Last updated on January 2nd, 2023 | By: Grady Galvez
Being an exterior part, vinyl siding is very much prone to dust, grime, and various form of debris. To keep it durable, versatile, and resilient building material for an extended period of time you need to employ yourself in its regular cleaning.
The vinyl siding’s discolouration, mold, mildew, and black spots, other adamant stains can be eradicated in a number of ways. Scrubbing, use of pressure washer, cleaners, and bleach are some of the ways.
However, among them, scrubbing can be a bit more daunting task. It requires a lot of time and efforts. Therefore, consider other ways that are less time-consuming and makes cleaning an effortless task.
One way is using a good and an all-purpose vinyl siding cleaner that is composed of 70% water, and 30% white vinegar capable of removing every type of stains. Ditch the abrasive cleaners.
An electric pressure washer is yet another viable way that eliminates the grime in an effective and efficient way. In case, you lack a pressure washer; you can opt for other no scrub methods.
Why Does Your Vinyl Siding Need Cleaning?
The growing popularity of vinyl siding is an indisputable fact. It adds to the aesthetic value of your home and is considered to be leading exterior cladding. Apart from this, it prevents bad weather and increases energy efficiency.
Therefore, it is quintessential to keep it well-maintained and in perfect condition. As a homeowner, you need to be familiarized with the efficient and cost-effective ways to keep your vinyl siding in an appealing condition.
Want to get acquainted with the ways to clean vinyl siding without scrubbing? Have a look.
Best Way To Clean Vinyl Siding Without A Pressure Washer
Cleaning Vinyl Siding Using A Good Quality Cleaner
A good vinyl siding cleaner is made up of 70% water and 30% white vinegar capable of battling the build of mold and mildew and other imperfections like dirt, grease, or dust.
-
A strong vinyl siding solution consists of one-third cup powdered laundry detergent, two-thirds cup powdered household cleaner, one-quart liquid laundry bleach and one gallon of water.
-
Before using it fully, you should test it out on a little spot to guarantee that it is effective enough to clean your siding.
-
If you think, it is right for your vinyl siding, you can turn the garden hose on and sprinkle the cleaner.
-
After some time, flush and wash the siding with water.
-
Once it is done, check if all the stains and dust particles get removed. Otherwise, repeat the process.
-
For landscaping, it is advised using a vinyl siding cleaner solution comprised of one gallon of water mixed with one cup of oxygen bleach in a bucket. The oxygen bleach will clean the vinyl without damaging your landscaping.
-
There come environmentally friendly cleansers too that are specially meant to be used on vinyl siding. These non-toxic biodegradable concentrate can be used manually or with pressure washers.
-
Avoid using vinyl siding cleaners that encompass organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, and furniture polish or cleaners. Such products can damage the vinyl siding’s surface.
Here are some of the best vinyl siding cleaners that will eliminate the nasty and annoying stains from your vinyl siding. Have a look.
[amazon box=”B005FMZ4WM,B01M5D77SS,B077817TC8,B07N955P93″ grid=”4″]
Krud Kutter Exterior Siding Cleaner
Krud Kutter Exterior Siding Cleaner is a multipurpose cleaner whose one gallon is capable of cleaning up to 4,000 square feet of siding.
It is a bleach-free effective cleaner that removes the existing dirt and prevents the new mold and mildew from building up.
Such an affordable cleaner is not worth missing at all. Apart from vinyl siding, it can clean a dirty driveway, boat or wooden fence.
Simple Green Pro HD- Heavy Duty Cleaner
This is a heavy-duty cleaner that is extremely safe to use around plants, pets and children. It is highly recommended by experts as it offers the best and long-lasting protection.
This one-gallon formula can be put to a number of uses. What makes it stand out from other vinyl cleaners? It is its non-acidic, non-toxic, bleach-free and phosphate-free characteristics.
Without using any harsh chemicals, it vests in itself a huge power to clean your vinyl siding and make it sparkling once again. While applying it, you can either use a pressure washer or a spray.
Mold Armor FG51164 E-Z House Wash
It is a multipurpose cleaner that cleans more than just vinyl siding. It cleans concrete, aluminium, and wood. Being EPA certified it is worthy to be relied upon.
It gives optimal results when used in a pressure washer. The cherry on the top is the fact that this bleach base cleaner is two times stronger.
