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momoese
02-23-2009, 08:21 PM
I need to scrub the wall on the rear of the house. Just water won't cut the dirt so have you any ideas on a cleaner that I could use that when washed off onto the soil won't be toxic? I'm thinking about using Simple Green and a brush on an extension pole.

Caloosamusa
02-23-2009, 08:41 PM
"Orange cleaners" that use citric acid as active ingredient may be ok, but first check to make sure it does not damage the covering. I stay away from any cleaners that use chlorine, or chloride. Old fashion soaps work well for many things but probably not your wall. Green works by chlorox seems to be environmentally friendly, but I'm not sure about what is on your wall. Again, test first to make sure it will not damage any coverings or materials.

Best wishes, & hope this helps:03:

momoese
02-23-2009, 08:47 PM
Thanks I'll look into those. I wonder if need to worry about messing up the PH of the soil? My bamboo is planted pretty close to where I'll be washing. The dirt on the wall is up high. I think It's just grime from living in the city, and maybe a bit of mildew?

Chironex
02-23-2009, 09:16 PM
Why not rent a pressure washer? Try it with straight water, it should remove mold or mildew quite easily.

Bob
02-23-2009, 09:22 PM
Mitchell , cleaning in and out is my business. I've seen enough of green cleaning to know it's not the most efficient. Get a pressure washer , its worth the investment and in the long run most environmentally sound. If that's no good experiment with a rental. How often will you use it? On the occaision that you do it will work extremely well if you invest in a good one. More often than not only water is needed, no worries .

For the record simple green is a great product and I use it(not near my plants).

TomK
02-23-2009, 10:12 PM
I'd also recommend the pressure washer route.

stumpy4700
02-23-2009, 10:43 PM
My wife swears by vinager (sp) (im sleepy), and a pressure washer.

momoese
02-24-2009, 12:23 AM
Thanks, I thought about a pressure washer but realized the paint on this house is too fragile. It's a 1929 Spanish that had some bad prep between coats of paint and now has loose spots that feel like little pillows so being gentle is key right now. I do not want, or have the time to repaint. I'm just looking for a no toxic cleaner that I can lightly brush with a push broom and then gently hose off.

xavierdlc61887
02-24-2009, 12:36 AM
good old fashion water and brush :P thats the way to go....might take some endurance but should clean it right out and u water the plants at the same time :P