Struggling with dirty vinyl siding? You’re not alone. Cleaning vinyl siding can feel like a never-ending battle, but it doesn’t have to be hard.
With a thorough approach, you can clean vinyl siding the right way. You’ll keep your home looking fresh, one step at a time. Cleaning vinyl siding is an easy, simple way to protect your investment. Regular cleaning of the siding on a house does two things – boosts your curb appeal while extending the lifespan of your siding.
By following the right steps, you can remove dirt, mold, and stains without causing damage. Let’s dive into the best way to clean your siding effectively.
With over 87 years of experience, trust the experts at Rusco for all your siding needs.
Why It’s Important to Clean Vinyl Siding
Installing vinyl siding on your home is one of the best investments you can make. Properly cared for, it will keep your home beautiful and maintenance minimal for decades to come. Regular cleaning prevents dirt, mold, and grime from settling in and causing long-term damage. Without proper care, these elements can break down your siding and lead to costly repairs or replacements.
Vinyl siding cleaning also prevents discoloration. It helps your home look newer for longer without resorting to options like painting your siding. And by staying on top of cleaning, you also spot potential issues before they evolve. This helps extend the overall lifespan of your siding. Aside from these benefits, there are a few other perks to consistent cleaning of your siding.
- Protects Against Long-Term Damage: Dirt, mold, and mildew can lead to cracks or other problems if left unchecked. Cleaning helps prevent this damage by removing mold and mildew which can put your home at greater risk to storm damage or other problems.
- Prevents Discoloration: Over time, grime and pollutants can stain your siding and cause fading or discoloration. Regular cleaning keeps it vibrant.
- Helps Identify Potential Issues: During cleaning, you’ll spot small issues like cracks or loose panels before they become big problems.
- Extends the Siding Lifespan: Clean siding lasts longer, which means you won’t have to replace it as often.
- Maintains Curb Appeal: A clean exterior keeps your home looking fresh and well-maintained. This has the potential to boost property value.
How Often Should You Clean Vinyl Siding?
You should clean your vinyl siding at least once a year to keep it in top shape. However, if your home is in an area with high humidity, lots of pollen, or heavy pollution, you may need to clean it more frequently.
Keeping an eye on your siding’s condition will help you decide when it needs an extra scrub. Consistency is the best way to clean vinyl siding.
Find expert tips on vinyl siding maintenance and care for your home.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need to Clean Vinyl Siding
To clean vinyl siding properly, you’ll need the right tools. Start with a garden hose or a pressure washer set on low. A long-handled soft bristle brush or soft cleaning cloth is perfect for scrubbing away dirt. You’ll also need a bucket and rubber gloves for handling cleaning solutions.
For everyday grime, use a mild household cleaner like Simple Green or Armor All. If you’re dealing with mold or mildew, a homemade vinyl siding cleaner mix of 70% water and 30% vinegar can do the trick. If making cleaning solutions for vinyl siding at home, always be careful about mixing chemicals to avoid any danger to you or your family.
Furthermore, be cautious when using a power washer. Using too much pressure can damage your siding. Instead, stick to low settings to avoid any harm.
- Garden Hose or Pressure Washer
- A Long-Handled Brush or Soft Bristle Brush
- Soft Cleaning Cloth
- Bucket
- Rubber Gloves (Optional)
- Household Cleaners: Armor All, Nice & Easy, or Simple Green for dirt, bird droppings, or spider webs
- For Large Areas of Mold or Mildew: In a spray bottle, mix 70% water and 30% white vinegar, or 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent, 2/3 cup of powdered household cleaner, one quart of liquid bleach, and one gallon of water
Before You Start
Before cleaning your vinyl siding, there are a few important steps to take. Ensuring the weather is right prevents cleaning solutions from drying too quickly or that wind won’t interfere with control of your hose or pressure washer. You’ll also want to keep your surrounding areas protected and inspect for damage so it doesn’t get worse as you clean.
- Check Weather Conditions: Choose a day with mild, overcast weather. Cleaning in direct sunlight or high winds can cause streaking or make it hard to control your tools.
- Protect Surrounding Areas: Cover plants, furniture, and other delicate surfaces with tarps or plastic to avoid damage from cleaning solutions and water runoff.
- Inspect the Siding For Damage: Check for cracks, loose panels, or other issues. Fix any damage before cleaning to prevent it from getting worse.
Discover more expert tips to choose siding that’s right for you.
