Brush Washing Aluminum Siding: A Diy Homeowner's Guide

Brushing and washing aluminium siding on a house is a straightforward task that can be done by hand or with a pressure washer. Aluminium is a durable and long-lasting material that requires minimal maintenance, but it can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime over time, so it is recommended to clean it at least once a year.

How to prepare for cleaning aluminium siding

Before you start cleaning your aluminium siding, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. Firstly, it is recommended to work on one side of the house at a time. This will ensure that you can fully clean and rinse each section before moving on to the next. If you try to clean the entire house at once, some residue from the cleaning solution will likely remain on the siding.

Next, you should move any exterior furniture or objects away from the area you will be working in. This will ensure that they do not get in the way or get damaged during the cleaning process. It is also a good idea to cover any plants near the house's foundation with plastic. This will protect them from excessive water and cleaning solution.

Additionally, you should use plastic and tape to cover any air conditioning units or other sensitive equipment. If you are using a ladder, you may want to set up two or three ladders to make the process faster. Alternatively, you can work in sections of about 10 to 15 feet wide and move the ladder as needed.

Finally, before starting the cleaning process, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to wet down the aluminium siding. Always start at the top of the house and move downward, rinsing any particles down to the ground.

What cleaning solutions to use

There are several cleaning solutions you can use to brush wash aluminium siding on a house. The best one will depend on the type of dirt you are dealing with. For instance, if you are dealing with mildew, a stronger cleanser is needed to destroy it. Even pressure washing won't prevent mildew from growing back quickly.

• Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a powerful cleaner that can be used for all sorts of tough jobs. Mix 2 ounces of TSP into a gallon of warm water in a chemical sprayer.
• A mixture of water, liquid dish soap, and white vinegar.
• Bleach is perfect for stubborn mildew or heavy staining. Mix two parts water and one part bleach in a bucket.
• Borax is another powerful cleaner that can be used to banish light mildew, mould, and chalky build-up from aluminium siding.
• Laundry detergent can also be used to scrub aluminium siding. Mix laundry detergent with water in a bucket to create soapy water.
• A mixture of vinegar and fresh lemon slices can be used to scrub aluminium siding.
• For tough debris and stains, a soft-bristle brush that attaches to a pressure washer can be used.

How to brush wash aluminium siding

Aluminium siding is a great, long-lasting choice for residential exteriors. It requires little maintenance and can stand up to seasonal elements and natural threats. However, it can accumulate dust, grime, mildew, and other contaminants over time, so it's important to clean it at least once a year. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to brush wash aluminium siding:

Step 1: Prepare the Siding and the Area

Before starting the cleaning process, it is important to check for any needed repairs, such as loose or rotting boards, and address them beforehand. Also, check for any signs of mildew, especially on the north side of the house and in places that don't get much sunlight.

Once you've made the necessary repairs, protect any plants or grass near the house by watering them and covering them with waterproof tarps or plastic sheets. This is especially important if you're using bleach or a chemical cleaner.

Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

The cleaning solution typically consists of hot water, a biodegradable detergent, and household bleach or vinegar. Follow the instructions on the detergent packaging for the correct mixture ratio. If your siding shows any signs of mildew, add bleach or vinegar to the solution. Do not mix bleach with ammonia-based cleaners.

Step 3: Test the Cleaner

Before proceeding, it is important to test the effectiveness and safety of the cleaning solution. Wear gloves, especially if your solution contains bleach or a harsh cleanser. Wet a clean white rag with the cleaning solution and rub it on a small spot of siding. Adjust the mixture as needed, following all safety precautions.

Step 4: Brush the Siding

Submerge your brush in the bucket of cleaning solution. Use an extendable brush or attach a car wash brush to an extendable pole. Start brushing from the bottom of the siding, working your way up. Scrub the siding sideways, back and forth, and re-dip the brush in the cleanser as needed. Ensure that the siding below the portion you're scrubbing stays wet to prevent dirty solution from dripping down.

Step 5: Rinse the Siding

After brushing, rinse the siding with a garden hose. Set the hose on a jet stream setting and start at the top, moving downwards, to ensure that the cleaning solution is thoroughly removed.

