Pressure Washing: Keeping Your Home’s Exterior Free of Allergens
Your home should be a safe haven, a place to relax and recharge after a long day. But for allergy sufferers, even the comfort of their own home can be compromised by allergens lurking outdoors. Pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander can all cling to your home’s exterior, hitch a ride on your clothes and shoes, and find their way inside, triggering allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
While you can’t eliminate allergens entirely, there are steps you can take to minimize their presence around your home. One effective method is pressure house wash.
What is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing is a cleaning technique that uses a high-powered stream of water to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, algae, and other contaminants from surfaces. A pressure washer typically consists of a pump, a motor, a spray nozzle, and a hose. The pump pressurizes the water from a faucet or hose connection, and the nozzle directs the pressurized water stream onto the surface being cleaned.
How Does Pressure Washing Help with Allergies?
Pressure washing can significantly reduce allergen levels on your home’s exterior by:
- Removing Mold and Mildew: Mold spores are a common allergy trigger, and they thrive in damp environments. Pressure washing removes mold spores from siding, gutters, decks, and patios, helping to prevent them from entering your home.
- Washing Away Pollen: Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can coat your home’s exterior during allergy season. Pressure washing effectively removes pollen buildup, reducing the amount that gets tracked inside.
- Dislodging Dust Mites: Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells. They can thrive outdoors in areas like patios, decks, and underneath furniture. Pressure washing can dislodge dust mites and their allergens from these areas.
- Eliminating Pet Dander: If you have pets, their dander can stick to the exterior of your home. Pressure washing can remove pet dander, reducing the amount that gets tracked inside and triggers allergies.
Beyond Allergy Control: Additional Benefits of Pressure Washing
In addition to reducing allergens, pressure washing offers several other benefits for your home:
- Improved Curb Appeal: A clean exterior enhances the visual appeal of your home, making it look brighter and more inviting.
- Increased Property Value: Regularly pressure washing your home can help to maintain its value and even increase it when it’s time to sell.
- Extended Lifespan of Exterior Surfaces: Pressure washing removes dirt, grime, and mold that can eat away at siding, decks, and other exterior surfaces. This helps to extend the lifespan of these materials and save you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.
Pressure Washing Tips for Allergy Sufferers
If you’re considering pressure washing your home to reduce allergens, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the Right Time of Year: The ideal time to pressure wash for allergy control is in the late spring or early fall, after allergy season has peaked. Avoid pressure washing during high pollen counts.
- Protect Yourself: Wear protective clothing, gloves, eye goggles, and a respirator when pressure washing. This will help to prevent you from inhaling allergens that are being dislodged.
- Consider a Professional: If you have allergies or concerns about using a pressure washer yourself, consider hiring a professional pressure washing service. Professionals have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively clean your home’s exterior.
Conclusion
Pressure washing is a powerful tool for keeping your home’s exterior clean and free of allergens. By following these tips, you can create a healthier and more comfortable environment for yourself and your family.
Additional Tips:
- When pressure washing, start from the top of your home and work your way down to avoid splashing dirty water onto already cleaned areas.
- Use a pressure washing tip that is appropriate for the surface you are cleaning. A wider fan tip is ideal for siding, while a narrower tip can be used for more delicate surfaces.
- Be careful around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Avoid spraying directly at these areas to prevent damage.
By taking the time to pressure wash your home’s exterior, you can significantly reduce allergen levels and create a more allergy-friendly environment for you and your loved ones.