How to Wash Wood Siding: Hose or Pressure Washer?

Posted 12/13/2023 by Tyler Thayer

Wood siding like Thermally Modified Wood Collection adds a touch of natural beauty to any home or commercial building. However, as it's exposed to the elements, it can accumulate dirt, grime, and mildew over time. Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain its aesthetic appeal and longevity. Here are some tips on how to clean wood siding using a garden hose or a pressure washer.

Cleaning with a Garden Hose

A garden hose can be an effective tool for cleaning wood siding. It provides sufficient pressure to remove dirt while being gentle enough to avoid damaging the wood.

1. Preparation:

Start by removing any loose debris from the siding with a soft bristled brush. Make sure to cover any plants or electrical outlets nearby to protect them from water and cleaning solution. Use an extendable brush for hard-to-reach areas.

 

2. Cleaning Solution:

Pick up a siding cleaning solution at your local retailer. You can purchase a pump sprayer for easy application or use a bucket and a soft bristled brush to manually apply.

3. Application:

Pour solution into your pump sprayer. Begin spraying the siding from the bottom and work your way up to prevent streaks. If you don’t have a pump sprayer, you can pour the solution into a tray or bucket and use your soft bristled brush to apply the solution manually. Scrub firmly, but gently enough to not damage your wood siding.

4. Rinsing:

After letting the solution sit on the siding for about 10-15 minutes, rinse it off thoroughly with your garden hose. Select a hose setting with a wide spray dispersion and begin at the top and work your way down to ensure you wash away all the cleaning solution. Let dry and enjoy the beauty of clean wood siding.

Cleaning with a Pressure Washer

If your siding is heavily soiled, a pressure washer can provide a deeper clean. However, be cautious as water under high pressure can damage the wood. Keep a minimum of 18 inches of distance from the wood siding while spraying.

1. Preparation:

Like the hose cleaning method, start by brushing off loose debris with a soft bristled brush and covering nearby plants and electrical outlets. You can use an extendable brush specifically for cleaning siding.

2. Pressure Washer Settings:

Set the pressure washer to a low-pressure setting, generally between 1500 and 2000 PSI.

3. Test Pressure:

Test the pressure on a sample board to find the correct force. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least 18 inches away.

4. Cleaning Solution:

Pick up a cleaning solution for your local retailer designed for siding and wood surfaces. Pour the solution into the pressure washer detergent tank. If you don’t have a detergent tank, you can use a pump sprayer for easy application. Application: Apply the solution from the bottom up to prevent streaks and allow it to sit on the siding for about 10-15 minutes.

5. Rinsing:

Once you have tested your pressure setting on a sample board and found the right pressure, make sure to use a wide spray nozzle to distribute the water pressure evenly. Rinse the siding with the pressure washer, starting from the top and working your way down. Be careful not to aim the stream at windows or doors as this can cause water to seep into your home. Let the siding dry naturally and enjoy the fresh look of clean wood siding.

Whether you choose to clean your wood siding with a garden hose or a pressure washer, remember to let the siding dry completely before applying any paint or sealant. This will ensure the best adhesion and help prolong the life of your siding.

Regular cleaning of your wood siding not only enhances its appearance but also helps preserve its integrity. With these tips, you can effectively maintain wood siding like Thermally Modified Wood Collection, keeping it beautiful and durable for years to come.

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