{"id":332,"date":"2020-12-13T20:22:17","date_gmt":"2020-12-14T01:22:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/?p=332"},"modified":"2021-02-28T18:57:17","modified_gmt":"2021-02-28T23:57:17","slug":"how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean Exterior Walls Before Painting?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Like most paint jobs, the key to a long-lasting exterior paint job is proper preparation. Before you can start slapping new paint on your house\u2019s exterior walls, you\u2019ve got to clean them thoroughly.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Exterior paint can last 15 years or more \u2013 providing you properly clean and prep before applying paint. If you skip this step and paint over dirty surfaces, you\u2019ll end up with a poor-looking result that won\u2019t last.<\/p>\n<p>So, how do you clean the exterior walls and siding before painting? Should you use a pressure washer? Or some type of cleaning chemical?<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll break down everything you need to know to clean your exterior walls before painting.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_61 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Jump To:<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65a46bff31075\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65a46bff31075\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#Why_do_you_need_to_clean_exterior_walls_before_painting\" title=\"Why do you need to clean exterior walls before painting?\">Why do you need to clean exterior walls before painting?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#How_to_wash_a_house_before_painting\" title=\"How to wash a house before painting?\">How to wash a house before painting?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#Method_1_Hand_Cleaning\" title=\"Method 1: Hand Cleaning\">Method 1: Hand Cleaning<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#Step_1_Assess_Exterior_Condition\" title=\"Step 1: Assess Exterior Condition \">Step 1: Assess Exterior Condition <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#Step_2_ScrubBrush_Away_Dirt\" title=\"Step 2: Scrub\/Brush Away Dirt\">Step 2: Scrub\/Brush Away Dirt<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#Step_3_Apply_Chemical_Cleaner\" title=\"Step 3: Apply Chemical Cleaner \">Step 3: Apply Chemical Cleaner <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#Step_4_Rinse_Clean\" title=\"Step 4: Rinse Clean\">Step 4: Rinse Clean<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#Method_2_Pressure_Washer\" title=\"Method 2: Pressure Washer\">Method 2: Pressure Washer<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#To_pressure_wash_a_house_before_painting\" title=\"To pressure wash a house before painting:\">To pressure wash a house before painting:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_you_need_to_clean_exterior_walls_before_painting\"><\/span><strong>Why do you need to clean exterior walls before painting?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You might be tempted to skip cleaning exterior walls before cleaning, after all, it\u2019s a dirty job, and won\u2019t the new paint cover up the old dirt and grime?<\/p>\n<p>Well, <em>yes it will cover it up temporarily<\/em>, but 6 months from now you\u2019ll be dealing with chipping, cracking paint, and be back to square one.<\/p>\n<p>Removing dirt, grime, mold, and mildew from your house\u2019s siding will result in a clean surface for the new paint to adhere to. Paint adheres best to clean, dry, and sanded surfaces, so you\u2019ll want to ensure the siding dries for several days after cleaning.<\/p>\n<p>Also, keep in mind the best time to clean exterior walls is during the warmer summer months. You want the siding to dry quickly, and avoid moisture getting trapped between the siding. During <a href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-turn-off-outside-water-winter\/\">winter<\/a>, you can run into problems with water freezing or not evaporating quickly enough.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_wash_a_house_before_painting\"><\/span><strong>How to wash a house before painting?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Ok, so how should you wash the exterior of your house before painting?<\/p>\n<p>There are essentially two different ways to do this: scrub and wash it by hand, or by using a pressure washer. We\u2019ll take a look at both methods in detail, and explain the pros and cons of both.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_1_Hand_Cleaning\"><\/span><strong>Method 1: Hand Cleaning<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Hand cleaning is exactly what it sounds like. Scrubbing and washing the exterior with some good old fashioned elbow grease.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_337\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-337\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-337 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/hand-cleaning-exterior.jpg?resize=800%2C493&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"scrubbing house exterior by hand\" width=\"800\" height=\"493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/hand-cleaning-exterior.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/hand-cleaning-exterior.jpg?resize=300%2C185&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/hand-cleaning-exterior.jpg?resize=768%2C473&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-337\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A little old fashioned elbow grease is the way to a well-cleaned exterior.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Hand cleaning is more labor-intensive than the alternative, but it has less potential to damage the house and results in a better finished product. You\u2019ll need to get up on a ladder to do this properly, so make sure you\u2019ve got a quality ladder, and are comfortable using it safely.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tools &amp; Materials Needed <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ladder<\/li>\n<li>Scrub brush<\/li>\n<li>Rags<\/li>\n<li>Garden hose with spray nozzle<\/li>\n<li>Mold\/Mildew cleaner like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/30-SECONDS-Cleaners-6430S-3PA\/dp\/B07L6YC9W8?