Vinyl siding is loved for its beauty, durability and low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean it never needs to be cleaned. Over time, vinyl siding will accumulate dirt, stains, mold and mildew, so you’ll need to clean it about once every year. Vinyl siding is the most popular cladding across Canada and the United States. Being extremely environmentally friendly, and having the distinctive beauty of freshly painted wood, it’s no wonder why people fall in love with vinyl siding. To ensure your vinyl siding looks gorgeous year-round, take a look at 4 tips for cleaning it properly.
How to Wash Vinyl Siding
It doesn’t take much effort to wash vinyl siding, making it one of the most carefree claddings there is. When it comes time to clean it, you can use a soft cloth or a long-handled soft bristle brush to clean the grooves for textured surfaces. Start at the bottom of your house, working up, and rinse and wipe away residue as you go. This will prevent streaking, making your vinyl siding looking good as new!
Removing Dirt and Stains
Tough dirt and stains can accumulate as a result of pollen, bird and insect droppings, grease, top soil, crayons and rust. To remove these stains, you can use general household cleaners like Windex or Lysol. There are also specific products designed to remove rust, such as Iron Out. Wipe the dirt and stains with these products and watch as your exterior transforms!
Removing Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can grow in shady, moist areas. Light mold and mildew stains can be removed with a homemade siding cleaner made of 70% water and 30% white vinegar. If you need something stronger, you can mix one third cup powdered laundry detergent, two thirds cup powdered household cleaner, one quart liquid laundry bleach and one gallon of water.
Using a Power Washer
If you’re wondering whether you can use a power washer to clean your vinyl siding, the answer is yes, in most cases. Some manufacturers suggest not using power washers on their products, while others have limitations on the pressure and type of power washer to use. If you get the go-ahead, read the washer instructions carefully so you don’t do any damage. Keep the power washer at eye level so it hits the top of the siding, where it can clean most effectively. Refrain from pointing it upward to eliminate the risk of water getting behind the siding.
Vinyl siding is virtually maintenance free, but you do need to clean it once a year to help retain its beauty. Use these tips to get your vinyl siding looking good as new!