Pressure Washing Cedar Siding: To Wash Or Not To Wash Before Arbor Coat?

Cedar siding is a popular choice for homes due to its natural beauty and durability. However, maintaining its appearance requires regular cleaning as dirt, stains, mould, and mildew can build up over time. Before applying an arbor coat, it is essential to consider the best approach to cleaning cedar siding to ensure effective results without damaging the wood. One option is pressure washing, but it must be done correctly to avoid harming the material.

Pressure washing cedar siding is safe if done correctly

Cedar siding is a beautiful addition to any home, but it requires special care. Pressure washing is a safe and effective way to clean cedar siding if done correctly. Here are some tips to ensure that your cedar siding is pressure washed safely and effectively:

Choose the Right Pressure Washer

Select a pressure washer with a good-sized detergent tank to avoid frequent refilling. For cedar shake siding, a 3000 PSI consumer-grade gas pressure washer is ideal for cleaning and stripping paint. If your siding has a lot of built-up grime, consider using a brush to loosen it before pressure washing.

Prepare the Siding

Before pressure washing, treat any mold or mildew on the siding. This step is crucial as mold and mildew can cause discolouration and deterioration. Oxygenated bleach, such as OxiClean, is recommended for effectively treating these issues. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and application, and allow the solution to soak into the wood for around 15 minutes before rinsing.

Use the Right Settings and Technique

Always use the lowest pressure setting on your pressure washer when cleaning cedar siding. For softwood siding, use 1800 PSI or below, and for hardwood, you can go up to 3000 PSI. Start by testing the pressure washer on a small section of the siding and increase the pressure gradually if needed, but never exceed the recommended pressure for softwood or hardwood. Keep the wand at least two feet away from the siding and angle it downwards to avoid getting water under the laps, which could cause buckling. Move the wand in even, overlapping strokes to avoid missing spots or leaving streaks.

Take Precautions

Be cautious of nearby fixtures such as light fixtures, windows, and gutters. The high-pressure water can cause serious damage if aimed poorly. Keep your eyes open and watch where you're spraying. Cover any areas you don't want to get wet, and be mindful of nearby plants, as the chemical solutions used can be harmful to them.

Use a pressure washer with low psi or adjust it to 1800 psi or below

Pressure Washing Cedar Siding: Use a Pressure Washer with Low PSI or Adjust it to 1800 PSI or Below

Cedar siding is a popular choice for homes due to its natural beauty and durability. However, it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. One effective way to clean cedar siding is by using a pressure washer with low psi or adjusting it to 1800 psi or below. This method is known as "soft washing" and is recommended for cedar siding because it has a sensitive wood structure.

• Choose the right pressure washer: Select a multifunctional machine with adjustable settings, ensuring it can be set to a very low-pressure setting.
• Prepare your cedar siding: Before pressure washing, cover any areas you don't want to get wet and close windows and doors. It is also important to over-hydrate your vegetation to avoid damaging your plants from the chemical solution used.
• Test the pressure washer: If you are pressure washing cedar siding for the first time, start with the lowest setting and test it on a small section of the wall. Increase the pressure gradually if needed but do not exceed the recommended pressure for softwood (1800 psi or below) to avoid damaging the wood.
• Pre-wet the cedar siding: You can do this by splashing water on the surface or using the lowest psi setting on your pressure washer.
• Apply a cleaning solution: Choose a suitable cleaning solution specifically designed for wooden surfaces to remove algae, moss, and mildew. Avoid using regular household bleach that contains chlorine as it can damage the wood. Oxygen bleach is a safe and effective option.
• Allow the solution to set: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dwell time, usually around 15 minutes for softwood. Don't let the solution dry out as it may cause oxidation and damage the wood.
• Rinse the cedar siding: Use a low-pressure setting and wash the siding from the upper portion of the wall downwards. You may need to repeat this step if all the mould and mildew are not removed.
• Be cautious with tough stains: Avoid the temptation to increase pressure on tough stains as it can damage the surface and leave permanent marks. Instead, try using a suitable cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush.
• Follow the direction of the wood grain: When spraying the cedar siding, keep the tip moving in the direction of the wood grain to avoid permanent indentations.
• Be mindful of fixtures: Avoid directly spraying gutters, light fixtures, and other delicate items during pressure washing as they can be easily damaged.
• Consider hiring a professional: Pressure washing cedar siding can be daunting, and if done incorrectly, it can damage the wood. Consider hiring a professional power washing company that has the experience and equipment to get the job done right.

By following these instructions and tips, you can effectively use a pressure washer with low psi or adjusted to 1800 psi or below to clean your cedar siding, maintaining its beauty and longevity.

Power washing can remove dirt, stains, mold, and mildew from the wood

Power washing is a great way to remove dirt, stains, mold, and mildew from wood. It is a quick and satisfying way to get rid of built-up gunk and grime. The high-intensity power of a pressure washer can be used to clean walkways, strip old paint from decks, and clean stains from driveway spills.

