Tips for Cleaning Your Vinyl Siding

When neighbors drive by your house, are they seeing a bright, well-kept exterior or more of a “grunge” look? If the answer is the latter, perhaps it’s time to consider these tips on cleaning your vinyl siding:

• Before starting the cleaning process, take a full walk around your home. Inspect the siding for damaged or worn areas. If you notice any curling, cracking, or bubbling, consider contacting a professional such as us is the next step!
• Bust out the hose! A garden hose (with the aid of a high-pressure attachment) is usually sufficient for this type of work. Heavily soiled areas may require the use of a pressure washer.
• Spray the siding from the bottom to the top, then, in a sweeping pattern, from the top to the bottom. Work in small sections.
• Avoid blasting water into crevices and joints where multiple pieces of siding meet. This could allow water behind the siding and result in damage to the underlayment or the siding itself. Also, if using a pressure washer, keep the spray head at least 12″ away to avoid permanently marking the siding with swirling marks.
• For any stubborn areas, try a mixture of (1) gallon of water, (1/3) cup powered laundry soap, and (2/3) cup sodium triphosphate. Using a scrubby brush, work on the affected area scrubbing in a back and forth motion. Then rinse the area with clean water, working from the top of the house downward.
• For mold and mildew, make a solution of one part bleach to four parts clean water. Spray the affected area until thoroughly wet. (Make sure you wear rubber gloves, a respirator, and eye protection for this!) After 15 minutes, wash the area with clean water.

Siding Surprises?

With the right maintenance, vinyl siding can last many years to come. But even with the best care, some siding is bound to become broken or damaged. If you notice while undertaking the cleaning process some pieces that look warped or broken, then give us a call. We are vinyl siding experts that can give a quick estimate to replace your siding.