Pollution, dirt, and mold are common problems with all types of house siding. Sometimes siding that looks as if it needs a new coat of paint really needs only a good scrubbing. The most time-consuming — but thorough — way to wash it is the old-fashioned way: with a bucket of sudsy water, a nozzle hose, and a soft-bristled nylon scrub brush screwed onto the end of a pole.
Pressure washers can do this job faster, but they are not as thorough and can damage the siding and finish. If you go this route, learn how to use a pressure washer properly. (I’ll cover this in a separate article.)
Items needed:
■ Soft-bristled nylon scrub brush
■ Extension pole
■ Bucket
■ Hose
■ Spray nozzle
■ Bleach
■ Trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent
■ Ladders
■ Mildewcide, if needed
How to wash your house:
If mildew is present, use a solution of 1 quart of bleach to ¾ gallon of water and a small amount of the TSP detergent. (Paint dealers also sell mildewcide that can be used to clean wood siding.)
■ Turn off the power to any outside lights that may get wet.
■ Remove any items that may get in the way.
■ If you have shrubs or flowers in the area, cover them with plastic so no cleaning solution gets on them.
■ Close windows and vents.
■ Put on eye protection and gloves, and be careful on the ladder.
■ Wet the siding, spraying in a direction away from doors and windows.
■ Scrub the areas with a soft-bristled brush on the end of an extension pole, working in small sections at a time.
■ Start at the top and work your way down; this allows the dirt to wash down and keeps the bleach from staining.
■ Rinse the cleaning solution off the siding before it dries.
Dear Rob
From Debbie in Andover: You answered my question about refinishing a mahogany exterior door (“How to give cedar siding of various ages that uniform look,’’ Feb. 5). I wanted to let you know that I finally tackled the project, and it looks great! I used the Cabot product you recommended and sanded the living daylights out of the door and sidelight before applying the product. I did the door a few weeks ago (it is protected by a storm door), but waited on the sidelight until I was certain the pine pollen season was over. Thanks again.
From Carol in Carver: Hi, Rob. Read your column about how to get rid of old paint (“How to dispose of leftover paint,’’ June 21). You forgot one step. You can buy a package of paint hardener at the store. Very easy. I just did it with a couple of cans, but I didn’t know about not putting the top back on. Enjoy your column. Even though I’m 80, I still do things around the house.
Rob Robillard is a general contractor, carpenter, editor of AConcordCarpenter.com, and principal of a carpentry and renovation business. Send your questions to homerepair@globe.com or tweet them to @robertrobillard. Subscribe to the Globe’s free real estate newsletter at pages.email.bostonglobe.com/AddressSignUp.