It works in minutes. Spray on your home, wait 5 minutes and then rinse it off. With this, cleaning your home has never been so easy.
Zep -House And Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner
This is a versatile cleaner manufactured in America. It is designed to be used in the pressure washer.
Again a multipurpose cleaner, you can be assured of removing dust, grime, and the dirt which has filed the gutter.
It is highly cost-effective as it can be diluted to produce a 20-gallon cleaner.
How To Clean Vinyl Siding With A Pressure Washer Step By Step:
Another way to clean and sparkle your vinyl siding is by using the pressure washer. It is recommended to use a pressure washer that constitutes the detergent and soapbox. Choose accessories that are intended to be used with a pressure washer.
It comes with a multitude of benefits and some steps that need to be followed.
-
Cleaning vinyl siding is a hell a lot easier with the pressure washer. However, you need to take into account some of the important details.
-
Start using a pressure washer at low pressure. This will protect the delicate vinyl siding surface. Slowly, you can increase the pressure depending upon the surface of your siding.
-
The stream of a pressure washer must be at eye level and pointed straight at the siding, instead of being at an upward angle. This prevents the water from being driving behind the siding. Also, make sure not to focus on one spot for a too long period.
-
Move from the bottom to the top, sweeping the nozzle in the direction of the siding and move upward. Repeat to clean the dirty water from your siding by going from the top down.
-
Doesn’t let the cleaning solution completely dry up because it leaves a wasteful residue. Rinse the solution with water and target stubborn spots with a rag.
Some Other Ways To Clean Vinyl Siding
DIY Ways
If you are not in a favor of using chemical cleaners, you can create your cleaner by using products from your home.
-
You can create a vinegar and water mix by mixing 70% water and 30% vinegar. Vinegar is a good option as it is non-toxic, natural and doesn’t give off any dangerous fumes. You can spray the mix using the strongest flow of your garden hose. Allow drying in full sun.
-
To get rid of harsh stains from your vinyl siding, you can make a bleach cleaning solution. In one gallon of water, mix 1-gallon bleach, 1-gallon water, 2/3 cup powdered household cleaner, and 1/3 cup laundry detergent. This powerful solution will destroy all bacteria and mold and make the discolored vinyl siding white again.
-
To treat smalls sections of vinyl, consider scrubbing bubbles that will help remove hard water scale and grime from trouble areas without any need of scrubbing.
Below is a list of some of the products and tools that you require to clean the vinyl siding.
-
Soft-bristled brush- You need to have a fine bristled brush to remove debris from the siding without damaging its surface. It is perfect for the lower sections of your siding. For cleaning the higher parts, you can use a brush with a long handle.
-
Garden Hose- Your garden hose must be long enough for the water to reach the highest sections of your vinyl siding.
-
Bucket- You will need this to mix your home products to make an effective cleaner. You had to take this bucket with you as you move around the house for cleaning purpose.
-
Commercial cleaners- For large scale cleaning, you need to buy professional multi-purpose cleaners ideal for cleaning every type of stain.
Maintenance Of Your Vinyl Siding
Though high-quality vinyl sidings are mold and mildew resistant, however, that doesn’t mean that homeowners can sit back and relax. To keep the stains at bay and ensure the longevity of your vinyl siding, you need to carry out its regular cleaning.
Once a year, invest your time in rinsing every bit of the siding with a garden hose to get rid of dust and dirt. If any vinyl siding’s section gets damaged, replace it as soon as possible. Never paint it with a dark and heat-absorbing color.
Plus avoid using abrasive cleaners, scrubbers, steel wool, or any product that might damage the delicate surface of vinyl siding. By contributing your time and efforts, you can keep your vinyl siding’s lustre alive.
Conclusion:
To keep the beauty of vinyl siding alive for a prolonged time, pour your efforts into its regular maintenance. Regular maintenance of your siding can go a long way in keeping it look shiny.
With a number of ways available to clean the vinyl siding, choose the one that is cost-effective as well as efficient. Learn to clean it with environment-friendly cleaners.
Using a pressure washer is another viable option that is undoubtedly less time-consuming. Avoid the scrubbing method to clean the siding as it is considered a harsh option that may damage the delicate vinyl siding. The aforementioned ways can go a long way in helping you carry out the cleaning process effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions: