According to the U.S. Census Bureau, vinyl siding has been the most common material used in exterior cladding since 1994. This is because of its remarkable features, which include durability, resilience, versatility, and low maintenance. As it is used in the outdoors, it is prone to accumulating dust, dirt, stains, and grime. If it is installed in moist areas, mold and mildew could grow on the siding. This post is a step by step guide on how you can clean vinyl siding.
The recommended way of cleaning vinyl siding
The Vinyl Siding Institute recommends that you use a soft cloth or a soft bristle brush to wash textured vinyl siding surfaces. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Make sure you rinse off the cleaning solution with a garden hose to prevent streaking.
Vinyl siding cleaning solutions do not have to be store-bought. Rather, you can make homemade solutions including:
- Mixing 70% water with 30% vinegar. This is a powerful solution that will effectively remove most mold and mildew stains. It is also more eco-friendly.
- Mix one gallon of water, 1/3 cup of laundry detergent, 2/3 cup of household, and a quart of liquid bleach. This mixture can be dangerous to children and pets, therefore, make sure they are nowhere near.
- Mix a gallon of water with one cup of oxygen bleach if you are concerned about destroying any vegetation or landscaping.
When cleaning, apply the solution on the soft cloth or soft-bristle brush and scrub gently. Use a garden hose to rinse off each section. To clean off and kill mold and mildew, use the bleach or vinegar mixture. Apply the solution on the affected parts and allow it to soak in for about 5-10 minutes. Begin with the most noticeable or difficult spots. For extremely tough spots or stains such as tar or paint drips, use baking soda paste along with the cleaning solution. The coarse nature of the baking soda will break up and effectively clean the stains.
Additional tips for cleaning vinyl siding
- If you are environment-conscious, use eco-friendly detergents. These do not have dyes, perfumes or moisturizers
- Avoid vinyl siding cleaners that have undiluted chlorine bleach, organic solvents, nail polish remover, liquid grease remover, and furniture polish. These could damage your vinyl siding surface
- Using highly abrasive scrubbers such as steel wool will also damage your siding
- You can use trisodium phosphate (TSP) instead of laundry detergent
- Avoid power or pressure washing your vinyl siding as it couldhttps://advancedwindowsusa.com/contact-us
- result in damage, moisture intrusion, and discoloration
- In case of algae build-up, request a cleaner from a reputable siding contractor as these might not respond to standard household cleaners
- Always test a store-bought solution on an inconspicuous location on your vinyl siding
- Once your siding is clean, you can apply a sealant which prevents mold and mildew growth
A clean home with professional results
Advanced Window Products provides you with unique colors and designs when it comes to vinyl siding. Our team is trained on how to make installations properly. We stand by our work by providing you with product and labor warranties that last up to 50 years from the installation date. Contact us today at (801) 505-9622 for a free vinyl siding installation estimate.