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=homeimprovementscout-20&amp;linkId=4df589ed4f0d26b1ae84853bf426d96e&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">30 Seconds<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Below is a step-by-step guide to cleaning a house\u2019s exterior. It\u2019s best to work in sections, rather than doing the entire house at once.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Assess_Exterior_Condition\"><\/span><strong>Step 1: Assess Exterior Condition <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The first thing to do is to assess the condition of the exterior. If your siding hasn\u2019t been cleaned or painted in decades, you\u2019ll need to do a more thorough cleaning than a recently painted house. Check for chipped and cracking paint, cracks or gaps in the siding, and mildew\/mold\/algae. Pay close attention to the north side of the house, as the shade and damp provide ideal conditions for mildew to grow.<\/p>\n<p>If your paint is old and chipping, be careful when hosing it down. This old chipped paint will need to be removed before repainting, but chipped and cracking paint can be a sign of more serious damage beneath. Also, take a look at the condition of the <a href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/paint-wooden-window-exteriors\/\">paint around the window frames and trim<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_ScrubBrush_Away_Dirt\"><\/span><strong>Step 2: Scrub\/Brush Away Dirt<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Use a large brush to remove any loose dirt and debris attached to the house siding. There\u2019s no need to go crazy here, as you\u2019re going to wash the exterior walls afterward.<\/p>\n<p>After you\u2019ve brushed away any large pieces of dirt, use the hose to spray down the siding. Take care not to spray upwards into gaps in the siding, as this can cause moisture to collect inside the walls.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Apply_Chemical_Cleaner\"><\/span><strong>Step 3: Apply Chemical Cleaner <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Spray down the entire wall with a mold\/mildew cleaner for 30 seconds. These bleach-based cleaners are specifically formulated for this task, and are incredibly effective and removing dirt, grime, and mildew.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-338 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/spraying-cleaner-house-exterior.jpg?resize=800%2C481&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"spraying down house exterior with 30 seconds cleaner\" width=\"800\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/spraying-cleaner-house-exterior.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/spraying-cleaner-house-exterior.jpg?resize=300%2C180&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/spraying-cleaner-house-exterior.jpg?resize=768%2C462&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One thing to keep in mind when using these cleaners is to wear old clothes you don\u2019t mind ruining. The cleaner is bound to get on your clothes, so don\u2019t wear anything you want to keep pristine.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Rinse_Clean\"><\/span><strong>Step 4: Rinse Clean<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Let the spray soak into the exterior as per the manufacturer\u2019s directions. Then spray down the siding and watch the dirt and grime melt away!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_339\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-339\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-339 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/washing-mildew-away.jpg?resize=800%2C536&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"washing away mildew with garden hose\" width=\"800\" height=\"536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/washing-mildew-away.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/washing-mildew-away.jpg?resize=300%2C201&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/washing-mildew-away.jpg?resize=768%2C515&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-339\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Watching the grime and mildew melt away is about as satisfying as it gets!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After this process is completed, you might find stubborn spots that weren\u2019t completely removed in the first pass. Spray these areas again, and work the cleaner into the siding with a rag. Then rinse clean with the hose.<\/p>\n<p>Finish the exterior off with a final hose down, and then let it dry for at least 48 hours before applying paint.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_2_Pressure_Washer\"><\/span><strong>Method 2: Pressure Washer<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Tools &amp; Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Westinghouse-ePX3000-High-Performance-Electric-Pressure\/dp\/B083B2M9NT?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=homeimprovementscout-20&amp;linkId=fdb8a6dba4da69af68da1322de15d121&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pressure washer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/American-Hydro-Clean-PLQ25-33B-AHC-Stainless\/dp\/B01LZ751JL?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=homeimprovementscout-20&amp;linkId=b71363df87f58399f7f93c3c05e04ec1&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wand extension<\/a> (optional)<\/li>\n<li>Drop cloths<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/WEN-31110-Baker-Style-Multi-Purpose-1000-Pound-Capacity\/dp\/B07HFV25MB?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=homeimprovementscout-20&amp;linkId=e0b46453aee75db2e93395487a0fef11&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Scaffold<\/a> or ladder<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Renting or buying a pressure washer to clean exterior walls can make the task less labor-intensive, but you\u2019ll need to take care not to cause accidental damage to your walls.