Cleaning render with a steam cleaner

BabyBoots

Can I safely clean the render on the exterior of my house with a normal household steam cleaner?

The front of my house is covered with bird poop from a nest just below the guttering. I know they'll carry on pooping, but it looks pretty bad, and I'm trying to sell the house.

I don't have a pressure washer, so I'm thinking my options are stand on a ladder with either a mop & bucket or a steam cleaner.

phill99

If there are any cracks in the render its likely thevsteam will get behind the render and cause it to fall off.

A hose and yard brush will do the trick just as well.

BabyBoots

Thanks, I don't have a hose, so it looks like it's a mop & bucket job!

DaftyDuck

I would certainly not use a steam cleaner either. I'd be loath to pressure wash it either, but I am neurotic. Biological washing powder and a good yard broom.... Stiff bristles and long handle. Even then, I'd expect itmight benefit from repainting.

rustyboy21

Agree with Phil on that.


When we moved into this house, we had a painted wall in between our garden and next door. It was painted white and looked dirty. Cue me, getting all DIYish with the pressure washer. I was covered head to toe in white paint flakes and the wall was back to bare brick again. I had to carry on and do the rest, as it looked awful. Have left it brick colour, as small job turned into major job, I couldn't be bothered to do ! lol

zaax

That's the problem you start one job and end up with 5