Tips for cleaning the Exterior of your Mobile Home

Most mobile homes have either vinyl or metal siding. Here are what most consider to be the best techniques for cleaning each type.

Cleaning Mobile Homes with Vinyl Siding

The easiest way is to use a pressure washer. The best types of pressure washers come with a chemical injector that pulls the soap from the container and mixes it with the water before spraying it out. Many cleaning products have been known to be used including bleach, liquid soap, and other detergents. You can also find products specifically designed to prolong the look of your vinyl siding at your local Home Improvement store. What you use is up to you as long as you don’t use a chemical that could damage the look of your siding.

• If you have shrubs or flowerbeds around your home it is a good idea to cover them with plastic to avoid getting any cleaning chemicals on them.
• First, spray the soapy water mixture onto your siding using a low-pressure setting.
• Start from the bottom working your way up, but try not to shoot water underneath your siding which can cause mold and mildew over time.
• By the time you have done a complete section of the home, the soap has likely sat long enough to rinse. (Note: Some products can damage your siding if they sit for too long so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully!)
• Go back to your starting point and rinse. Start at the top and work your way down and gradually continue until you get to the other end of the section of the home you are washing.
• If any plants get chemicals on them, rinse them off with a garden hose
• Repeat these steps until the entire home is clean – this process normally takes a few hours.

Cleaning Mobile Homes with Metal Siding

Like vinyl siding, cleaning metal siding is best done with a pressure washer. However it is important to not use too much pressure or you can damage the metal siding. It’s best to have a “fan” like stream instead of a concentrated one. Be sure not to get the wand to close to the siding.

• If you have shrubs or flowerbeds around your home it is a good idea to cover them with plastic to avoid getting any cleaning chemicals on them.
• If the home is very dirty you may need to use a scrub brush to clean tough areas. This should be done before you pressure wash, however you may use the pressure washer to wet the area, making your job a little easier.

Use a chemical that is best suited for cleaning metal siding such as Camco Full Timers Choice™ Trailer Glitter™

• Start pressure washing on one end and moving from side to side, top to bottom completely wash each side of your home. This should prevent water from getting underneath your siding which can cause mildew.
• Once the home has dried be sure to inspect for any missed spots. Clean missed areas as necessary.
• The entire process should only take a few hours. Enjoy your clean home!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 at 2:37 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.