Expert: Robert Lamb - 5/13/2007

Question
I have rough cedar siding on the outside of my house.  How do I get rid of the
cobwebs?  They don't come down with sweeping.

Answer
Mary,

Cobwebs are actually spider webs. Because of this, they are labor intensive to remove. Because they are on rough siding, removing them becomes even more difficult.

Here's what I would do:

1. Purchase the Ettore Cobweb Duster (This web site seems to have the best price, just under $7.00 http://www.squeegees.net/maintenance.htm)

2. You will also need an extension pole to reach the high cobwebs and you can pick up one at the same web site mentioned above.

3. When you get the cobweb brush and extension pole, connect them and remove the cobwebs.

Here's how to remove the webs:  

1. Put the brush in the middle of the cobweb and twist your pole. Remembering that these webs will stick to just about anything they touch, try not to stick the center of the web to the siding.

2. Remove any cobwebs that attach to your brush as you are cleaning so that they don't reattach to the siding.

You probably won't get all the cobwebs down this way, but you may get most of them.

Another item especially made to remove cobwebs is Cobweb Eliminator found at this site: http://www.pestproducts.com/cobweb_eliminator.htm#Description

I've never used this product, but you may have more success if you spray the webs first before you use the brush method as it's supposed to loosen the webs at the attachment points.

Let me know how it turns out and remember to wear safety glasses so that you don't drop anything in your eyes while cleaning.

Sincerely,

Robert Lamb
www.robscleaningservice.com