House Washing is a necessary task to keep your home looking its best. Whether you’re selling your property, or just want to spruce up the exterior for your own enjoyment, washing is an important step.
Here are some tips to help you get the job done. First, cover surrounding greenery with drop cloths or plastic sheeting and secure them with duct tape.
Ladder
The ladder is the most important tool in the house washing kit and should always be kept clean. Cleaning ladders regularly prevents the buildup of debris that can compromise the ladder’s structural integrity and safety.
Ensure that you have the appropriate ladder cleaning materials before getting started. You will need a mild detergent, soft-bristled brush, sponge or cloth, and a hose or bucket of water.
Mild detergents work well for most ladders, especially aluminum ladders. Be sure to avoid using abrasive cleaners as they may scratch or damage the surface of the ladder. In some cases, metal ladders may experience oxidation, which can be addressed with the use of a non-abrasive rust remover that is safe for the material composition of your ladder. Once the ladder has been cleaned, thoroughly rinse it and allow to dry completely. Doing this will ensure that the ladder is ready for future use. It is also a good opportunity to inspect the ladder for any potential damage or deterioration that should be addressed immediately.
Covering Plants
While tarps are a quick and easy solution for protecting plants during house washing, they should be used cautiously. Covering plants for too long cuts off their air supply and can ultimately kill them. It also creates a greenhouse effect that can overheat them. In addition, if the tarp isn’t removed as soon as spraying in that area ends, chemicals from the wash can run off the tarp and pool at the base of the plant’s roots.
The best way to protect plants is by watering them before and after a power or soft wash. This will help saturate the soil and roots to lessen the impact of detergents that are used in both power and soft washing. Even though detergents are diluted, they can still harm plants by pulling nutrients out of their soil and causing corrosive burns on leaves. Periodically dusting the plants’ leaves with a damp cloth can also help, as it allows the sun to penetrate and photosynthesize, which helps the plant fight off diseases and pests.
Safety First
It is imperative that you make safety a priority when washing your house. This includes wearing protective goggles, which you can easily find at any home improvement store. These will save your eyes from debris catapulted during the pressure wash and any other unexpected material that may come flying off your home’s exterior.
Also, be sure to relocate any decorative plants, and close and seal doors and windows that can potentially leak. Lastly, cover your outdoor sound systems or lights with plastic sheeting or drop cloths and secure them with duct tape.
The best way to get your house ready for washing is to work on a six-foot section at a time. Doing this will allow you to focus on one area at a time without feeling overwhelmed. It will also help you stay on task and avoid mistakes that could result in damage or a sub-par job. This will also prevent you from over-washing or spraying areas that don’t need it, which will only lead to wasted water and money.
The Right Equipment
A pressure washer is a powerful tool, but it must be used with the right settings and equipment to avoid damage. When used improperly, water from a pressure washer can eat away at surfaces like concrete, paint and wood. It can also cause corrosion on metals, including steel siding and gutters.
A professional House Washing Brisbane company can help you determine the best settings and pressure levels to safely clean your property. They can also handle the cleaning of a variety of other outdoor items, such as decks, fences and roofs.
A good washing of your home can improve curb appeal and help prevent mildew, mold and moss from growing, which can damage surfaces and lead to costly repairs. Proper washing can also extend the lifespan of your roof and siding. Purchasing the proper business operations supplies for your house wash service can increase credibility, efficiency and customer satisfaction. This includes marketing materials and a customer management system that ensures proper communication between you and your clients.