<\/p>\n<p>A pressure washer can put out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressurewashersdirect.com\/stories\/1395-How-to-Choose-the-Right-PSI-for-Your-Pressure-Washer.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2500 to 3500+ PSI of pressure<\/a>, which is far more than the typical 40 to 80 PSI found in a garden hose. This massive amount of water pressure makes pressure washers fantastic at cleaning driveways, sidewalks, fences, and vehicles, but a little overkill for houses with wood siding.<\/p>\n<p>If your house has vinyl or brick siding, then damage from the pressure washer is less of a concern. If the siding is wood, you\u2019ll need to be cautious about spraying in-between gaps and around windows\/vents.<\/p>\n<p>When pressure washing, you\u2019ll want to wear solid eye-protection, avoid making contact with the jet, and never spray from a ladder. Also, if your house was built before 1978, make sure to check for lead paint before starting.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_pressure_wash_a_house_before_painting\"><\/span><strong>To pressure wash a house before painting:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 16px;\">Cover up <a href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-move-a-shrub-without-killing-it\/\">shrubs<\/a>, gardens, and other sensitive vegetation before starting. Close and seal any windows, doors, and light fixtures.<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 16px;\">If you\u2019ve got mildew to deal with, use a cleaner with mildewcide to thoroughly soak the siding before pressure washing. This will remove most of the mildew, thus requiring less pressure later on.<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 16px;\">Power up the pressure washer, and starting from the top of the house work your way downwards. If you\u2019ve got a two-story house, a wand extension will be necessary. You may also want to use a moveable scaffold if you\u2019ve got a lot of square footage to clean.<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 16px;\">Angle the sprayer downwards as you work your way around the house. This accomplishes two things. First, it prevents water from getting underneath the siding and inside the walls, and secondly, it\u2019s easier to keep the nozzle under control.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like most paint jobs, the key to a long-lasting exterior paint job is proper preparation. Before you can start slapping new paint on your house\u2019s exterior walls, you\u2019ve got to clean them thoroughly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":335,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,6],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Clean Exterior Walls Before Painting? - Home Improvement Scout<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Like most paint jobs, the key to a long-lasting exterior paint job is proper preparation. Before you can start slapping new paint on your house\u2019s exterior walls, you\u2019ve got to clean them thoroughly. So, how do you clean exterior walls and siding before painting? Should you use a pressure washer? Or some type of cleaning chemical?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Clean Exterior Walls Before Painting? - Home Improvement Scout\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Like most paint jobs, the key to a long-lasting exterior paint job is proper preparation. Before you can start slapping new paint on your house\u2019s exterior walls, you\u2019ve got to clean them thoroughly. So, how do you clean exterior walls and siding before painting? Should you use a pressure washer? Or some type of cleaning chemical?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Home Improvement Scout\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-12-14T01:22:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-02-28T23:57:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"880\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"568\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Denis Gardner\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Denis Gardner\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Denis Gardner\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a83f2c6b10f97bd361a10c350fb7edb5\"},\"headline\":\"How to Clean Exterior Walls Before Painting?\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-12-14T01:22:17+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-02-28T23:57:17+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/\"},\"wordCount\":1198,\"commentCount\":1,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Exterior\",\"Paint\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/\",\"name\":\"How to Clean Exterior Walls Before Painting? - Home Improvement Scout\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2020-12-14T01:22:17+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-02-28T23:57:17+00:00\",\"description\":\"Like most paint jobs, the key to a long-lasting exterior paint job is proper preparation. Before you can start slapping new paint on your house\u2019s exterior walls, you\u2019ve got to clean them thoroughly. So, how do you clean exterior walls and siding before painting? Should you use a pressure washer? Or some type of cleaning chemical?\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Clean Exterior Walls Before Painting?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/\",\"name\":\"Home Improvement Scout\",\"description\":\"D.I.Y. Made Easy\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Home Improvement Scout\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/cropped-logo_medium_resolution-1.png?fit=1094%2C146&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/cropped-logo_medium_resolution-1.png?fit=1094%2C146&ssl=1\",\"width\":1094,\"height\":146,\"caption\":\"Home Improvement Scout\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a83f2c6b10f97bd361a10c350fb7edb5\",\"name\":\"Denis Gardner\",\"description\":\"I've loved tinkering and fixing things for as long as I can remember. So, naturally, I gravitated towards DIY and home improvement when I bought my first home. Nowadays you can find me writing about my passions or messing around with my newest tool!