Vinyl siding is durable and easy to clean and is much easier to maintain than brick or wood exteriors. However, it still needs proper care, and its longevity depends on the quality of the original professional siding installation. Exactly the kind of experience you will have with your local siding contractor.
Proper maintenance is key to keeping the siding performing at its peak for years to come. However, more thorough washing of your siding may be required in addition to regular maintenance.
One example is learning how to remove unsightly mold from the siding. Remember that regular maintenance is vital to the health and vibrancy of your siding, and luckily the job of keeping it clean is not difficult.
We can’t stress enough the importance of maintaining the beauty and resilience of your siding. Doing so will help prevent inevitable siding replacement caused by neglect and allow it to fall into disrepair.
Always consult with MidAtlantic Contracting, with any questions about siding maintenance or cleaning.
There are many very good cleaners available, but you can make most of them yourself, too.
- Vinegar – Use a mixture of 70% percent water with 30% white vinegar. It’s good for removing mildew and light mold stains.
- For a stronger solution, mix one-third cup of your favorite powdered laundry soap with two-thirds cup of powdered household cleaner and one-quarter cup of liquid laundry bleach.
- Simple Green – This is an old standby that is environmentally friendly, and it is biodegradable. Use it to clean vinyl siding, roof tiles, painted wood, and a whole range of other surfaces.
Baking Soda for Cleaning Your Siding
Baking soda is another household cleaner that can be used to wash vinyl siding. Baking soda is a common household cleaner often used to clean vinyl flooring. It also helps absorb mildew which may occur in areas that are not exposed to direct sunlight. Apply the scrub directly to mildewy areas. Protective coverings such as rubber gloves are recommended for cleaning.
Mix one-half cup of baking soda with one-half cup of water. Combine the ingredients until you have a smooth paste. Allow the paste to sit for about 15 minutes. Then, use a soft cloth or bristle brush to gently scrub the area. The mixture should be rinsed off with the garden hose. Hold it at eye level and rinse the area from top-to-bottom.
Using a Pressure Washer to Clean Your Siding
A power washer is very effective for cleaning your siding. The power washer uses force to clean crevices and cracks. This tactic is often used without the need for detergent.
Although pressure washing is a good option for conventional cleaning, it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for your type of siding. Vinyl siding can be damaged easily by power washing. It is important to ensure its durability before use.
Keep Your Siding Looking New and Pristine
As you know, vinyl siding is easy to clean and maintain and can last a lifetime. But there are situations where you may find yourself facing complete siding replacement. Maybe it’s for a major upgrade or it’s time for new siding because it no longer performs due to past neglect before you owned the home.
Whether it’s a new siding installation or one that needs some sprucing up, during your regular maintenance checks, look for spots of grime or grease and clean them right away, using the techniques presented here. Always avoid using harsh detergents when cleaning by hand and ask for advice about the correct pressure when cleaning with a power washer.