home exterior cleaning guide
To protect your investment, we recommend that you perform periodic cleaning maintenance. This will not only keep your home looking beautiful but also help your Rhino Shield system remain free of harmful airborne dirt and microorganism growth. We recommend cleaning your walls annually to remove surface dirt and stains.
General recommendation for all cleaning activities: Avoid using bleach or chlorine solutions. Washing with a mixture of water and bleach or chlorine can result in discoloration to the coating and void warranty coverage.
steps for spot cleaning
Step One: To clean surface dust from specific area, gently wipe with wet rag.
Step Two: We recommend low-pressure power washing (500-600 psi with a maximum
of 1,000 psi)
Step Three: A house and siding cleaning solution is helpful and easily found at hardware stores. Jomax is a common brand. Apply the detergent and then rinse off with low to medium pressure as described above. For stubborn issues, TSP (found at Home Depot or Lowes) can be used. If using TSP, rinse extra well.
Step Four: Be sure to thoroughly wash off any cleaning agent mix on the walls.
Step Five: Pressure nozzle should be 12” or more away from the walls.
Step Six: Spray wood boards and shingles at a flat or downward angle if possible to limit amount of pressured water being forced up behind boards or shingles. Reduce pressure if angle is upward.
steps for whole home cleaning
Jomax and TSP are generally more suited for localized spot-cleaning in a single
area, rather than large scale or commercial power wash applications.
avoid harsh chemicals
Do not use concentrated chlorine, bleach, or sodium hypochlorite solutions. These can strip or discolor Rhino Shield coatings and void warranty coverage.
preferred cleaning agents
Preferred Cleaning Agents: Recommend using a mild, non-abrasive detergent or a cleaning agent specifically designed for coated surfaces. Products like Simple Green (diluted) or similar gentle exterior house wash solutions are typically safe.
dilution and pressure
Dilution and Pressure: ensure all solutions are properly diluted and always use the lowest possible pressure (ideally below 1,200 PSI) with a wide fan tip to avoid damaging the coating.
rinse thoroughly
Always thoroughly rinse any cleaning solution off the surface with clean water to avoid residue buildup. If power washing companies require a bulk cleaning product, we recommend they consult their chemical supplier for an exterior house wash solution that is free of beach, acids or solvents and safe for painted/coated surfaces.
additional tips
- Check periodically for openings in the caulk joints around windows, doors, trim and siding.
- Prevent ponding of water around doorframes or siding in low areas.
- Keep gutters and roof surfaces in working order.
- Keep shrubs, trees and plants a minimum of one foot away from the siding and trim.
- Make sure your siding and trim are at least 6-8 inches from the ground. Sometimes mulch will build up over a period of time and can create an entrance for insects as well as water from underneath.
faq's
How often should I clean the exterior of my home?
Rhino Shield recommends that you perform annual maintenance on your home to remove any dirt and microorganism growth that may accumulate on the surface throughout the year. We also recommend spot cleaning any areas not requiring a full home wash as they occur.
I hired a company to clean my home, should I inform them that I have a Rhino Shield coating?
Yes, it is very important that the company you hired to clean your home reviews the instructions for Maintenance and Care of your Rhino Shield coating. Many companies use harsh chemicals for their cleaning process that are not compatible with Rhino Shield (concentrated chlorine, bleach, or sodium hypochlorite solutions).
Can I use chlorine or bleach to clean my home?
No, we do not recommend using concentrated solutions of bleach or chlorine to clean your home as this may cause discoloration across the surface of your home. For spot treating, products like TSP or Jomax from a local home improvement store may be sufficient. For whole home cleaning, a mild, diluted, non-abrasive detergent like Simple Green or other similar exterior wash solutions specifically designed for coatings are recommended. Always ensure the solutions are thoroughly rinsed off after cleaning.
What other maintenance tips do you recommend?
Perform an annual inspection of your home to ensure gutters are clean and free of debris, shrubs and other landscaping are 6-12 inches away from the home, and no water is pooling in low areas around your foundation. These simple checks will have a lasting impact for your home’s protection.
