Steel siding is one of the best ways to outfit the exterior of your home. It’s beautiful and on-trend, durable, and requires only simple upkeep to maintain its superior craftsmanship. And since no siding can clean itself, it’s important to know how to clean steel siding the right way.
A proper cleaning every six months to a year can help with problems such as oxidation, corrosion and stains that can occur over time. If you let steel siding get dirty and allow the dirt and grime to build up, you can be left with stains that are impossible to get rid of. To ensure that doesn’t happen and your steel siding stays as spotless as can be, there are a number of fool-proof steps to clean your steel siding.
And if you’re in the market for quality steel siding, make sure to check out Gentek’s amazing selection! From Sierra Steel siding that acts as a superior shield for your home, to Universal siding that compliments almost all architectural styles, and SteelSide, a luxe siding that’s also extremely durable, you have plenty of products to choose from!
Here are 5 steps to cleaning your steel siding the right way!
Step 1: Turn Off Outdoor Electrical
Safety first! You’ll be using high-pressure water to clean your steel siding (yes, that means you can get your power washer out!), so before you start, make sure to switch off any of the breakers that power the outdoor lighting.
Step 2: Create Your Cleaning Mixture
The cleaning mixture you’ll use to clean your steel siding is very easy to whip up. Simply add 1/3 cup liquid laundry detergent to 6 gallons of water. Chemicals used to clean wood or vinyl siding can cause a lot of damage to steel, so make sure you don’t use those!
Step 3: Prep the Surface
Before you start cleaning your siding with the power washer, you want to loosen any grime or dirt that’s built up over time. You can use a soft wall brush with a long handle to scrub your siding horizontally, then vertically to loosen anything that has become stuck. If you notice any mold or mildew, mix a 1:3 solution of household bleach and water, and apply it with a spray bottle before power washing.
Step 4: Go to Work
It’s time to bring the power washer into play. If you haven’t used one before, try it out somewhere like your sidewalk or driveway so you can get a feel for how it works. Set your power washer on the lowest setting so it doesn’t dent your siding or ruin your paint job, and apply the cleaning solution to your exterior.
Step 5: Rise it Off
You don’t want to let soapy solution dry on your siding, because that could ruin the paint. Grab your garden hose and rinse the siding thoroughly, and let it dry naturally in the sun and wind.
There you have it, 5 steps to cleaning steel siding the right way. Use these tips to keep your home exterior shining!