How to clean the exterior of my home? (Vinyl Only) (Green stuff)

Lets start by talking about your homes exterior and what the Green stuff on your siding is. That green stuff is called algae which is a organic growth that happens in certain condition. One of the causes of for algae, mold and mildew to grow on your home is shady and damp areas.

The exterior of this home is a perfect example of over grown "green stuff" algae even though it looks over grown its still possible to clean it. Don't be discourage of cleaning the exterior of your home! With basic tools and products you can get professional results.

Before we start on steps of cleaning the exterior of your homes "Green stuff" algae lets talk about why its there. Algae "green stuff" is an organic growth that grows on siding and roofs and more areas. Typical areas are in warm humid areas of the home. The reason those areas are affected with algae "green stuff" is due to shade slows down the evaporation of water. The longer that area is wet the more humid the area is making it more likely for algae "green stuff" to grow.

Shade and Wet areas

Most homes has algae (green stuff) grow in shaded areas including the north side of the home due to a lack of sunlight. Other causes are areas like this home under the eaves that creates a shade most of the day on this wall. As we don't have control of shade in this case if you up keep it with a good clean it can stop it from spreading. Algae "green stuff" is organic and it spreads the longer you don't clean it off.

What all you need to clean

Lets start with a pressure washer most pressure washers would come with a soap/detergent tank. This would be important since you would need a way to apply your solution

My pressure washer doesn’t have a tank?

If your pressure washer doesn’t have a tank their are other solution to get you on your way to get rid of the algae "green stuff". This chemical injector kit is a great tool too processed in cleaning your home. This tool with a bucket would be a great substitute for your pressure washer with no tank. I'd also advise you before ordering this tool to read your pressure washers owners manual. Some pressure washer don't have a tank but it does have an option to connect a siphon hose. The siphon hose would then go into a bucket of your choice and siphon the solution out and through your system and apply it onto desire areas.

Tips you would need

Applying your solution is one step of the process rinsing it off is just as important so tips would be necessary and also important to understand. When applying a solution its important to note the distance when using a pressure washer. Some tips are harder on some surfaces than others so keeping a safe distance and the right tip is good when learning about pressure washing a home.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

When cleaning a home its always important to be protected so study about personal protective equipment. Keep yourself safe since every project and home is different you need to adjust to your own environment and what protection you would need.

For example safety glasses, face shields and gloves would be necessary during a house cleaning and possibly more. Any products and equipment used in this project read the labels for safety and how to use before trying any projects.

Now lets get to cleaning a homes wall with algae "green stuff"

1 Start by wearing the necessary personal protective equipment for this project. Get a gallon of vinegar may need more depending on your homes size.

2 Prep the area anything you would not want to get wet relocate it. Check every window and door to have a proper water tight seal. Any outdoor electrical like (outlets, light switches, lights, tv's, fans, etc.) make sure you power off at the homes power source. Make sure you research your specific homes procedures on home electrical safety. Once the power is shut off its important to also cover any electrical items outside that is related to the home and your electronics. Make it water seal to prevent water or solution from coming in contact with any electrical stuff.

3 Connect your pressure washer to a water supply and turn it on don't run a pressure washer without water flowing to it.

4 Use a white 40 degrees tip at first with a safe distance from your homes wall to prevent damage. For tall homes you may need to use a green 25 degree tip or even a yellow 15 degrees tip to rinse tall hard to reach areas.

5 Once you have a good understanding in your tips now its time to get the area rinsed to knock off any loose debris like dirt and webs etc. Please note its recommended to clean one wall at a time to make it easy for a single person performing this project.

6 Make sure grass or vegetation is wet around the area to keep them safe from the solution used.

7 After rinsing the area and wall, place vinegar in the soap/detergent tank or a bucket. Insert the siphon hose from your pressure washer or chemical injector kit into the vinegar-filled bucket.

8 Use the black "soap" tip to apply a vinegar/water mix to the wall with algae "Green stuff" making sure you apply from the bottom up soaking it and applying evenly. In some cases if the algae 'Green stuff" is really dense using a soft bristle brush may be needed to help.

9 Once applied assure no more vinegar is coming from the pressure washer during the next step. Do this by turning the soap/detergent opinion off on your pressure washer or removing the siphon hose from your bucket.

10 Using the pressure washer and right tip to rinse the solution off start from the top and evenly work your way down. The algae "green stuff" should come off without needing pressure to do the work. If Algae "Green stuff" still present another application of water/vinegar mix is needed until your desire results.

11 Once your done assure you rinse off all the solution and wet any lawns and vegetation around the area treated. Its also important to fill with water in the soap/detergent tank or bucket used for the vinegar to raise out the system and chemical injector kit.

Thanks for reading hope you are satisfied with your results

Please note: This article is for basic information we are not responsible for any damage, injures, or death do at your own risk.