Additional Tips:

• Always work in the shade and choose a dry, windless day for cleaning.
• When using a pressure washer, be cautious as it can dent the siding or peel off its finish.
• For tough stains, consider using a soft-bristle brush attachment for your pressure washer.

How to pressure wash aluminium siding

Aluminium siding is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability and resistance to water damage, insect infestation, heat, rust, mould, mildew, and other contaminants. While it requires very little maintenance, it can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime over time, so it is recommended to clean your aluminium siding at least once a year.

Step 1: Prepare the Siding

Before pressure washing, it is important to first rinse the aluminium siding. Use a medium pressure level and an angled spray nozzle. Focus on one side of the house at a time and spray from the top to the bottom. This will help to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris.

Step 2: Put on Safety Gear

Before handling any detergents or cleaning solutions, it is important to put on the proper safety gear. This includes gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and a mask to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs from any chemicals.

Step 3: Prepare the Detergent Solution

Fill the soft or power washer tank with a detergent solution. Always read the instructions on the cleaner packaging to ensure that you are preparing the mixture correctly and using the appropriate dilution ratio. Some detergents may require specific settings on your pressure washer, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 4: Apply the Detergent

Turn on the washer and spray the siding with the detergent solution. Stand close to the house and use a low-pressure setting. Using a lower pressure setting is important as it allows the detergent more time to work effectively on built-up dirt, mildew, or stains. High-pressure water may simply spray away the detergent before it has had time to work.

Step 5: Allow Detergent to Work

After applying the detergent, wait a few minutes to allow it to work on breaking down any dirt, mildew, or stains. This is an important step, as it ensures that the detergent has time to effectively loosen and lift away any contaminants from the siding.

Step 6: Rinse the Siding

Once the detergent has had sufficient time to work, it's time to rinse the siding thoroughly. Use a high-pressure setting and a wide spray nozzle. Point the sprayer down and keep it about one foot away from the surface of the siding. Start from the top and work your way down in a smooth, even motion. Ensure that all the detergent has been removed and that no residue remains before moving on to the next section.

Step 7: Let the Siding Dry

After rinsing, allow the siding to air dry. Do not use any abrasive materials to wipe or dry the siding, as this may cause scratches or damage to the surface.

Additional Tips:

• If you are concerned about high-pressure settings causing damage to your siding, consider using a "soft wash" technique, which is a more delicate spray cleaning process.
• To protect landscaping, cover plants, grass, and bushes with a tarp or plastic sheet before starting the cleaning process. Alternatively, choose a water-based, biodegradable washing solution that is plant-friendly.
• Work in small sections to ensure that the detergent does not dry on the surface before you have a chance to rinse it off.
• For tough stains or debris, you may need to use a soft-bristle brush attachment for your pressure washer or repeat the washing and rinsing steps.
• For mould and mildew that won't come off, apply a weak bleach mixture or use a specialised product like Jomax House Cleaner after the regular cleaning steps, then rinse thoroughly.

How often to clean aluminium siding

Aluminium siding is a smart choice for residential exteriors as it is low-maintenance and lasts for practically the entire life of a house. However, to keep it looking new, it is recommended to clean the siding at least once a year.

Aluminium siding can accumulate dust, grime, and even mould over time, giving it a dirty or worn appearance. Additionally, aluminium siding can oxidise over time, resulting in a chalky appearance that cannot be removed by power washing alone.

To maintain aluminium siding and prevent the build-up of dirt and grime, it is suggested to clean it once a year. This can be done using a pressure washer or by hand with a soft-bristle brush and a cleaning solution.

If using a pressure washer, set it to a low or medium setting with an angled tip on the nozzle. Spray the nozzle at a downward angle, holding it 18 to 24 inches away from the siding. Start at the top of the house and work your way down, preventing water from getting under the siding.

If cleaning by hand, pre-wet the siding with a hose and sprayer. Then, use a garden spray bottle to apply the cleaning solution to the siding. Scrub the entire section of siding with a soft-bristle brush. Finally, rinse with a garden hose, working from the top of the house downward.

It is important to protect any plants near the house by covering them with plastic. Additionally, wear protective gear such as non-slip shoes, goggles, thick gloves, and old clothing when cleaning aluminium siding.

Frequently asked questions