However, it is important to note that misuse of a pressure washer can result in damaged wood. The high-powered stream of water should always be handled with care and used correctly. When using a pressure washer, it is important to follow proper care instructions and choose the right nozzle tip for the job. The choice of cleaning product is also important—a cleaner that is safe for multiple surfaces without diminishing performance is ideal.

Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner is a good option for cleaning wood. It lifts dirt and stains from mold, mildew, moss, and algae from outdoor surfaces such as wood, plastic, and concrete. It uses peroxide to brighten and renew surfaces without bleach. Another option is to use a pressure washer concentrate, which can be used on wood, composite, vinyl, metal, fabric, plastic, concrete, stone, and other outdoor surfaces.

If you are considering pressure washing cedar siding, it is important to note that this type of wood is sensitive and can be easily damaged if not done correctly. Soft washing cedar siding with a pressure washer set to low psi or adjusted to 1800 psi or below is recommended. Hard washing is not ideal as it can break up the softwood. It is also important to use a suitable cleaning solution, such as sodium hydroxide, oxygen bleach, or a detergent specifically made for wooden surfaces. Regular household bleach that contains chlorine should be avoided as it can break down the structure of the wood.

Oxygenated bleach is needed to get rid of mildew

Oxygenated Bleach: The Best Solution for Removing Mildew from Cedar Siding

Cedar siding is a beautiful addition to any home, but it requires special care to maintain its appearance. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with mildew, which can cause discolouration and deterioration of the wood. To effectively remove mildew and prevent further damage, oxygenated bleach is the ideal solution.

Mildew is a common issue with cedar siding, especially in areas with high humidity or a lack of direct sunlight. Traditional chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) may seem like an obvious choice for removing mildew, but it can actually damage the wood fibres and is not as effective on porous surfaces like wood. Chlorine bleach evaporates quickly, allowing mildew to regrow, and it can also harm plants and stain clothing.

Oxygenated bleach, on the other hand, is a safer and more effective alternative. It contains hydrogen peroxide, which removes mildew not just on the surface but also beneath it, as well as algae, dirt, and oxidised paint. Oxygenated bleach is less volatile than chlorine bleach, so it won't damage plants or clothing. It is also eco-friendly and won't discolour the wood.

How to Use Oxygenated Bleach on Cedar Siding

To treat mildew on cedar siding, follow these steps:

• Choose a liquid or powdered oxygenated bleach product, such as Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Plus OxiClean or OxiClean powder.
• Prepare the oxygenated bleach solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. For liquid bleach, follow the dilution instructions. For powdered bleach, mix four parts water to one part powder.
• Apply the oxygenated bleach solution to the cedar siding. Use a garden sprayer or a soft-bristled brush to thoroughly saturate the affected areas.
• Allow the solution to soak for around 15 minutes. This gives the oxygenated bleach time to penetrate and break down the mildew.
• For stubborn mildew, use a soft-bristled brush or nylon brush to gently scrub the affected areas. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the wood.
• Rinse the cedar siding with clean water using a garden hose. Ensure that all the bleach solution and mildew residue are removed.
• If necessary, repeat the process until all mildew is removed.

Additional Tips for Cedar Siding Care

• Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your cedar siding in top condition. Clean your siding every 6-12 months to remove dirt, debris, and mildew.
• When using a pressure washer on cedar siding, always use a low-pressure setting (below 1,000 psi) to avoid damaging the wood. Adjust the pressure washer to 1,800 psi or below if your siding is made of softwood.
• Before pressure washing, test the solution and pressure on a small area of the siding to ensure it won't cause damage.
• Always follow safety precautions when working with any cleaning chemicals, including wearing protective gear such as gloves and eye protection.

Power washing is a quick and easy way to clean cedar siding

To power wash cedar siding without causing harm, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, you need to identify the root cause of the dirt. In most cases, the discolouration is due to mould and mildew, which tend to grow on the side of the building with the least sunlight. Before power washing, you should treat the mould and mildew with oxygenated bleach.

Once you have treated the mould, you can begin power washing. It is crucial to use a power washer with a low-pressure setting. A pressure washer with a black tip is suitable for this task. Keep the power washer at least two feet away from the siding and angle it downwards to avoid water getting under the laps of the siding, which could cause buckling. Make smooth, controlled passes over the siding to gently remove dirt and residue. Avoid directly spraying delicate fixtures such as light fixtures, windows, and gutters.

In addition to using the correct power washing technique, you should also choose the right detergent. Detergents designed for concrete or wood surfaces are ideal for cleaning cedar siding. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to loosen any tough buildup.

By following these steps, you can effectively and safely power wash cedar siding, leaving it clean and well-maintained.

Frequently asked questions