Cedar siding is a great way to give your home a natural and warm look. However, it is important to take care of your cedar siding to ensure it lasts for years. Soft washing is a great way to clean cedar siding without damaging it. In this article, we will discuss how to soft wash cedar siding.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses a water-based, biodegradable chemical solution to break down dirt and grime on surfaces. It is a great way to clean delicate surfaces like cedar siding without damaging them.
Materials Needed
Before you start soft washing your cedar siding, you will need the following materials:
– Soft washing equipment (pressure washer with soft washing nozzle, chemical injector, and chemical solution)
– Safety gear (gloves, goggles, and a face mask)
– Garden hose
– Bucket
– Stiff brush
Preparation
Before you start soft washing your cedar siding, you need to prepare the area. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Cover any plants, outdoor furniture, or other items near your cedar siding with plastic tarps to protect them from the chemical solution.
2. Wet the area around your cedar siding with a garden hose.
3. Mix the chemical solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions in a bucket.
4. Put on your safety gear.
Soft Washing Cedar Siding
Now that you have prepared the area, you can start soft washing your cedar siding. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Attach the soft washing nozzle to your pressure washer and set it to low pressure.
2. Fill the chemical injector with the chemical solution and attach it to your pressure washer.
3. Start at the top of your siding and work your way down in sections.
4. Spray the chemical solution on the cedar siding, starting at the bottom of the section and working your way up.
5. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes to allow it to break down the dirt and grime.
6. Use a stiff brush to agitate the solution on any tough stains or spots.
7. Rinse the solution off the cedar siding with your garden hose, starting at the top and working your way down.
After Care
After you have finished soft washing your cedar siding, you need to take care of it to ensure it lasts for years. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Rinse the area around your cedar siding with a garden hose to dilute any remaining chemical solution.
2. Remove the plastic tarps from any plants, outdoor furniture, or other items near your cedar siding.
3. Let your cedar siding dry completely before doing any further maintenance or painting.
Conclusion
Soft washing cedar siding is a great way to clean it without damaging it. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can keep your cedar siding looking great for years to come.
FAQs
What is the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?
Soft washing uses a low-pressure cleaning method with a chemical solution to break down dirt and grime on surfaces, while pressure washing uses high-pressure water to clean surfaces.
How often should I soft wash my cedar siding?
It is recommended to soft wash your cedar siding every 2-3 years.
Can I use bleach to soft wash my cedar siding?
No, bleach can damage cedar siding. It is important to use a water-based, biodegradable chemical solution specifically designed for soft washing.
Can soft washing damage my cedar siding?
No, soft washing uses low-pressure water and a chemical solution specifically designed for delicate surfaces like cedar siding.
Do I need to hire a professional to soft wash my cedar siding?
While it is possible to soft wash your cedar siding yourself, it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure it is done correctly and safely.
