Vinyl siding is a great option for any home. It looks great, is cost-effective, and is easy to maintain.
The most important thing to know about how to clean vinyl siding properly.
However, from time to time you will need to clean the siding if you want to give it that like-new look. When cleaning, be sure to follow the proper steps and never do anything that could damage the finish.
We’ve researched the best way to clean vinyl siding, including how to clean vinyl siding with a homemade siding wash that will not harm the exterior of your home.
You won’t even need to buy special equipment either. As long as you have a bucket, a garden hose, and a soft-bristle brush or microfiber cloths, you’re good to go.
Fortunately, cleaning vinyl siding is a fairly simple process. Almost anyone can do it effectively and easily, without any specialized equipment other than a ladder and a brush.
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Benefits of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular siding options for homes of all shapes and sizes.
While there is merit in choosing a stone, brick, stucco, and other materials, the reality is that vinyl makes the most sense in most situations.
These are some of the specific benefits:
Cost-effective: on average, it costs less than other materials. For example, you should reserve $2 to $7 for 1 square foot or approximately $2,500 to $8,750 for a 1,250 square foot home.
Durable: Vinyl siding can withstand extreme weather conditions, including high humidity, winds, heat, and cold.
Therefore, most of the models that you can find on the market come with lifetime or at least extended warranties.
As a result, much of the coating on the market come with extended or lifetime warranties. Plus, vinyl is highly sustainable, making it an eco-friendly option for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Versatile: Vinyl siding is also valued for its versatility. You can find it in almost any color or texture you are looking for, allowing for full customization. Many of today’s vinyl siding can even be made to closely mimic other materials.
It comes in numerous colors and textures, so you can customize it to your liking. Some models successfully imitate other materials, which makes this material very valuable.
Easy to clean and maintain: Finally, vinyl siding is very easy to clean and maintain. If you are looking for a siding solution that doesn’t take a lot of time and money down the road, vinyl is your best option.
Vinyl siding is a great solution for you if you don’t want to spend too much time and money cleaning your facade.
Whether you currently own vinyl or are considering vinyl for your next home, consider these benefits. They can make a huge difference both practically and financially.
Why it’s Important to Clean Vinyl Siding
You’ll want to practice washing the exterior of your home once a year, just like you would any other home maintenance task, like cleaning gutters or sealing your driveway.
A popular time to do this is in the spring, especially in more northern climates where snow, ice, and salt can do a number on your home during the winter. But, the truth is, you can clean your vinyl siding at any time of year, as long as you have a mild, sunny day in the forecast.
Many natural factors can decrease the shine of your vinyl siding. There is pollen, dirt, and debris blown away by the wind and passing traffic. Bird poop and bug slime are other pollutants that can really mess up a nice home.
If you’ve noticed neon green dirt crawling up your siding, say hello to the green algae buildup.
It can be generalized and bold, especially if it’s been more than a year between cleanings.
Don’t confuse this with gray and yellow mold, another troublesome organic growth that arises in hot, humid climates.
Generally, it depends on how quickly the vinyl siding gets dirty and moldy. People who live in shady or humid areas may need to clean there a little more often, as mold will continue to appear.
Another reason to regularly clean vinyl siding is to protect it from damage caused by household maintenance products that may have splashed it while gardening, such as deck stains, grease or a degreaser, chlorine bleach, and others. corrosive solutions.
Supplies You’ll Need to Clean Vinyl Siding on a House
The preferred tool for cleaning vinyl siding is a pressure washer. When used properly, it can keep your home looking fresh and clean.
The color of the nozzle determines the angle of the water jet, which makes the water pressure more or less concentrated.
You cannot start the cleaning job without having all the necessary supplies.
Fortunately, this list of items you will need to clean vinyl siding is quite easy. It’s easy to get what you need at a local home improvement store or even some general store.
