How to Wash Your Mobile Home

While we all realize it's important to keep the inside of our homes clean, it's equally important to maintain the outside of your mobile home as well. One of the simplest methods of sprucing up your home and making it look better, is simply taking the time to wash your mobile home. Washing your mobile home not only makes it look more attractive, but it can also add to property value and can alert you as to other aspects of your mobile home that may require your attention.

If you're worried that it will be costly or time-consuming to wash your mobile home, worry not. Just follow along with this step-by-step guide to washing your mobile home and we'll cut through the grime in no time!

Set Aside Some Prep Time

Before you dig out your supplies, take a few minutes to prepare yourself and your mobile home. Doing this will not only make your job easier, but it will also make your job more safe. Prior to washing your mobile home, make a walk around and look for any potential hazards or problem areas. Check to ensure the skirting is well-attached to your home and that there are no low power lines or electrical cords to trip over or risk getting wet when you wash your home. I usually take this opportunity to trim plants and shrubs, making sure that I have easy access to all areas of my home.

Also take the time to prepare yourself. Dress in older clothing, that you don't mind getting dirty or discolored, and be sure to wear sensible footwear (sneakers work great). You may also want to consider comfort-wear, such as a hat and sunglasses if you live where it's particularly warm. Keeping a bottle of cold water on hand will also minimize trips inside the house and the temptation to put the task off until later (if you're anything like me, later can end up being weeks later). It's better to get all your supplies ready, prep yourself and get ready to plow right on through this task.

Take It From the Top

In addition to the general walk-around, I usually recommend taking a little extra time to get a friend or family member to spot a ladder for you. Since the gutters of our mobile home tend to get a lot of tree debris stuck in them, it's easiest to clean the gutters first and then wash the trailer all in one go. Don't worry - this is perhaps the messiest part of the entire project. Once you've cleaned out the rain gutters of your mobile home, everything else will be a snap.

Taking the extra time to clean out your gutters provides you with an opportunity to inspect your roof, check for potential damage and, by keeping them clean of debris, you will extend the life of your gutters. Not only will you minimalize rust and the buildup of mold and mildew, keeping your gutters free of debris will eliminate those tell-tale black grime lines from streaking the sides of your mobile home. This will make future cleanups even easier.

Choosing How to Wash Your Mobile Home

There are three different techniques you may use, when it comes to washing your manufactured home - sponge washing, brush washing or power washing:

Sponge washing: If your mobile home is not very dirty and you want to ensure there is no risk of chipping or scratching your paint, you may opt for sponge-washing your mobile home. This is a very gentle method of cleaning your trailer, but it tends to be the sloppiest route and usually takes the most elbow grease.

Brush washing: This is my preferred method of washing my mobile home as it's quick and easy. I purchased a soft-bristled telescoping brush down at my local dollar store (it was less than $10) and have found it not only does a great job on the mini van, it's also wonderful for cleaning my house. While it does take a bit of elbow grease, the results are outstanding.

Power washing: Many people prefer power washing mobile homes, and for good reason - power washing requires the least amount of effort and usually takes the least amount of time. However, there are some drawbacks to power washing your mobile home. For instance, if your mobile has been painted, you have to be very careful or the power washer can strip the paint off your mobile home. Additionally, it can be dangerous if not used properly and remember - while you may power the mold and mildew away, chances are you aren't killing it unless you use a bleach solution. Power washing your mobile home might be faster, but you may have to do it more frequently.

Selecting a Good Cleaning Solution

There are many great cleaning solutions for washing your mobile home. I tend to go for the least expensive route, which is usually adding 1/2 a cup of bleach and a small squirt of dish soap into a bucket of hot water. The bleach water cuts through mold and mildew and the soap gets nice and sudsy, letting me know of any places I might have missed. While there are many different cleaners on the market, this is the least expensive, yet most effective I've found to date. Check around and find the solution and cleaner that best fits your mobile home - if you have a darker mobile or a colored one, you may opt for a commercial cleaner rather than the bleach, to avoid discoloration.

Washing Your Mobile Home

When you go to wash your mobile home, there are two things to remember - start at the top and take it a section at a time. Areas that have heavy mold or mildew may require a little extra cleaning, so I usually suds them all up first and then let the solution sit on those areas for a bit, while I clean the rest of the manufactured home. By the time I reach the bad areas, the dirt has been loosened up and cleans off really easily.

Cleaning your mobile home, it's important to be careful of windows or any areas of loose trim but, aside from that, it's a pretty easy job. After you've washed each section of your mobile, go ahead and rinse it thoroughly, starting at the top and rinsing downward. You'll be amazed at how much dirt and grime just washes away. Before you know it, you'll have the cleanest mobile home on the block and your neighbors will be inspired to do the same. Great job!

Sources:

Experience as a mobile home owner