It’s spring, it’s warm, and you’re ready to go on those outdoor chores, but how do you clean the siding on your house properly? There’s more than one method that can work. With these simple tips, you’re sure to succeed.
Vinyl siding is one of the most common external house coverings because it’s easy to maintain, beautiful, and sturdy. Like everything outdoors, it can accumulate dirt, mold, and mildew. If you have small children you may even get the occasional marker drawings or mud splatters. Don’t worry, all of it can be solved with a little TLC.
Related: Siding Side Eye: How to Pick the Best Vinyl Siding for Your Home
Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Equipment:
- Long-handled soft bristle brush
- Gentle cleanser
- Soft cloths
- Bucket
- Sponge
Picking Your Cleaner
Your cleaner can be as simple as a solution of 3 parts vinegar to 7 parts water. You can also use one-third of a cup of powdered laundry detergent in a gallon of water, or a specially formulated vinyl cleaner. If you find there are particularly challenging stains, indoor cleaning solutions like Windex, Fantastik, or Murphy’s Oil Soap can help you remove those spots.
If you’re worried about keeping your landscaping pristine, you can use oxygen bleach diluted in water to clean your siding to keep your plants green and happy.
You don’t want to use abrasives like steel wool or powerful chemicals like undiluted bleach, furniture polish, or nail polish remover. These products could damage your siding.
Clean the Siding
Once you’ve assembled your supplies and a good playlist of music to listen to, you’re going to want to start from the bottom of your house and work up. Clean each area and make sure to rinse off any soap residue before you move on to the next section.
For particularly stubborn spots you can use non-abrasive bathroom tub cleaners, or diluted bleach solution. Make sure to never mix ammonia and bleach-based cleansers.
Power Washing Your Siding
You can power wash your siding, but you will need to check the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them. Some siding products do not recommend power washing. Use a lower pressure setting, make sure to keep the wand at a right angle to the siding, and avoid all plumbing, windows, doors, and electrical wiring.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Siding
While keeping your siding clean is important, improper cleaning techniques can cause damage and lead to costly repairs. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Using Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using undiluted bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, or harsh solvents. These can strip the finish, discolor the siding, or weaken the material over time. - Scrubbing Too Aggressively
Using a stiff-bristled brush or excessive force can scratch or scuff your siding, making it more susceptible to dirt buildup and weather damage. - Using High Pressure on a Pressure Washer
While pressure washing can be effective, using a setting that’s too high can force water behind the siding, leading to mold, mildew, and structural issues. Always use a low-pressure setting and keep the nozzle at a safe distance. - Cleaning from the Bottom Up
Spraying water from the bottom up can push water behind the panels, increasing the risk of moisture damage. Always clean from top to bottom. - Neglecting to Rinse Thoroughly
Leaving soap or cleaning solutions on the siding can lead to residue buildup, streaks, and potential damage. Always rinse thoroughly with clean water. - Ignoring Electrical Fixtures
Spraying water near electrical outlets, light fixtures, or power meters can create a safety hazard. Always cover these areas or clean around them carefully. - Cleaning in Direct Sunlight
Cleaning siding under direct sunlight can cause cleaning solutions to dry too quickly, leaving behind streaks or residue. Choose a cloudy day or clean during the early morning or late afternoon.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can keep your siding in top shape without causing unnecessary damage.
No matter which method you choose to clean your siding, it’s simple to keep your vinyl siding looking like new. So enjoy some music and get to work!
About Weather Vane Roofing
We provide roofing, siding, insulation, windows and gutters. Making your house beautiful and efficient is our main goal. We use the latest in technology and products to provide eco-friendly and cost effective solutions for your home and business. With locations in Lansing, Owosso, and Brighton/Howell we are Mid-Michigan’s roofing experts. Let us transform your house into a home.
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