Here in the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest, maintaining your home’s exterior results in beautiful curb appeal. Better yet, house washing supports the overall health and longevity of the structure. But the downside is that house washing can use an incredible amount of water, along with other environmental concerns. What are some eco-friendly house washing ideas for Seattle area homeowners?
From roofing and windows to siding, regular washing can prevent the build-up of mold, mildew, and other unwanted elements. With increasing awareness of environmental concerns, Seattle homeowners are turning towards eco-friendly house washing methods. This approach not only ensures a clean home but also protects our precious ecosystems!
Here are some ideas and considerations from your house washing service professionals at Hydra Clean Northwest!
The Gentle and Green Way of Roof Cleaning
Your roof defends against the elements and protects your family from all seasons. However, roofs often harbors moss, algae, and debris.
Instead of traditional pressure washing, which can be harsh on roofing materials and excessive in water use, consider soft washing. This method uses low-pressure water combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions to remove unwanted growths and stains.
Not only does it require less water, but it also minimizes run-off, protecting your garden and the local waterways from chemical exposure.
What happens if you try pressure washing your roof?
The truth is that pressure washing your roof can be a bad idea for several reasons. Avoid pressure washing this area of your home:
- Pressure washing your roof can cause damage to shingles, dislodging or breaking them.
- The high force of the water may strip away protective granules, reducing the roof’s lifespan.
- Water under pressure can penetrate under shingles and into the roof deck, leading to leaks.
- This method can inadvertently spread moss and algae instead of removing them.
- Pressure washing can void the warranty on your roofing materials.
- It poses a risk of personal injury when homeowners attempt to do it themselves.
- The process often leads to excessive water usage, which is not environmentally friendly.
Window Washing: Sparkling with Sustainability
Windows offer benefits ranging from aesthetics to energy efficiency of your home. For an eco-friendly approach to window washing, ditch the chemical-laden cleaners for a simple solution of vinegar and water.
This mixture, applied with a soft cloth or a squeegee, can make your windows sparkle without harming the environment.
Another option includes collecting rainwater for this task can further reduce your environmental footprint, aligning with Seattle’s ethos of sustainability and water conservation.
Why Consider Soft Washing Your Windows?
Is window cleaning part of your house washing plans? Here are the reasons why soft washing is an excellent eco-friendly option:
- Soft washing uses low-pressure water and biodegradable cleaners, making it safer for both the windows and the environment.
- This method effectively removes dirt, grime, and biological materials without the risk of damaging window seals or frames.
- By conserving water compared to traditional high-pressure methods, soft washing aligns with eco-friendly practices.
- It extends the lifespan of your windows by preventing harsh chemicals and high pressure from causing premature wear.
- Soft washing can also clean window screens and tracks in the same process, ensuring a thorough clean.
- The use of gentle, biodegradable solutions protects your home’s landscaping and the local ecosystem from chemical runoff.
Siding Maintenance: Clean and Conscious
For an environmentally friendly clean, opt for a cleaning mixture made from water, oxygen bleach (a less harmful alternative to chlorine bleach), and a small amount of eco-friendly dish soap. This solution, applied with a soft brush, can effectively remove dirt, algae, and mildew without the need for high-pressure washing. Plus, choosing plant-based, biodegradable soaps further reduces the impact on the environment.
Additional Tips for Eco-Friendly House Washing
- Collect and Reuse Water: Implementing rainwater harvesting systems can provide an abundant supply of water for outdoor cleaning tasks, significantly reducing your water usage.
- Choose the Right Time: Washing your home during cooler parts of the day or on overcast days can reduce water evaporation and the need for repeated applications.
- Educate Yourself on Local Regulations: Seattle and its surrounding areas may have specific guidelines on water usage and chemical run-off. Staying informed can help you make environmentally responsible choices.
- Hire Eco-Friendly Professionals: If you decide to hire professionals for your house washing needs, look for companies that specialize in eco-friendly practices. They will have the knowledge and equipment to clean your home effectively while minimizing environmental impact. Hydra Clean Northwest can help with your house washing!
Save Water, Give Water: Hydra Clean Cares About Water Conservation
Water conservation is close to our heart here at Hydra Clean Northwest. If you haven’t heard, our ongoing water conservation initiative with Water.org helps make us an eco-friendly house washing service in Seattle. We work to use as little water as possible through all cleaning services, ranging from house washing to carpet cleaning and beyond! Click here to learn more about our Water.org initiative.
Hydra Clean Northwest is the Eco-Friendly House Washing Service in Seattle
The easiest eco-friendly house washing solution is contacting us at Hydra Clean Northwest. We’re the experts who make exteriors sparkle! Book now for your house washing project before the spring rush. Be sure to ask us about our spring cleaning promotions!