As you will discover in this article on “how to clean vinyl siding“, the process is actually quite simple. Because this type of siding is so durable and attractive, it is the number one material people choose when it comes to home siding. However, just as anything that would be outdoors in the elements on a continual basis, it will get dirty. To keep your vinyl siding looking new and clean, you can follow a few easy steps that are not expensive.
When to clean your vinyl siding
For instance, when you notice your vinyl siding starting to look dirty and dull, all you need is a clean, soft cloth or if you prefer, a long-handled brush with soft bristles. Now, if the siding is textured, just remember that you only want to use something soft to avoid smearing any dirt and stains into the textured grooves, which would then be more difficult to clean.
One way to avoid streaking is to use good old-fashioned soap and water, allowing it to run down vertically on the house as you start the cleaning process from the bottom, working your way toward the top. Then once you have completed the cleaning, all you have to do is rinse off the soapy solution with a garden hose before it starts to dry. If you have any brick on the house, make sure you cover it with a tarp so the runoff does not affect it.
As you can see, cleaning vinyl siding is a breeze but there are a few things you want to avoid. For example, while you can use a power washer on vinyl siding, you always want to use it with caution. Since power washers are very powerful, you never want to aim it upwards where water could start to collect behind the paneling only to leak into the home while also producing stains or causing decay.
How to Clean Vinyl Siding
Now, if you have small areas of mold and mildew on your vinyl siding, those too can be cleaned easily. Regular household cleaners such as Windex of Fantastik work amazingly well. If you have larger areas of mold and mildew, then you could use a bucket and create a mixture of 30% vinegar with 70% water. Other solutions that have proven to work extremely well include a mixture of 1/3-cup powdered laundry soap, 2/3-cup powdered household cleaner such as Spic and Span, 1-quart liquid laundry bleach, and 1-gallon of water.
Now, when it comes to how to clean vinyl siding, there will always be a long list of stains to clean. The best advice is to try a cleaner on a small area in an inconspicuous section so if it fades the vinyl paneling, it will never be seen. Additionally, regardless of the product you use, always make sure you rinse the vinyl siding off thoroughly, to avoid leaving any residue behind.
Products to Avoid using
The cleaners you do NOT want to use when cleaning your vinyl siding include organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, nail polish remover, liquid grease remover, or any type of furniture spray or polish since these can affect the surface and possibly cause damage to the siding.
Instead, stick with cleaners such as Armor All or Simple Green, which are ideal for getting rid of bird droppings, spider webs, dirt, etc. Again, always rinse completely when done washing. We usually recommend Fantastic, Murphy Oil Soap, or the vinegar and water solution, which is perfect for crayon marks, oil-based caulk, felt tip marker, grass stains, grease and oil, and even gum, among other things.
Keeping your Vinyl Siding Clean
Once you have your vinyl siding nice and clean, you want to keep it that way as long as possible. Therefore, anytime you work with sealants, stains, wet concrete, and other things for home improvement projects, take time to cover the siding. It will save you a tremendous amount of work later. You even want to look at the labels of insecticides in that they too can have an affect on color siding.
Unfortunately, in extreme heat, the color vinyl siding can become distorted and discolored. For this, you really only have two options – first, try to use awnings or screens to block the hot sun from exposed areas of the siding or when you initially buy your siding, purchase some extra panels that can be used for replacement just in case.