Can you pressure wash cedar siding?

Cedar shake siding will grow algae and mold if it’s not cleaned once in a while. Algae and mold will cause deterioration and discoloration to your cedar siding. Much like a wooden deck, you can use detergents and a pressure washer to blast the grime away and reveal the beautiful cedar color within.

Is it bad to pressure wash wood siding?

While it’s possible to pressure wash wood siding correctly, you can also force water up and under the exterior surface if your water pressure is set too high. If water gets under the siding it can damage insulation, electrical wiring, and even spur mold growth.

How do you clean cedar wood siding?

You simply keep the wood siding wet with the oxygen bleach solution for 15 minutes. It will remove the mildew and deep-clean the siding. Lightly scrub the siding before rinsing with clear water from a garden hose. Avoid the temptation of using a pressure washer.

How do you power wash a cedar?

Yes, you can pressure wash cedar siding by using a low PSI pressure washer or adjusting a pressure washer to its lowest PSI setting. This protects the cedar from being damaged from too high of pressure because it is softwood.

Should you pressure wash cedar?

Can pressure washers be used on cedar siding? As long as the sprayer is set to a low pressure, pressure washing can be used to clean cedar. It is important to avoid damaging the wood’s soft surface, so using a low pressure and not working too closely to the siding is necessary.

How do I make cedar siding look new again?

After cleaning your cedar to bring back its color, apply a clear exterior varnish to help sustain it. A quality weatherproofing product will prolong the fresh look of your cedar and help limit algae growth. If you would prefer your siding stained another color, choose a stain that is darker than the cedar.

What pressure should I wash wood siding?

between 500 and 1200
Power washing decks is common for removing grime or when preparing to stain the wood. You’ll want a PSI between 500 and 1200 depending on whether your deck is made of soft or hardwood. Choose a nozzle with an angle that’s 40 degrees or higher.

Does pressure washing damage siding?

A pressure washer can quickly ruin vinyl siding by cracking it with the high-pressure stream of water, so it’s necessary to know which pressure-level and nozzle to use. If you do use too much power, water can sneak behind the siding and soak the wood sheeting behind the vinyl, which could cause future damage.

Should you power wash siding?

A good “rule of thumb” is to clean vinyl siding every 2 to 3 years. It’s not recommended that you go longer than just a few years without power washing, as homes might hold lots of dust and debris that homeowners overlook, and pressure washing also cleans away bothersome insect nests and termite tunnels.

Do you have to power wash cedar siding before staining?

It is highly recommended that you treat the mold and mildew on your cedar siding before going at it with a pressure washer or brush and bucket. Honestly, your efforts will be futile if you scrub or blast away the dark spots without killing the mold first.

Do you need to power wash cedar siding before staining?

Staining Old Cedar: You should always remove all old flaking paint or stains on the top layer of wood by using power washing. For more information about staining cedar siding, you can contact a good painting contractors like Clarksville Painters.

Can weathered cedar wood be stained?

Staining Cedar With a Semi-Transparent Stain Semi-transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar’s wood grain.

How to clean siding with a pressure washer?

Use Pressure Washer Detergent. Soap and water is always a better cleaning combination than water alone.

Apply the Detergent Solution. Apply the soap mixture under low pressure with smooth,overlapping strokes.

Use a Brush for Tough Spots.

Let it Work in Before Rinsing.

Start From a Distance.

Spray Your Siding Clean.

Is pressure washing a car bad?

Cars do not require heavy duty pressure washers. In fact, too much pressure can damage the paint and leave water stains. Before you begin, first park your car away from the house or garage. You do not want to damage the walls of the garage or the outside of the house with the pressure washer.

How do you clean cedar siding?

How to Clean Cedar Siding With Bleach. You may use either traditional household bleach or oxygen bleach. Oxygen bleach is highly recommended because it is natural, noncorrosive and completely safe. If using oxygen bleach, mix a quart of bleach with a gallon of water. If using household bleach, use only 1 cup bleach per quart of water.

How do you take care of cedar siding?

Use soap and water to scrub the siding and spray it down with the pressure washer. If you have mold and mildew on your cedar siding, use a bleach or vinegar to remove it. Use a soft brush to scrub the siding and wash it with soap before the bleach or vinegar does permanent damage to the wood.