House Washing 101
House Washing is the process of removing mold, mildew, dirt, grime, and other organic materials from exterior surfaces such as Hardie siding, brick, or Stucco. It requires a garden hose or pressure washer with a low-pressure setting as well as chemicals and dwell times. Read on to know more.
It can be a daunting chore to tackle if you don’t have the equipment or supplies.
Pressure Washing
A pressure washer is a machine that generates high-pressure water to clean surfaces. This pressurized spray can be used to remove stubborn stains and unwanted substances from surfaces, including dirt, mildew, algae, moss, and loose paint.
The forceful water also carries kinetic energy, which helps break the bonds of some contaminants and detaches them from surfaces. Pressure washing can be combined with detergents or cleaning solutions to enhance cleaning effectiveness and eliminate specific types of stains or substances.
Pressure washing saves money in the long run by stopping damage before it can progress to a point where repair or replacement becomes necessary. It also creates an environment that is less hospitable to bacteria and vermin, which improves safety and hygiene. The process can be dangerous if not done properly, so it is best left to the professionals. They can ensure the proper nozzle is used and the appropriate pressure level, ensuring no damage to surfaces or surrounding plants.
Soft Washing
Essentially, soft washing involves cleaning your house using a low-pressure sprayer with biodegradable disinfecting cleaners that are designed to kill bacteria, mildew, algae, moss and other contaminates on contact. As a result, soft washing does not damage surfaces such as shingles and vinyl siding and is an ideal choice for delicate materials.
The downside is that the process can take a day or two to complete. Not to mention the fact that you will need to have some form of protection as well as an assistant who is willing to help for a good portion of the day or even two days in a row.
Regardless of whether you want to improve your home’s curb appeal or are getting ready to put it on the market, hiring a professional is always the best option. They will have the proper equipment and knowledge of cleaning methods that will be safe for your property. Plus, they will have access to chemicals and cleaning solutions that are not easily available in stores.
Algaecide
Algae is a common problem for pool owners that can lead to green water or slimy surfaces. Algae spores are carried in the air, and warm weather, off-balance pH levels, and overuse of chlorine can promote their growth. Algaecide is a chemical used to kill algae and keep pool water clean.
The way algaecides work can vary but many contain copper sulfate. They work by disrupting the normal cellular process of algae, blocking cell division or energy transfer, and inhibiting their ability to make new proteins.
It’s important to know what kind of algae you are fighting as some algaecide is more effective than others on different types of algae. Some will only be effective on yellow or black algae while some are more targeted to specific types of blooms. It’s also important to test the phosphate level in your pool to prevent algae. The AquaChek 1 Minute Phosphate tests are great for this purpose.
Dwell Time
The amount of time a chemical remains in contact with a surface. Dwell times vary depending on the disinfectant and the pathogen it’s intended to kill.
The proper dwell time is essential for a thorough and effective cleaning without damage to the surfaces of your home. It’s also a critical factor in the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting.
While many disinfectants can be purchased in ready-to-use spray bottles or dilution buckets, some require a little extra work to get them into the right form for use. This typically involves mixing them to the appropriate strength and mixture ratio before diluting them into water.
While household brands like Clorox and Lysol are generally effective against COVID-19 (always check the EPA’s website for specifics), these products have longer dwell times than more potent professional-grade disinfectants. Click here for more interesting articles.
