What to Wash a House With Before Painting

Painting your home’s exterior in Winnipeg enhances its curb appeal and helps protect your home from the elements, such as sun, wind, snow, and rain. However, repainting your house involves more than just slapping on a fresh coat of paint: your project’s success highly depends on the preparation work you do beforehand.  

Part of this prep work includes washing your house. Cleaning the surface in Winnipeg  before painting removes dirt, mildew, loose paint, and other grime that can prevent the new paint from adhering properly. Failing to wash your home can lead to peeling, bubbling, and cracking, shortening the lifespan of your new paint job.  

At Perry Wellington Painting & Decorating, we often see homeowners underestimate the importance of cleaning before painting. That’s why we created this guide: to help Winnipeg homeowners understand what to use and whether a professional painter in Winnipeg should be involved.

What to wash a house with before painting?

For most exterior painting projects, you should wash your house with a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water, but the exact product you use might depend on the condition of your walls and the surface material. Before washing your entire house, test on an inconspicuous area first.  

Let’s take a look at some of your options:

• TSP (Trisodium Phosphate): TSP is a heavy-duty cleanser that effectively removes tough stains such as grease, soot, dirt, and other grime from various surfaces.  To use TSP for your home’s exterior walls, dissolve 1/2 cup of TSP powder in 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket.  Apply the solution using a sponge or soft brush, working from the bottom up to prevent streaking.  Rinse the surface thoroughly and let it dry.  Be aware that TSP is a powerful alkaline cleaner that can be irritating or harmful to the skin and eyes.  Always wear the necessary safety equipment, such as chemical-resistant gloves, eye goggles, and long-sleeve clothing.  
• Bleach: Use a diluted bleach solution to remove organic growth like mold, mildew, or algae.  Combine 1 quart of bleach with 3 parts water and apply the solution with a garden sprayer.  Let it work for about an hour and then rinse thoroughly.  Wear safety gear and protect nearby plants and vegetation before washing your house with bleach.  
• Pre-Packaged Commercial Cleaners: You can find commercial house wash products at your home hardware store.  These products often contain bleach, soft wash detergents, or specialized cleaners.  Pre-packaged commercial cleaners are effective and convenient, especially when using a pressure washer.

If you prefer not to use harsh chemicals or are concerned about nearby landscaping, here are a few eco-friendly cleaning alternatives:

• Warm Water and Mild Detergent:  For general cleaning, mix a few drops of natural, unscented dish soap with water.  Scrub with a brush and rinse well.
• Vinegar and Water: You can use a solution of white vinegar and water to remove light mold and mildew stains.  Mix approximately 30% vinegar with 70% water.  Apply the solution with a soft brush or cloth, scrub gently, and then rinse thoroughly with water.  Inspect and repeat if necessary.

At Perry Wellington Painting & Decorating, we handle the entire painting project for Winnipeg homes, from prep work—including thorough exterior washing—to cleanup. Our professional team ensures your surfaces are properly prepared for a flawless, long-lasting paint finish.

Can I wash my home’s exterior myself, or should I hire a professional?

With the right skills, knowledge, and tools, you can wash your home’s exterior yourself, especially if you are working with small, accessible areas.  When deciding between a DIY approach and hiring a professional contractor, you will need to consider your comfort level, available time, safety concerns, equipment, and skill level.  Professionals are better equipped for large, complex projects and have the specialized knowledge and equipment to complete the job effectively.

At Perry Wellington in Winnipeg, we take care of your entire painting project, from prep work to clean up.  Contact us today for a free quote.