\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/author\/denis\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Clean Exterior Walls Before Painting? - Home Improvement Scout","description":"Like most paint jobs, the key to a long-lasting exterior paint job is proper preparation. Before you can start slapping new paint on your house\u2019s exterior walls, you\u2019ve got to clean them thoroughly. So, how do you clean exterior walls and siding before painting? Should you use a pressure washer? Or some type of cleaning chemical?","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Clean Exterior Walls Before Painting? - Home Improvement Scout","og_description":"Like most paint jobs, the key to a long-lasting exterior paint job is proper preparation. Before you can start slapping new paint on your house\u2019s exterior walls, you\u2019ve got to clean them thoroughly. So, how do you clean exterior walls and siding before painting? Should you use a pressure washer? Or some type of cleaning chemical?","og_url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/","og_site_name":"Home Improvement Scout","article_published_time":"2020-12-14T01:22:17+00:00","article_modified_time":"2021-02-28T23:57:17+00:00","og_image":[{"width":880,"height":568,"url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Denis Gardner","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Denis Gardner","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/"},"author":{"name":"Denis Gardner","@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a83f2c6b10f97bd361a10c350fb7edb5"},"headline":"How to Clean Exterior Walls Before Painting?","datePublished":"2020-12-14T01:22:17+00:00","dateModified":"2021-02-28T23:57:17+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/"},"wordCount":1198,"commentCount":1,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#organization"},"articleSection":["Exterior","Paint"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/","url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/","name":"How to Clean Exterior Walls Before Painting? - Home Improvement Scout","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2020-12-14T01:22:17+00:00","dateModified":"2021-02-28T23:57:17+00:00","description":"Like most paint jobs, the key to a long-lasting exterior paint job is proper preparation. Before you can start slapping new paint on your house\u2019s exterior walls, you\u2019ve got to clean them thoroughly. So, how do you clean exterior walls and siding before painting? Should you use a pressure washer? Or some type of cleaning chemical?","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls-before-painting\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Clean Exterior Walls Before Painting?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/","name":"Home Improvement Scout","description":"D.I.Y. Made Easy","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#organization","name":"Home Improvement Scout","url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/cropped-logo_medium_resolution-1.png?fit=1094%2C146&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/cropped-logo_medium_resolution-1.png?fit=1094%2C146&ssl=1","width":1094,"height":146,"caption":"Home Improvement Scout"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a83f2c6b10f97bd361a10c350fb7edb5","name":"Denis Gardner","description":"I've loved tinkering and fixing things for as long as I can remember. So, naturally, I gravitated towards DIY and home improvement when I bought my first home. Nowadays you can find me writing about my passions or messing around with my newest tool!","sameAs":["https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com"],"url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/author\/denis\/"}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/how-to-clean-exterior-walls.jpg?fit=880%2C568&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":32,"url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/paint-wooden-window-exteriors\/","url_meta":{"origin":332,"position":0},"title":"How to Paint Wooden Window Exteriors","author":"Denis Gardner","date":"October 11, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Name one of the simplest and cheapest ways of increasing your home\u2019s curb appeal. Yep \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 it\u2019s painting the exterior window sills and frames. A new coat of paint on your wooden window sill exteriors instantly spruces up the look of your house and has the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exterior&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exterior","link":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/category\/exterior\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"wooden window exterior paint","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/how-to-paint-wooden-window-exteriors-1-e1602461295735.jpg?fit=880%2C440&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/how-to-paint-wooden-window-exteriors-1-e1602461295735.jpg?fit=880%2C440&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/how-to-paint-wooden-window-exteriors-1-e1602461295735.jpg?fit=880%2C440&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/how-to-paint-wooden-window-exteriors-1-e1602461295735.jpg?fit=880%2C440&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":733,"url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-paint-a-wooden-gate\/","url_meta":{"origin":332,"position":1},"title":"How to Paint a Wooden Gate?","author":"Denis Gardner","date":"June 25, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Painting or repainting a wooden gate is one of the best ways to spruce up your home\u2019s exterior and enhance its curb appeal. A good paint job will also protect your wooden gate from moisture damage and rot \u2013 greatly extending its lifespan and functionality. Painting outdoor wooden gates is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exterior&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exterior","link":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/category\/exterior\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"wooden