If you’ve ever tried to clean siding on your own, you know how tricky it can be. No matter how much prep work has gone into it or how careful you are, you may still end up with streaks and lines. Here are some washing tips that professionals use to ensure your siding doesn’t look filthy after cleaning it.

Use Gentle Cleansers

Harsh chemicals might seem like the best choice for siding. Professionals know that the best choice for cleaning siding is often gentle, eco-friendly cleaners. These get the job done without ruining wood finishes and destroying sealant during the cleaning process. If you’ve ever used a harsh cleaner, this could be the reason why your siding doesn’t look good after trying to wash it down.

Apply Cleaning Solutions From the Bottom to the Top

There are strategies employed by professionals that ensure the final result looks great. Another mistake homeowners tend to make is applying cleaning solutions from the top down. The real way to clean siding is to apply cleaning solutions from the bottom to the top. This gives the cleaner ample time to break down dirt and produce a streak-free final result.

Rinse From the Top Down

Building off the last tip, professional washers always rinse off siding from the top down. Rinsing from the bottom up could leave dirty water dripping on already clean areas, leaving streaks and lines on the siding.

Use Gentle Pressure and Soft-Bristle Brushes

The use of gentle cleansing strategies can’t be understated when it comes to siding care. For example, homeowners often make the mistake of using a pressure washer without knowing what they’re doing. They set the pressure too high, damaging siding along the way, which makes it look terrible once everything is rinsed off. They may also brush too aggressively when they come across stubborn build-up. Professionals know that a gentle approach is the best way to clean siding.

Wash Siding During the Right Weather

You should always work on a warm day. However, you don’t want to work in high heat or direct sunlight. If you don’t work quickly enough, soap residue will dry on the siding and attract dirt and debris. Professionals work on warm, cloudy days and work fast to get the job done right.

Cleaning your siding by yourself can be a challenge. Learn more about how siding should be cleaned with the tips above, and enlist the help of siding cleaners who will get you the results you want without the hassle you don’t. If you live in Bloomington, IL or a surrounding area and need siding services, make your first call to Nordine Remodeling.