How to clean vinyl siding: Simple steps of cladding maintenance

By Harry Smith

Want to know how to clean vinyl siding and keep it looking great for years? There are different washing methods. Depending on the degree of dirt accumulation on your home façade, you can apply a pressure washer or simply wash off mud and grime with a soft bristle brush and soapy water. Also, every homeowner must be aware of cleaning procedures that can damage the surface and negatively impact siding beauty.

How to clean vinyl siding: Simple steps of cladding maintenance

Before choosing the right vinyl siding cleaner and washing tools, it would be a good idea to analyze its benefits and main drawbacks since this knowledge will help to select the right strategy for maintaining such a cladding type to ensure its longevity without losing properties. Obviously, vinyl siding has an array of advantages that attract thousands of homeowners. This versatile material can enhance the value of your property by adding an aesthetic component. A wide range of colors will suit all design tastes, helping to accomplish and implement unique exterior goals.

Among the benefits, it is also worth noticing its relatively low price, ease of maintaining it in excellent condition, regardless of whether it is horizontal or vertical siding, long service life, resistance to weather and climate conditions. It can resist excess moisture impacts, sudden changes in temperature, combustion, and corrosion. Due to its surface integrity, it won’t deform and deteriorate, causing lots of problems for homeowners who invest in costly home renovations, expecting premium quality and great outcomes. The ingress of extra water does not cause the spreading of fungi, rot, and other harmful living organisms. The material surface, after several years of smooth and hassle-free operation under the bright sun and heavy rain, still will retain its original shade and texture. If installers will properly put the layer of insulation, you gain the opportunity to drastically improve the energy-efficiency of your house and reduce your heating bills.

How to clean vinyl siding applying a DIY approach

And while vinyl, compared to aluminum siding or wood cladding, doesn’t require costly caring to preserve its features, there are still some important guidelines on cleaning to follow. Firstly, in order to understand whether a soft cloth and mild detergent will be enough or you need to buy or rent a special pressure washing device, you have to evaluate the condition of your façade. Inspect your exterior and if you notice the following signs, do not postpone the washing procedure:

• grease spots and staining due to different weather impacts;
• the growth of mold (exterior walls greening);
• the formation of chalking film;
• the accumulation of grime and dust that leads to siding darkening and loss of attractiveness.

If your siding is showing the first signs of stubborn stains and aging, use the following tips:

Getting rid of mold is essential. To remove algae and mildew, you can mix water (70%) and such a component as white vinegar (30%).

Choose the appropriate tools and vinyl siding cleaners. You have to use only a soft sponge to avoid scratching. Also, use a garden hose with medium pressure. Don’t apply tools that can damage the vinyl (metal scrub pad and detergents that contain abrasive elements, chlorine bleach, organic solvent).

When can pressure washing be required? If siding was exposed to severe staining and hardly-removed dirt, use a pressure washer technique.

But if the imperfection of the façade panels cannot be eliminated with the usual routine cleaning, then it is time to ask for help from installation specialists. If you want to upgrade your home exterior with durable and solid siding, or maybe you strive to boost its curb appeal by replacing the roofing system or want to improve energy-efficiency, then contact UBrothersConstruction. Home remodeling experts will offer a customized solution with dedication in every step they make, delivering peace of mind and taking care of your home.

–