gate paint peeling","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/how-to-paint-a-wooden-gate.jpg?fit=880%2C587&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/how-to-paint-a-wooden-gate.jpg?fit=880%2C587&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/how-to-paint-a-wooden-gate.jpg?fit=880%2C587&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/how-to-paint-a-wooden-gate.jpg?fit=880%2C587&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1906,"url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-paint-concrete-pavers\/","url_meta":{"origin":332,"position":2},"title":"How to Paint Concrete Pavers?","author":"Denis Gardner","date":"March 16, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Concrete pavers are some of the most versatile DIY materials for customizing backyards, patios, driveways, fire pits, and swimming pools. But they do have a downside \u2013 they can attract dirt, grime, and can get worn down by foot traffic and the elements. One way to spruce up your pavers\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exterior&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exterior","link":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/category\/exterior\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"concrete pavers","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/worn-out-concrete-pavers.jpg?fit=879%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/worn-out-concrete-pavers.jpg?fit=879%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/worn-out-concrete-pavers.jpg?fit=879%2C541&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/worn-out-concrete-pavers.jpg?fit=879%2C541&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2956,"url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-fix-water-damaged-wood\/","url_meta":{"origin":332,"position":3},"title":"How to Fix Water Damaged Wood?","author":"Denis Gardner","date":"September 4, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Wood by its nature is porous and tends to absorb water when there is significant contact time between the two. This is especially problematic for untreated wood, or wood with damage to its finish \u2013 which will allow water to enter undeterred. At this point, you'll need to assess the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exterior&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exterior","link":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/category\/exterior\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"how to fix water damaged wood","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/how-to-replace-rotted-wood-around-windows.jpg?fit=880%2C560&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/how-to-replace-rotted-wood-around-windows.jpg?fit=880%2C560&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/how-to-replace-rotted-wood-around-windows.jpg?fit=880%2C560&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/how-to-replace-rotted-wood-around-windows.jpg?fit=880%2C560&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":392,"url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-replace-rotted-wood-around-window\/","url_meta":{"origin":332,"position":4},"title":"How to Replace Rotted Wood Around a Window?","author":"Denis Gardner","date":"December 28, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"If you live in a rainy, wet climate with plenty of precipitation, then the wood around your windows is at risk of rotting. It\u2019s really as simple as that. While newer houses often take advantage of rot-proof window materials like vinyl or aluminum, many older houses have window frames made\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exterior&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exterior","link":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/category\/exterior\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"how to fix water damaged wood","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/how-to-replace-rotted-wood-around-windows.jpg?fit=880%2C560&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/how-to-replace-rotted-wood-around-windows.jpg?fit=880%2C560&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/how-to-replace-rotted-wood-around-windows.jpg?fit=880%2C560&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/how-to-replace-rotted-wood-around-windows.jpg?fit=880%2C560&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2584,"url":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-make-plywood-look-good\/","url_meta":{"origin":332,"position":5},"title":"How to Make Plywood Look Good?","author":"Denis Gardner","date":"September 7, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Plywood is a fantastic building material when you need to keep costs reasonable and still want a quality final product. While many people are only familiar with plywood when it comes to its use as sheathing or subfloor, you can also use plywood as a finished surface provided you take\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exterior&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exterior","link":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/category\/exterior\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/how-to-make-plywood-look-good.jpg?fit=879%2C536&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/how-to-make-plywood-look-good.jpg?fit=879%2C536&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/how-to-make-plywood-look-good.jpg?fit=879%2C536&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/how-to-make-plywood-look-good.jpg?fit=879%2C536&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/332"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=332"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/332\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/335"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=332"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=332"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=332"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}