16]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the best exterior house cleaner?
    Raymond Chiu
    House Cleaning Professional
    Raymond Chiu is the Director of Operations for MaidSailors.com, a residential and commercial cleaning service based in New York City that provides home and office cleaning services at affordable prices. He has a Bachelors in Business Administration and Management from Baruch College.
    Raymond Chiu
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    Avoid using heavier cleaners if possible since they could damage the vegetation around your home.
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      Tips

      • Consider buying extensions and spray tips if you have a two-story home. [17]
        Thanks
      • You can buy supplies for cleaning the outside of a house at most home improvement stores, like Home Depot.
        Thanks
      • Call a professional if you don't feel comfortable pressure washing your house on your own.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • Soap
      • Scrub brush
      • Garden hose
      • Nozzle attachment
      • Cleanser
      • Oxygen bleach
      • Pressure washer

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      References

      1. ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
      2. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/01/nyregion/how-to-clean-your-house-s-exterior.html
      3. ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
      4. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/01/nyregion/how-to-clean-your-house-s-exterior.html
      5. ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
      6. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/01/nyregion/how-to-clean-your-house-s-exterior.html
      7. ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
      8. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/01/nyregion/how-to-clean-your-house-s-exterior.html
      9. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/list/how-to-wash-your-house
      1. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/list/how-to-wash-your-house
      2. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/list/how-to-wash-your-house
      3. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/list/how-to-wash-your-house
      4. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/list/how-to-wash-your-house
      5. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/list/how-to-wash-your-house
      6. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/list/how-to-wash-your-house
      7. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/list/how-to-wash-your-house
      8. ↑ https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/pressure-wash-your-home-exterior
      9. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/list/how-to-wash-your-house
      10. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/01/nyregion/how-to-clean-your-house-s-exterior.html
      11. ↑ https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/list/how-to-wash-your-house

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Cleaning the outside of your house might seem like a huge task, but all you’ll need is some soapy water and a garden hose to get started. If you find any stains on your walls or doors, scrub soapy water onto them to remove them. Then, spray your walls with the hose starting at the top. Starting from the top will prevent dirt from falling onto parts of the walls you’ve already cleaned. If water isn’t enough to clean your walls, buy a cleaning product designed for outdoor use from a home improvement store. Many of these products come in a nozzle that you can attach to your hose so it can be sprayed on. After you’ve applied the cleaning product, remember to rinse it off with water only. For tips on how to use a pressure washer, keep reading!

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