- long-handled soft bristle brush
- Ladder
- Bucket
- Pressure washer
- Nylon scrub pad
- Drop cloths
- Pump sprayer
- Garden hose
- Robber Gloves
- Water
- Small plastic container.
How to Clean Vinyl Siding
Knowing how to clean vinyl siding is as easy as making an effective yet gentle siding cleaner, plus using the correct materials and methods to keep your vinyl siding looking new.
As you will notice, one of the best parts of choosing vinyl siding is that it is easy to clean and maintain.
When it comes to the best way to clean vinyl siding, it doesn’t get any better than this simple four-step process.
- Make a vinyl siding wash
- Using a soft-bristled brush, broom, or soft cloth
- Soft and gentle is the way to go
- Begin cleaning a new one
1. Make a vinyl siding wash
Mix a general-purpose cleaner in a bucket of warm water for a cleaning solution that is great for cleaning dirt, dust, and grime.
If your goal is mold and mildew, create a solution that contains 70% water and 30% white vinegar.
2. Using a soft-bristled brush, broom, or soft cloth
You don’t want to use abrasive materials as they can quickly damage the surface of your vinyl siding.
The best way to clean vinyl siding is to start at the bottom of the siding, moving along the entire length.
3. Soft and gentle is the way to go
Using a garden hose or a soft bristle brush is a less destructive approach and is fairly easy to follow.
Many unique vinyl house siding cleaners are sold in spray bottles that attach directly to your garden hose. I love this approach because it offers satisfying water pressure while remaining smooth on the coating.
Always follow the instructions for the cleaning solution. But for most, the process is as simple as screwing the hose fitting from the spray bottle onto a garden hose and controlling a mixed flow of water and cleaning solution from a special nozzle on the bottle.
Because it has the added push of water pressure, this method generally allows you to get to the top of a two-story building, about 25 feet, without having to climb a ladder.
4. Begin cleaning a new one
Simply use your garden hose to rinse off any solutions, dirt, or residue from the vinyl siding you just cleaned, then move to the upper section to begin the cleaning process again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I clean vinyl siding?
You can clean the vinyl siding with a soft cloth or a regular long-handled soft bristle brush.
For textured surfaces, use only a soft bristle brush to keep the texture grooves free of smudges. For best results, start at the bottom of the house and thoroughly process and rinse the cleaning solution before it dries.
If your home has brick siding, cover the brick so it is not affected by runoff.
What’s the best way to clean vinyl siding?
The best cleaning solution for vinyl siding uses mild products like water and dish soap, or vinegar and water.
Apply the solution and clean the coating with a soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth, then rinse with a spray hose.
Can I use a pressure washer on the siding?
Yes, although you should read the instructions for the washing machine carefully before using it. When cleaning, hold the pressure washer at eye level to keep the water on the siding where it can clean most effectively.
Do not point the pressure washer upward as water may leak behind the liner.
Pay particular attention when using pressure washers around any openings in the wall, such as windows, doors, electrical wiring, and plumbing.
Can I use Dawn to clean vinyl siding?
Yes, when diluted with warm water, an all-purpose cleaner like Dawn creates a soapy mixture that is gentle on vinyl siding, yet effective at removing dirt, grease, and other blemishes.
Can I clean vinyl siding with vinegar?
Yes, vinegar is also effective for cleaning vinyl siding, especially for removing mold and mildew. But be sure to dilute it with water first. We recommend a solution that contains 70% water and 30% white vinegar.
Conclusion
Vinyl siding is a popular material for home exteriors. But it does require regular cleaning to keep it looking its best.
Learning how to clean vinyl siding is easy with the four-step process we outlined above.
Simply mix your home siding cleaner, apply to each section of siding with a soft bristle brush or soft cloth, then rinse the section before moving on to the next.
To avoid damage to your vinyl siding, avoid using cleaners that contain harsh ingredients such as organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, or furniture polish or cleaners as these can damage the protective surface of the siding.
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