Over time, weathering conditions will start to soil the exterior walls of your home — dirt, pollution, leaves, mildew, dust and mould can make your walls look old and dull. Cleaning your home's exterior walls is a massive task, but it is necessary to retain the flawless look of your home annually. Regular cleaning makes the house look great and offers you the opportunity to inspect for household flaws that may need repair. Follow these preparation and pressure cleaning steps to clean the exterior of your home.

Undertake Pre-Cleaning Preparations

Before you start, check your roofing and windows to ensure there are no leaking spots that could damage the interiors of your home during pressure cleaning. If your walls are made from rock or bricks, be sure to check the surface before beginning to see that no major cracks that have developed over time. Be sure to clear out the gutters and trim excess tree branches that lean against walls.

Remove Mildew and Mould on Walls

If your walls have mould and mildew, you will need to scrub the affected spots using a solution of either water and bleach or water and borax to remove the mildew from the wall. Keep in mind that bleach is an effective chemical, but because of its acidic properties, it should be used carefully — you'll want to wear gloves and protective goggles to prevent any injuries. Simply apply the solution on the affected mildew spots and use a paper towel to wipe away the mould and mildew. Bleach and borax can be purchased from any local home improvement store.

Begin Pressure Cleaning Process

High-pressure water cleaners are effective for cleaning exterior walls — they blast off accumulated debris with minimal effort to leave your walls looking clean and fresh. If you don't own a high-pressure cleaner, you could rent one from a home improvement or hardware store. While pressure cleaning is a good solution, you'll want to be mindful of the amount of water consumed. Be sure to test a small inconspicuous area of your wall beforehand to ensure it doesn't damage your existing paint or brick finish. To prevent undue wall damage, make sure you move the hose back and forth without continuously spraying on one spot. If you're planning on using detergent for the pressure cleaning process, be sure to use a mild version that won't discolour any paint.

Pressure cleaning external walls is a task you can do on your own, but a professional will be able to do the job more effectively and expertly — with minimal damage to your home.

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