Vinyl siding resists stains, but algae and mildew build up, bird poop, and dirt can diminish its beauty. It’s easy to clean your vinyl siding with a garden hose, a soft-bristled brush or a pressure washer.
Some cleaning products contain fungicides, chlorine bleach or oxygenated bleach to mitigate mildew and mold growth, lift stubborn stains and leave the siding looking new. They are often sold in spray bottles that attach to a garden hose for easy application. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Vinyl Siding Cleaner.
Vinyl siding is easy to clean with the right cleaner. Using a general household cleaner, mixed with a soft-bristled brush or broom can eliminate many types of dirt, dust and debris. The more serious contaminants may require a bit of scrubbing, but can still be removed using this method. If you are concerned about the safety of chemicals or do not want to use harsh chemical cleaners, you can use a homemade solution with ingredients like vinegar and oxygen bleach.
Regularly washing vinyl siding is important to keep it looking new and in good condition. Dirt can scratch and damage the surface, creating dark and hazy patches or a brittle or distorted appearance. The same is true for grime, which can build up and create a sticky coating on the vinyl. Mildew is another common problem that can form on vinyl if there is constant moisture, especially in warmer climates where mildew loves to grow.
A general household cleaner can also be used to remove a variety of tough stains on vinyl siding, including those caused by bubble gum, ink, crayon, oil, grease, soil and rust. Mixing one part of a general household cleaner with four parts of water should create an effective solution for most stains and mildew.
Avoid spot cleaning with products that contain organic solvents or petroleum ethers, such as nail polish removers and furniture polishes, which can be damaging to vinyl sidings. These types of products can cause a film to build up on the vinyl and make it sticky, creating a hazy appearance or a brittle and distorted surface.
Before starting the cleaning process, it is a good idea to prepare the area by covering plants or trees that could be damaged by the cleaning solution, and by putting down a protective tarp underneath where you will be working. It is also a good idea to wear rubber gloves and safety glasses for protection against possible skin or eye irritation. Taking these precautions and working with a friend will ensure that the job gets done efficiently while remaining safe.
Tough Stains
The simplest way to keep vinyl siding clean is to perform routine cleaning. This will remove most dust, dirt and debris from the surface. In most cases, this is all that the material needs to remain healthy and attractive. However, some stains require the use of a stronger cleaning solution. Specialized cleaners for vinyl siding can be found at home improvement stores that will address tough stains such as mildew, algae, and other stubborn substances. These cleaning solutions typically work well with a pressure washer and are designed to be safe for the material.
A solution of 70% white vinegar can also be used to eliminate mildew stains from vinyl siding. This homemade solution is effective and easy to apply. It is a great choice for homeowners who want to stay away from chemical cleaners. However, it may take more effort to reach higher areas of the house with this method.
Many household bleach products, like Lysol, can be used to clean vinyl siding. These products are effective at removing a variety of stains including ink, crayon, oil, grease, rust and soil. However, this type of cleaner may be too strong for some stains and can damage the surface of the vinyl. For this reason, it is important to test any cleaner on a small area before using it on the entire surface.
Mold and mildew are common stains that can cause a lot of problems for vinyl siding. Mildew and mold can eat through the material and create holes in it. Keeping the exterior of your home clean will help prevent these issues from developing and make it look nicer.
If you have a heavy infestation of mildew and mold, a powerful fungicide might be necessary to kill the spores. Fungicides typically contain a chemical such as ammonium chloride or chlorine bleach that mitigates mold and mildew and lifts other stains such as rust and limescale. However, these types of chemicals can be dangerous for nearby plants and should not be applied to plants.
This product from Krud Kutter is a ready-to-use, nontoxic, and biodegradable cleaner for vinyl siding and other surfaces. It can be used with a pressure washer or a hose-end sprayer. It can also be diluted and applied manually with a soft nylon bristle brush. This cleaner is environmentally friendly and is safe for nearby plants. It is best to rinse thoroughly after applying this product to avoid a buildup of soap residue.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is a popular method of cleaning vinyl sidings, but it can also damage the material and cause leaks. For this reason, it is important to use a power washer with the right PSI rating and proper equipment to avoid damage. A wide-angle nozzle should be used to spread out the force of the water, reducing the risk of damaging a specific area. It is also essential to inspect the vinyl siding for any weak spots or cracks that may become worse under the high-pressure jets of a power washer.
It is also critical to avoid using harsh cleaners on vinyl siding. These products can strip the protective sealant and weaken the vinyl, causing it to rip and tear. Instead, opt for a natural cleaning solution that is safe for the environment and your home. A popular choice is a mix of water and white vinegar or oxygen bleach, which can remove light mildew and mold without the use of harsh chemicals.
For heavier stains, a special vinyl siding cleaner available at most hardware stores can be utilized. These products are designed to withstand the high-pressure of a power washer and will effectively clean the dirtiest vinyl sidings. Be sure to use a wide-angle nozzle and start at the lowest power setting, gradually cranking it up as you go along.
Before starting to wash your vinyl siding with a power washer, first brush it down to remove loose dirt and debris. This will help the cleaning solution penetrate deeply into the vinyl and loosen stubborn stains. Next, prepare the power washer with a hose and a chemical injector or detergent hose attachment, which will combine the cleaning solution with water under pressure. Once the equipment is ready, begin by applying the cleaning solution with a black nozzle, avoiding areas that have been previously cleaned. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes to break up stubborn dirt and grime, then switch to a 25-degree green or white nozzle to rinse.
While it is possible to clean vinyl siding with a standard garden hose, it can be quite time-consuming and requires a lot of upper body strength. A power washer can save you a great deal of time and effort, but it is still best to clean vinyl siding only once or twice per year to keep it looking its best.
Other Options
Many natural factors contribute to a home’s exterior dinginess, including dust and dirt blown onto the house by wind, bird droppings and bug goo. Cleaning your vinyl siding removes these pollutants and restores the beauty of a well-maintained home.
A general household cleaner, like a mixture of three quarts water and one cup detergent (such as liquid dishwashing soap or laundry detergent), may help lift dirt from the surface of the vinyl. However, a mildew-specific cleaner or mold killing spray is necessary for deeper cleaning and removal of more stubborn mold and mildew growth on the surface of vinyl.
Mildew and other common contaminants can grow on the dirty coating of vinyl, especially in warm climates with consistently high humidity. Mildew growth can appear as black spots on surface dirt and typically occurs under eaves and porch enclosures. You can use a solution made with one cup of detergent (Tide, for example), two cups of trisodium and one quart of 5% Sodium Hypochlorite bleach (such as Clorox) and three quarts of water. If the combination of these ingredients doesn’t remove the mildew, you might need a more powerful mold-killing product that can be purchased at a home improvement center.
Another option is to buy a ready-to-use vinyl siding cleaner, such as this Krud Kutter formula. This nontoxic, environmentally friendly cleaner comes in a concentrate and can be used with either a pressure washer or a hose-end sprayer. When using the hose-end sprayer, you connect it to your garden hose and control the mixed flow of water and cleaner through a nozzle attached to the hose. This method allows you to reach more difficult-to-reach areas of your home without climbing a ladder, although safety precautions should be followed when working from the ground or a ladder.
If you don’t have the time or the desire to wash your own vinyl siding, consider hiring a professional. Many professional services offer low rates and may be able to remove even tough stains from the outside of your home, making it look new again. A sparkling clean exterior adds to the curb appeal of a home and can boost its value by up to 5%, according to some studies.
