Before we dive into the process, it’s important to understand the difference between water blasting and soft washing. Both methods use a water blaster, but they differ in pressure and the cleaning products used.
Water Blasting is a high-pressure cleaning method that forces water through a small nozzle water blaster, producing a strong stream with up to 4000 PSI. This method is great for surface preparation and concrete cleaning but is too powerful for house washing as it can cause damage and force water into materials.
Soft Washing uses much lower pressure, typically below 500 PSI, and incorporates a salt-based (sodium) cleaning product that effectively cuts through grime, dirt, and mould. This method is gentler and ensures a thorough clean without the risk of damage or excessive brushing.
Soft Washing a House in 5 Steps
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
- Hose
- House Wash Cleaning Products:
- Sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) for mould removal.
- Surfactant/liquid soap (e.g., Selleys Sugar Soap) for deeper cleaning and easier rinsing.
- Water
- Pressure Washer (Water Blaster) with a venturi system to mix the cleaning solution with the water.
- Soft Wash Nozzle to ensure gentle pressure.
- Ladder for reaching higher areas.
- Safety Gear: Safety glasses and gloves.
Step 2: Prepare Your House
- Remove any items from the washing line and move shoes, doormats, potted plants, and furniture away from the house.
- Ensure all windows and doors are tightly closed, especially old or wooden ones. Place towels down if needed.
- Keep pets inside or in a safe place away from the noise.
- Cover any fishponds near the house.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Product
- Mix 1 part household bleach with 1 part water. For every litre of solution, add 100 ml of sugar soap.
- Apply the solution using the water blaster’s venturi system, starting at the bottom and working up to prevent streaking.
- Work on one section at a time, ensuring the product has time to work but not dry out before rinsing. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight.
Step 4: Start Soft Washing
- Using the water blaster with the soft wash nozzle, gently wash the surfaces in the same order you applied the cleaning product.
- Wash the gutters first, then move down to the soffits, cladding, baseboard, and window frames.
- Tips to avoid damage:
- Hold the spray gun with both hands.
- Keep the nozzle about 30 cm from the surface.
- Spray at an 85° angle, avoiding spraying underneath horizontal cladding.
- Spray from side to side at a consistent speed.
- Angle the spray away from window frames and door cavities to prevent water leakage.
Step 5: Final Check
- Walk around the house to check for missed spots. If necessary, reapply the cleaning product and rewash it.
- If high areas are difficult to clean or you are not satisfied with the results, consider seeking a professional cleaning service or advice.
Additional Tips
- Sourcing Cleaning Products: Most hardware stores carry suitable products but check ingredients for effectiveness. Commercial-grade products may yield better results.
- Sourcing Nozzles: Soft washing nozzles are available at hardware stores. Ensure you select the correct type for soft washing.
- Ladder Safety: If not using an A-frame ladder, have someone hold it for stability. Maintain three points of contact when climbing. Avoid using the water blaster while on the ladder.
- Hot Tip: Use a blue nozzle to apply the cleaning product to high areas to minimise ladder use.
By following these steps for house washing, you’ll achieve a clean, bright, and damage-free exterior for your home.
Learning how to clean a house in 5 simple steps makes maintaining a beautiful home easy and efficient. Regular property washes and exterior cleaning enhance the appearance of clean houses and protect their structural integrity. Following these steps lets you keep your home looking its best without much hassle. Invest in Elephant House Wash’s professional services when needed to ensure a thorough and effective cleaning in Auckland. Enjoy a fresh, inviting living space for you and your family!
