A
low maintenance and durable material, vinyl siding is an
increasingly popular home exterior. Even though it is a low
maintenance material, you will still want to clean your vinyl siding
from time to time. Just make sure you know about the best cleaning
methods before you get started.
Simple maintenance cleaning of your vinyl siding is fairly
straightforward. Use a long-handled brush with soft bristles or a
soft cloth to wipe it down with soap and water. If your vinyl siding
has textured surfaces to it, you will want to use only the brush
with soft bristles so as to avoid wiping stains into the grooves
with a cloth. Start with the vinyl siding at the bottom of your
house and work your way up. This will help to prevent streaking from
the soapy water running down your house. If you have other
materials, such as brick, on parts of your home, cover them so that
runoff from your vinyl siding will not affect it. Lastly, always
make sure you rinse the area before the cleaning solution dries.
If you want to speed the process of cleaning your vinyl siding
along, you can buy or rent a power washer. First of all, however,
make sure you have read the instructions on the power washer
thoroughly. Second, always make sure you use the power washer at eye
level. If you try to point upward, you may end up with water and
cleaning solution behind the vinyl siding. These can later leak and
cause streaks that can eventually lead to decay.
From time to time, you may find spots of mold or mildew on your
vinyl siding. If these spots are small, then you can simply use a
name brand household cleaner. Just always be sure to test it on a
small portion of your vinyl siding in an inconspicuous place to make
sure it will not damage it at all. If, however, the spots of mold or
mildew are a little larger, you can use a solution of 30% vinegar
and 70% water. Another common homemade solution is mixture of
powdered laundry detergent, powdered household cleaner, liquid
bleach, and water. It is best to just find the one that is most
convenient and effective for you.
Not all vinyl siding stains, however, are mold or mildew. You may
end up with dirt, soot, or even animal stains on the outside of your
home. If that is the case, there are a number of general cleaners
that are approved for use on vinyl siding. Check your local store
for simple household cleaners, and then read the containers
carefully to find out if they are effective and safe for use on
vinyl siding and specifically on whatever the stain is that you have
found on your vinyl siding.
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