How We Washed Our Aluminum Siding

by Kirstin @ Things Made New

4 Hours

Medium

When we bought our house, we knew that our aluminum siding was desperately in need of a makeover. Although we eventually plan to replace it, we wanted to give it an updated look for the next several years. We decided on a paint job, but before we could do that, we needed to wash the dirty old siding. There are several techniques for doing this, but we chose (on the recommendation of a family friend in the contracting business) the power washing method. This made the most sense for us with our house and the equipment to which we had access, but there are other methods out there too! What has everyone else used? Was it successful or not so much?? Check out my blog for more details on what we did.

how we washed our aluminum siding, cleaning tips, curb appeal, There are various methods for washing aluminum siding but we chose to use the chemical TSP and a power washer

There are various methods for washing aluminum siding, but we chose to use the chemical TSP and a power washer.

how we washed our aluminum siding, cleaning tips, curb appeal, Before we started we wet down our grass thoroughly and covered our other plants so they wouldn t drink up the TSP

Before we started, we wet down our grass thoroughly and covered our other plants so they wouldn't drink up the TSP.

how we washed our aluminum siding, cleaning tips, curb appeal, With our gloves and eye protection on we first sprayed on the TSP solution moving from bottom to top

With our gloves and eye protection on, we first sprayed on the TSP solution (moving from bottom to top).

how we washed our aluminum siding, cleaning tips, curb appeal, Let the TSP on for around 10 minutes but don t let it dry and then use a more powerful nozzle to rinse it away

Let the TSP on for around 10 minutes (but don't let it dry), and then use a more powerful nozzle to rinse it away.

While you have the power washer out, make sure to blast any other dirty surfaces! :)

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2 of 3 comments

Straight Nails Construction on Nov 03, 2013
Hello, I have been pressure washing for many years, and the best solution I have found that works on multiple surfaces is Krud Kutter... but be careful. This is not the white bottle you find in the cleaning section, it is the purple solution you find in the pressure washing section at Lowe's... yes, the only place I can find to purchase it. (Orange and Blue is for wood and concrete). This is a concentrate that works extremely well... and is safe for pets, plants and humans. It's like using Tide for your house.

2 Reply
Margie*Lee on Mar 07, 2014
Our house has aluminum siding that has been painted. We would like to powerwash our house but have been told to be careful as it might remove the paint. Any suggestions?

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