5 Steps to Clean Vinyl Siding
Cleaning vinyl siding isn’t too complicated of a process. It’s one of those things that if you do it regularly, you’ll see the benefits. However, you still must wash vinyl siding correctly to avoid damage or discolor your home. By following these straightforward steps, you’ll remove dirt, mold, and grime while keeping your siding in great condition.
Rinse the Siding with Water
Before applying any cleaning solution for cleaning siding, rinse the siding thoroughly with water to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a garden hose or a pressure washer on a low setting to avoid damage. This first step helps clear the surface for a more effective cleaning.
Apply the Cleaning Solution
Next, apply your cleaning solution evenly across the siding using a soft brush or cloth, and always start at the bottom and work your way up. For homes with brick facing, cover the brick with a tarp, so it is not stained or discolored by the runoff.You can use a homemade mixture like vinegar and water or opt for a store-bought vinyl siding cleaner. Be sure to work in sections to prevent the solution from drying too quickly.
Scrub Tough Spots
For areas with stubborn stains, mildew, or heavy grime, scrub the siding with a soft brush or use a more concentrated cleaning solution. Focus on one spot at a time. Use gentle pressure to break up the buildup without damaging the siding.
Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’ve scrubbed the entire area, rinse the siding thoroughly from top to bottom before the solution has time to dry onto the siding. This removes all cleaning solutions and prevents streaks or residue from forming. Take your time and make sure no soap is left behind.
Let the Siding Dry
Allow the siding to air dry completely before inspecting it for any missed spots or potential damage. This is also a great opportunity to check for areas that might need another pass or to identify any issues that the cleaning process might uncover. This stage, although last, is one of the most important steps in how to clean siding.
New vinyl siding from Rusco can give your home an entirely new and fresh look.
Recommended Vinyl Cleaners For Stubborn Stains
Ordinary household cleaners can be used to tackle simple stains such as dirt, spider webs, and bird droppings. These could include Armor All, Nice & Easy, Simple Green, etc., or their equivalents. When regular cleaning solutions don’t cut it, tackling tough stains on vinyl siding requires specific products. The right cleaner for vinyl sidings can make all the difference, as long as you follow product instructions carefully.
Here are some recommended cleaners for stubborn stains.
- Bubble gum: A Mixture of 70% water and 30% vinegar, Murphy Oil Soap, or Fantastik
- Crayon: Lestoil
- Pencil: Soft Scrub
- Felt tip markers: Fantastik or water-based cleaners
- Automobile grease: Windex, Murphy Oil Soap, Lestoil, or Fantastik
- Motor oil: Windex, Murphy Oil Soap, Lysol, Fantastik
- Paint: Soft Scrub, Brillo Pad
- Oil-based caulk: Fantastik
- Rust: Windex, Murphy Oil Soap, Fantastik
- Tar: Soft Scrub
- Topsoil: Murphy Oil Soap, Lestoil, Fantastik
Common Mistakes When Cleaning Vinyl Siding
Cleaning vinyl siding is simple. That said, even the smallest mistake can cause more harm than good. Due to the differences in vinyl siding from different manufacturers, always do a spot check in a small area to ensure that a specific cleaner will not stain or discolor your siding.
For cleaning solutions, never use any undiluted chlorine bleach, nail polish remover, liquid grease remover, cleaners containing any organic solvents, or furniture polish, as these could also damage the surface of your vinyl siding.
Here are other common mistakes you’ll want to avoid as you clean your vinyl siding:
- Using Too Much Pressure: High-pressure washers can damage the siding by cracking or warping the panels. Always use a low-pressure setting to prevent this.
- Using Too Harsh of Chemicals: Strong chemicals can discolor or degrade the siding. Stick to mild cleaners or homemade solutions like vinegar and water to avoid damage.
- Forgetting to Rinse: Leaving cleaning solution on the siding can lead to streaks and residue buildup. Always rinse thoroughly from top to bottom to remove all soaps and debris.
Trust the Experts From Rusco For Your Siding Installation or Replacement
House siding cleaning is key to maintaining your home’s beauty and longevity – but sometimes, a little more than cleaning is needed. When it comes to siding installation or replacement, trust the experts at Rusco. With 87 years of experience, Rusco has been helping homeowners protect and beautify their homes with the best siding solutions. Our team delivers durable, high-quality results that last.
Don’t settle for less when it comes to your home’s exterior. Rusco provides the best siding services, from installation to maintenance. Want to know more? Get in touch today for a free quote and discover how new siding can transform your home’s curb appeal.