How to Restore the Fresh Look of Your Home with Clean Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for home exteriors due to its durability, affordability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. However, over time, it can become dirty or even develop mold under the right conditions. Thankfully, cleaning it is straightforward when equipped with the proper solutions and tools. Here's a guide on how to clean vinyl siding and bring new life to your home.

Frequency of Cleaning Vinyl Siding

It’s recommended to clean vinyl siding annually, even if it doesn’t appear to be dirty. By removing light dust, pollutants, and mold spores each year, you’ll avoid the need for more intense scrubbing down the line. In areas with high humidity, you might need to clean it every six months to prevent mildew buildup, especially on the shaded sides of the house.

Required Tools and Materials

Necessary Equipment / Tools

Required Cleaning Solutions

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Clean Vinyl Siding Using a Pressure Washer

A pressure washer simplifies the process of cleaning vinyl siding as it takes care of most of the work. However, there are a few key precautions to keep in mind.

• If the pressure washer is positioned too close to the siding or set to a very high PSI (pounds per square inch), the water stream may damage the siding. To prevent issues, adjust the washer to 1,300-1,500 PSI, keep a distance of at least two feet from the surface, and use a fan-spray nozzle instead of a direct stream.
• To prevent moisture from getting underneath the siding, avoid spraying at an upward angle. Instead, direct the spray perpendicular or slightly downward. Be cautious near air vents, exhausts, and any gaps around windows and doors to avoid forcing water into cracks.

Prep Work Before Cleaning

• Use a long-handled brush to clear away any insect webs and creeping vines from the siding.
• To protect foundation plants, cover them with lightweight plastic sheeting, as a pressure washer is powerful enough to strip leaves off of plants!
• Cover any outdoor utilities, such as air conditioning compressors, to protect them during cleaning.
• Ensure you wear eye protection to shield your eyes from splashes of cleaning solution.

Dealing with Mold and Mildew

• If you find mold or mildew, treat it with a mildew killer to eliminate the fungus and prevent its spread.
• Combine one cup of chlorine bleach with 10 cups of water and pour it into a spray bottle or garden sprayer.
• Spray the mixture directly onto the affected area and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
• Scrub the area using a brush (some pressure washers have a brush attachment), then rinse the area thoroughly with a hose.

Prepare the Pressure Washer

• Always review the manufacturer’s instructions for the pressure washer. Using an unauthorized cleaner could void the warranty and cause the machine to malfunction.
• In a large bucket, mix the pressure washer concentrate with water according to the instructions on the label.
• Fill the washer's reservoir, attach it to the garden hose, and then select and connect the fan spray nozzle to the washer wand.

Pressure Washing the Siding

• Start at the bottom corner of the siding and work your way up in sections to ensure no area is missed.
• Apply the cleaning solution to the siding and let it sit for around 10 minutes to let it work its magic.
• From the top down, use smooth, sweeping motions to rinse the soapy solution with clean water, ensuring all dirt is flushed down and off the siding.
• Move on to the next section or go back to touch up any spots you may have missed.

How to Clean Vinyl Siding Without Using a Pressure Washer

• If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can still clean vinyl siding using a garden hose and a scrub brush.
• Be sure to wear eye protection and use a sturdy ladder. It's a good idea to have a spotter working with you for safety.
• Use a scrub brush or broom to remove loose dirt, vines, and insect webs.
• For mold and mildew, treat the area with a mixture of 1 cup of chlorine bleach to 10 cups of water, letting it sit for 10 minutes.
• Mix an all-purpose cleaner with water according to the dilution instructions on the label.
• Dip a long-handled brush into the solution and begin scrubbing from the bottom, working in a grid pattern to remove dirt. Allow the solution to work for at least 10 minutes.
• Rinse off the dirt, starting at the top of the wall.

How to Tackle Stubborn Stains on Vinyl Siding

• Rust: Never use chlorine bleach on rusty stains, as it will set the stain permanently. Instead, use lemon juice and salt or a commercial product containing oxalic acid to remove the rust.
• Tar: Gently scrub the stain with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bon Ami or Soft Scrub. Avoid using harsh abrasives that could scratch the vinyl surface.
• Paint drips: Water-based (latex) paint drips can typically be removed with a soapy solution and a soft-bristled scrub brush. If any color remains, use rubbing alcohol on a cloth to gently scrub the stain. For oil-based paint drips, scrape off as much as possible and then use a cloth dampened with acetone to remove any remaining paint.