How to Clean Vinyl Siding

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Your home’s siding is one of the first things guests notice as they approach your property. Is your vinyl siding dirty, stained, and moldy? Here’s how to clean vinyl siding so it sparkles once more.

Washing Vinyl Siding with Mild Soap

One of the best ways to clean vinyl siding is to use mild soap, a long-handled soft-bristle brush, and water from a garden hose. Here’s what to do:

  • Preparation: Mix 1/4 cup of mild dish soap and one gallon of warm water in a bucket.
  • Washing: Dip your soft-bristle brush into the soapy water and scrub your vinyl siding from side to side. Work from the bottom up in sections to avoid streaking.
  • Rinsing: Rinse the soap off before it dries with a garden hose, working from top to bottom.
  • Drying: Allow the siding to air-dry, or use a clean, soft towel to pat it dry as you work.

Power Washing Vinyl Siding

Cleaning vinyl siding with a power washer is fast and efficient but requires caution to prevent damage. Here’s how to proceed:

  • Safety first: Wear gloves and eye protection. Shut all windows and doors to prevent spraying water into the house.
  • Set up: Attach the power washer to a garden hose. Choose a 25- to 40-degree nozzle for the best results.
  • Washing: Point the washer downwards to prevent water from getting trapped behind the siding. Start from the bottom, working your way up, then rinse from the top down.
  • Precautions: Avoid high pressure, which can cause warping, and never point the power washer towards glass doors or windows to avoid breakage.

Removing Mold and Mildew from Vinyl Siding

Use one of these three methods to tackle mold and mildew on vinyl siding:

  • Vinegar and water: Create a solution of 30 percent white vinegar and 70 percent water. Apply the cleaner to your siding with a soft-bristle brush and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with a garden hose.
  • Stronger vinyl siding cleaner: For a more potent mixture, combine 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent, 2/3 cup of powdered household cleaner, 1 quart of liquid bleach, and 1 gallon of water. Apply and rinse in the same manner as the vinegar solution.
  • Oxygen bleach: For a more eco-friendly mold remover, combine one cup of oxygen bleach with one gallon of water. Apply and rinse in the same manner described above.

Other Household Cleaners that Work on Vinyl Siding

Various everyday cleaners can remove dirt and stains from vinyl siding. Products to try include:

  • All-purpose household cleaner (Simple Green, Lysol, Fantastik)
  • Car wash soap (Armor All)
  • Wood cleaner (Murphy Oil Soap)
  • Mild abrasive cleaner (Soft Scrub)

Test products in a hidden area to ensure no damage occurs.

Window Depot of Eastern Iowa Can Help with Your Vinyl Siding Needs

Learning how to clean vinyl siding is useful for preserving the beauty and health of your home’s exterior. However, if your vinyl siding has aged beyond what cleaning can remedy, it may be time for a replacement.

Window Depot of Eastern Iowa offers top-quality, affordable vinyl siding options. Our reputation for passionate service and professional installation makes us stand out from other providers in Eastern Iowa. Call us today at (319) 294-7000 to request a free vinyl siding cost estimate.

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