Cleaning vinyl siding
- Thread starter Gem99ultra
- Start date
- Views: 7209
OP
Gem99ultra
Elite Member
Wow! I did learn something today. First thing - stop using my power sprayer on the vinyl siding. (Yeah, I've already reined some on the back side of the pump house.)
I've ordered some of the 'Wet and Forget' as well as some 'Jo-Max'. We already have some OxyClean Dawn, and of course, bleach. And yes, I forgot to mention the spiders - and we have 'em by the millions. I'll be trying all three pdq.
Thanks a million for the good suggestions. No to get off my behind and get to work
I've ordered some of the 'Wet and Forget' as well as some 'Jo-Max'. We already have some OxyClean Dawn, and of course, bleach. And yes, I forgot to mention the spiders - and we have 'em by the millions. I'll be trying all three pdq.
Thanks a million for the good suggestions. No to get off my behind and get to work
The Deerslayer
Platinum Member
Wow! I did learn something today. First thing - stop using my power sprayer on the vinyl siding. (Yeah, I've already reined some on the back side of the pump house.)
I've ordered some of the 'Wet and Forget' as well as some 'Jo-Max'. We already have some OxyClean Dawn, and of course, bleach. And yes, I forgot to mention the spiders - and we have 'em by the millions. I'll be trying all three pdq.
Thanks a million for the good suggestions. No to get off my behind and get to work
Let us know how you make out with all three...interested in how they compare.
s219
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2011
- Messages
- 8,548
- Location
- Virginia USA
- Tractor
- Kubota L3200, Deere X380, Kubota RTV-X
I use a blend of water, 10% bleach (pool shock), and powder laundry detergent -- got the recipe from Tom Silva on This Old House. Does a real nice job. Google will turn up the ratios.
They make a "2nd story" nozzle for power washers that will get soapy water up high, about 30', and that is what I use. Since this converts the pressure into height, it's a very gently spray and safe for your home, about like a garden hose spray (except it shoots up high enough to reach a 2nd story). The same nozzle can be use to shoot soapy water (through the pressure washer's siphon hose) or clean water for rinsing.
I agree 100% with Eddie -- do not use a pressure washer with high pressure nozzle on a home as it can cause damage and push water into all sorts of places. Only use the low pressure nozzles to get distance and help you access high places from the ground.
They make a "2nd story" nozzle for power washers that will get soapy water up high, about 30', and that is what I use. Since this converts the pressure into height, it's a very gently spray and safe for your home, about like a garden hose spray (except it shoots up high enough to reach a 2nd story). The same nozzle can be use to shoot soapy water (through the pressure washer's siphon hose) or clean water for rinsing.
I agree 100% with Eddie -- do not use a pressure washer with high pressure nozzle on a home as it can cause damage and push water into all sorts of places. Only use the low pressure nozzles to get distance and help you access high places from the ground.
If you're going to test different products, do the Wet and Forget first, it kills the spores, other products can just cause the spores to go dormant. I used to use bleach, had to do it at least twice a year. Since I started using Wet and Forget, I do it once and am done with it.
The Deerslayer
Platinum Member
Agreed.....
thepumpguysc
Elite Member
I've always been a fan of Jo-Max.. & would shout it from the roof tops. Lol
BUT>> you guys have peaked my interest in>> Wet & Forget..
Its time for my spring "house cleaning" just as soon as this pine pollen stops making everything green..
I'm gonna give it a go & report back.. probably be next week tho.
BUT>> you guys have peaked my interest in>> Wet & Forget..
Its time for my spring "house cleaning" just as soon as this pine pollen stops making everything green..
I'm gonna give it a go & report back.. probably be next week tho.
thepumpguysc
Elite Member
I just checked out W&F online.. I'm stickin w/ the JOMAX for now..
Who wants to wait 4-6 weeks for results?? AND its VERY expensive compared to JOMAX..
w/ the jomax, you just mix it w/ some .99 cent bleach & water, spray it on & in 5-10 minutes your siding is as bright as the day it was put up..
But thanks for the ideas..
Who wants to wait 4-6 weeks for results?? AND its VERY expensive compared to JOMAX..
w/ the jomax, you just mix it w/ some .99 cent bleach & water, spray it on & in 5-10 minutes your siding is as bright as the day it was put up..
But thanks for the ideas..
OP
Gem99ultra
Elite Member
Got my Wet & Forget in today as well as a bleach rated sprayer. Already had the OxyClean, bleach and Dawn.
I'm a bit worried about the W&F though. It contains 9.9% dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. That's the main ingredient in some industrial algaecides, which I have a good bit of experience with. Harmful to plants, fish and pets!
We have a couple of 3/4 acre ponds and I'm a bit afraid of the chemical migration. Sure don't want to kill off our bass crop. I may use a diluted mixture in one small area. Still need to pick up the Jo-Max.
Experiment goes forward.
I'm a bit worried about the W&F though. It contains 9.9% dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. That's the main ingredient in some industrial algaecides, which I have a good bit of experience with. Harmful to plants, fish and pets!
We have a couple of 3/4 acre ponds and I'm a bit afraid of the chemical migration. Sure don't want to kill off our bass crop. I may use a diluted mixture in one small area. Still need to pick up the Jo-Max.
Experiment goes forward.