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Vinyl siding takes a whipping . From UV rays that pass on a tedious calcareous film on its surface , to dirt and grime from leaves , birds , and insects , to stains from algae and mould ontogeny , your vinyl radical siding can get reasonably nasty . you’re able to charter a company to coerce lap your house or you’re able to take this job on yourself . Cleaning vinyl group siding is n’t difficult and only call for a few simple tools and supplies . This guide will show you how to houseclean vinyl radical siding safely and in effect .
Tools & Materials
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Project Overview
Working Time : 2 to 4 hour , depending on the size of it of the houseTotal Time : 2 to 4 hoursSkill degree : BeginnerEstimated Cost : $ 20 to $ 30
Before You Begin
This guide details the best style to cleanvinyl sidingusing a garden hosepipe and brushes . While you’re able to also clean your siding using a imperativeness washing machine , Niki O’Brien , trading operations manager atCustom Exteriors LLC , cautions homeowners against doing so as using the wrong nozzle or holding the nozzle tip too nigh to the surface of the siding can easy discolour or damage it .
“ In our experience , the best way to clean sidetrack is via garden hose and atomiser , ” O’Brien , whose companionship serves portion of Colorado and Wyoming , read . “ We notice that atmospheric pressure washing on too in high spirits a pressure can result in damage . In vinyl siding , high-pitched - pressure water can really check all the way through . ”
If you ’re not sure abouthow to insistency lave a homesafely , it ’s good to bequeath pressure wash vinyl siding to the pro . While the method below are sure more time - consume than pressure washing , you wo n’t start the jeopardy of damage your siding .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Step 1: Choose or make a cleaning solution.
you could bribe a commercial house cleaning product or make your own cleansing solution . “ The best dry cleaners for cleaning vinyl sidetrack by manus are really homemade cleaner typically because they are gentlest on the material , ” articulate Andrew Prchal , carbon monoxide gas - laminitis and president ofGunner Roofingof Stamford , Connecticut . “ You should be using cleaner as mild as potential when cleaning vinyl siding by bridge player so it does n’t damage the turnout , ” he adds . He suggest using a simple mix of dish grievous bodily harm and piddle .
you could also make a homemadevinyl siding cleanerby mix 70 percent water system with 30 percent white acetum . The vinegar will cut through mold and mould buildup on the turnout but wo n’t harm any wall landscaping or grass . Avoid using cleaning products that are n’t especially contrive for vinyl siding , as they could damage or discolor it .
If you pick out to go with a commercial exterior household cleaning product , we suggestMold Armor E - Z Houseand30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner , both of which attach to your garden house , make it easy to apply over a all-inclusive country . Some DIYers take to wear rubber gloves while you work out , but they are n’t essential .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Tried-and-True Advice
“ Instead of flux little batches of scavenge solution , I found it agile to prepare a large pot in apump sprayer . This style , I can spray down section continuously without ask to go back to the bucket every few minute . ”
Step 2: Spray the siding with a garden hose.
Start by using a garden hose with a sprayer attachment to remove any loose dirt or spiderwebs on your siding . If your railroad siding is in good shape , hitting the turnout with a hose may be all the exterior menage cleaning it needs . “ Most times , the water insistence from a garden hosepipe will take fear of the dust and debris regain on your sidetrack , ” O’Brien read .
Step 3: Scrub the siding, working from the top down.
Use a soft - bristled brush to scrub the siding . Vinyl turnout is durable cloth , but it is possible to chafe it , so avoid using a brush or scouring sponge that ’s harsh .
“ Do not expend a metal brush as this can damage the turnout and scrape it , ” Prchal say . He suggests using a diffused skirmish , or even a sponger or towel .
When scrubbing , use gentle pressure . The idea is to use just enough cleaner and scrub up legal action to remove crap , O’Brien says . “ Begin with the lowest pressure , subdued - bristle brush , and easy cleaning agentive role possible . ”
To extend your reach , apply a brush with a telescope handle . you’re able to align the brushwood ’s handle to reach the highest sections of your home base — some pass on as far as 30 feet . It ’s also a good melodic theme to have a modest thicket handy to clean nooks and crannies near footing level .
Begin scrubbing the vinyl . As you blank , gravity will bear the soapy water and soil downwardly onto the siding below , so ferment from the top down , clean the entire distance of each rowing before moving to the next part below it .
How to Remove Mold and Mildew From Vinyl Siding
While the snowy vinegar and water smorgasbord should be in effect at removing mould and mildew from your railroad siding , sometimes you need to take more extreme beat to get rid of the green stuff .
Step 4: Rinse off the vinegar solution.
Use a garden hose with a atomiser fond regard to rinse the cleaning solution off thevinyl siding . As when go for the cleaner , work from the top down to forestall dirty water from running over clean areas . Most family cleaning resolution , including this homemade vinegar mixture , are safe for plants , but you may care to cover any nearby shrubs or planting just in character . Avoid spraying the vinyl group at an upward angle , which can force water underneath the turnout . As you rinse , keep an heart out for any cracks , cakehole or col in the siding and make any necessary fix after you finish cleaning .
Step 5: Spot clean tough stains with a scrub pad.
Tough stains may require more elbow grease to remove . In that case , it ’s okay to call off them with a sponger as long as it ’s not so abrasive that it can excise the surface of the vinyl . Test the scrub launching pad on an inconspicuous area first .
Final Thoughts
The methods we have show are useful for small - scale cleanup efforts , such as cleaning a small one - story domicile , spot pick dirty areas , or cleaning a shed with vinyl turnout . Multi - story homes with a raft of surface region to scavenge and nooks and crannies in which dirt and debris can collect are difficult to clean without the use of ladders and a pressure automatic washer . For these larger , more complex problem , hire a professional pressure washing company that specialize in clean home exteriors may make more sense .
“ If you do not sense comfortable get over to a specific area then we extremely advise you not push yourself to do something you are not comfortable with , ” Prchal says . “ It is always better to be safe than drab , and charter a professional . ”
This Is the twelvemonth for a Kitchen Renovation
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . find out why we look at this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
