Cleaning Vinyl Siding

Like any product that is exposed to the elements vinyl siding will occasionally need to be cleaned to maintain it’s good looks.  Fortunately, cleaning vinyl siding is really quiet simple if done correctly.  Light soil and oxidation may be removed with a garden hose and spray nozzle using a mild cleaning solution.  For more stubborn stains hand scrubbing with a soft bristle brush is an option as is the use of a pressure washer along with more concentrated cleaning chemicals.  If mildew is present the addition of bleach to the cleaning solution is in order.

A mild cleaning solution that works well for cleaning vinyl siding can be made by adding 8 to 16 ounces of liquid laundry detergent, such as Surf laundry detergent (which is biodegradable), to one gallon of water.  Additionally, add 16 ounces of bleach  per gallon of water for light mildew and  up to 32 ounces of bleach per gallon of water for heavy mildew.  Apply with a pump up sprayer or the low pressure tip and siphon attachment of  your pressure washer.

Move potted plants, out door furniture pet toys and pet food or water dishes away from the area that will be cleaned.

When cleaning vinyl siding, wet a section with clear water and then apply the cleaning solution.  Wetting the siding first will ensure the cleaning solution doesn’t cause spotting when it is applied.  Give the solution a few minutes to work before rinsing but be sure to rinse before the cleaning solution has dried to prevent residue form redepositing.  Repeat this procedure until all areas of the house have been cleaned.

Rinse from top to bottom using copious amounts of water and don’t forget to rinse any flowers or shrubs that have been exposed to the cleaning solution.

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