Vinyl siding protects a home from natural elements and weather, but over time can become dirty. Cleaning the siding helps it maintain its appearance and extends the life of the product.
A few basic supplies are all that’s needed to clean vinyl siding. A garden hose sprayer and soft-bristled brush can remove light layers of dirt. Other cleaners are available for more persistent stains and mold or mildew growth.
Whether your vinyl siding is on a new home or you’ve been living with it for years, maintaining a clean and bright appearance is crucial to its longevity and performance. Over time, dirt, grime, bird droppings, pollen, oil, grease, mildew, and other contaminants can accumulate and stain vinyl siding. The good news is that regular cleanings with a quality cleaner can eliminate these stubborn contaminants, restoring the color and shine of vinyl siding. If left untreated, these deposits can permanently damage the substrate and necessitate costly replacement, so a quick and thorough cleaning is always in order.
While there are many vinyl siding cleaners on the market, selecting the best one comes down to safety, cost and effectiveness. Look for biodegradable and non-toxic options that are safe for plants, pets, and people. Be sure to choose a product that will work with your cleaning tools, and consider if a special solution is needed for tackling specific contaminants like mold or mildew.
For example, a cleaning solution formulated for vinyl siding may include mild soap, natural ingredients, and abrasive scrubbers that are gentle enough to remove the buildup without damaging the material. The key is to rinse the soapy residue as you go, so that it doesn’t have a chance to dry and leave streaks on the surface.
If you prefer a power washer, be sure to select a detergent that is safe for vinyl siding and work at a low pressure setting to avoid warping the material. A spray nozzle that can be adjusted to a misting spray is also a handy tool for getting into nooks and crannies, or working on higher sections of the wall.
Never aim a hose directly at the wall, as this can cause water to seep behind the vinyl and potentially lead to rot or structural damage in the framing lumber of the house. Instead, aim a garden hose downward and thoroughly rinse the area to ensure that no water remains behind the siding and isn’t slowly causing damage. Be sure to keep a broom or scrubbing brush on hand to remove any dirt or debris that is stuck in the seams of vinyl siding, at the corners where two pieces of siding meet and next to windows or doors.
General Household Cleaners
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners because it’s relatively affordable, durable and resistant to rain, sleet and snow. But dirt, dust and grime can accumulate on the surface, and mildew and mold growth may occur if maintenance isn’t done regularly. If you notice that your vinyl siding is dirty, you can clean it using a variety of general household cleaners. However, it’s important to pay attention to the type of cleaner you use, as certain solutions can damage vinyl and cause discoloration. You should also make sure that the cleaner you choose is compatible with your cleaning equipment, such as a garden hose attachment or pressure washer.
The best general housecleaners for vinyl siding are non-toxic and biodegradable, so they won’t harm plants, pets or the environment. They should also be safe to apply to the surface of your home, and they should be easy to rinse away. If you have a hard time getting rid of stubborn dirt or grime on your vinyl siding, you can use a pressure washer with a soft brush. This will allow you to clean even the highest areas of your home without climbing a ladder. The cleaning solution will need to dry between applications, so make sure that you clean the area around weep holes, seams and wall openings before using your pressure washer again.
If your vinyl siding is stained, you can try scrubbing it with a soft-bristled brush or broom. You can also scrub it with a mild-strength scouring powder, which is available at most hardware and home improvement stores. Avoid scrubbing with metal wire or other rough-textured tools, as this can damage the vinyl’s surface. You can also use a non-scrubbing cleaning product such as Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner, which works gradually to break down dirt, mold and mildew. Leave the product on the vinyl for the manufacturer-specified amount of time and then rinse it off.
You can also try an oxygen bleach solution such as percarbonate of soda or hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from your vinyl siding. This is a natural alternative to chlorine bleach, and it can safely kill off mold, mildew and other types of bacteria and fungus. To use the solution, mix it with water in a bucket and spray it onto your vinyl siding.
Bleach
A general household cleaner with a bleach base such as Lysol or Moldex Instant House Wash may be used to clean vinyl siding. This type of solution works quickly to remove mildew, grime and dirt. It is easy to use and safe on vinyl. It is important to rinse the vinyl thoroughly with a garden hose afterward to remove any residual chemicals from the surface of the vinyl.
If you need a stronger cleaner for your vinyl, try a product such as oxygenated bleach (sometimes called percarbonate of soda). It is gentle on the vinyl and will kill mold and mildew. Mix one cup of the bleach and a gallon of water. Apply to the vinyl with a soft brush or broom and scrub, targeting areas of mold and mildew growth. Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to rinse the solution off the vinyl siding after scrubbing.
For the best results, it is a good idea to clean your vinyl siding twice a year to prevent the build-up of dirt and organic stains. In addition to preventing future mold, mildew and algae growth, cleaning vinyl helps protect the integrity of the vinyl. It also helps to keep the vinyl looking new and shiny.
Many products are available that can be used to clean your vinyl siding. Be sure to read the label before buying and follow the directions on the bottle. It is also a good idea to test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the vinyl to make sure it will not discolor or harm the material. Some cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage or stain materials such as concrete, wood and brick.
Keeping your vinyl siding clean will extend its life and help to keep your home looking beautiful. If you are unable to reach high or hard-to-reach areas with a garden hose, consider using a pressure washer for these areas. The nozzle on the pressure washer is adjustable and you can control the strength of the flow of water and the amount of cleaning solution being applied. Be careful when working with a pressure washer to avoid damaging your vinyl or other surfaces around your home. Be sure to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves to avoid skin and eye irritation. You should also cover or water any plants in the area to prevent them from being harmed by splashing cleaners.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective cleaning solution for vinyl siding, especially if you are trying to remove stubborn layers of dirt or mildew growth. Like bleach, vinegar works by a chemical reaction with the organic compounds that build up on the surface of your house. However, it has a lower concentration of acetic acid, which makes it safer for use around plants and people. Vinegar can also be mixed with other household maintenance products such as laundry detergent, liquid laundry bleach and a powered household cleaner to create a powerful vinyl siding cleaning solution.
While a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment can do an excellent job of removing light layers of dust and dirt from vinyl siding, it’s not always enough to remove tough stains or heavy grime. To help get the best results when cleaning vinyl, use a soft-bristled brush or broom and apply pressure gently as you work. Be careful not to use too much pressure, as it could damage the vinyl or cause it to warp. If you are working on a high section of the home, be sure to use a ladder and take caution not to fall.
A combination of two parts water and one part white vinegar is an excellent general-purpose vinyl siding cleaner. This solution can remove most stains and will diminish mildew and mold growth. You can also add a small amount of powdered laundry detergent and a powered household cleaner to the mix to provide a more robust and potent cleaning solution that can tackle some of the most stubborn dirt or stains.
When using a power washer to clean vinyl, it is important to follow safety precautions to avoid damaging the material or causing injury. Be sure to wear gloves, goggles and a respirator as recommended by the manufacturer of the power washer you are using. You should also avoid pointing the water jet at weep holes, seams, or wall openings such as windows and doors. Be sure to move slowly when applying the cleaning solution, and cover flowers or shrubs with a tarp for protection.