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I am often asked by my home inspection clients how to best clean the mildew off their home’s siding. I always recommend not using a power washer on their home’s exterior. High pressure water can and will damage wood trim and sealants. Exterior siding is designed for water to run top down. Using a pressure washer can trap moisture behind the siding and lead to issues. I recommend using a hose extension brush to gently wash down the siding. There are companies that will do this work without damaging your siding or you can buy your own extension wand and use a gentle soap.

I also recommend never using a power washer on a wood deck as it can easily damage the wood’s protective patina. I have successfully used a stiff brush/broom with OxiClean to clean my wooden decks.

I have used a power washer to clean my PVC deck floors and railings. But these materials are very durable and were not damaged by the washer. The only other places where  I would consider using a power washer around the home would be to clean off a concrete patio, concrete driveway or pavers.

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