How Do I Safely Wash My Home’s Vinyl Siding?
It’s true; many CT homeowners neglect to add, “clean vinyl siding” to their spring home maintenance to-do list. However, you would be quite surprised at how much better your home looks after it has been washed. Like any other type of home siding, vinyl can accumulate layers of dirt, pollen, bird poop, spider webs, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. And, if you don’t believe us, take a white rag and rub it along a panel of your home. Gross, right? The color of your home will begin to dull the longer you wait to take on this tedious task. One of the primary benefits of vinyl siding is that it is easy to clean, but how exactly do you clean it? The best method for cleaning will vary by manufacturer, so we will outline several main points to follow.
Basic Tips for Any Type of Vinyl Siding
1) Clean your siding twice per year: As much as we love New England, we can’t say that the climate is mild. Winter weather in particular can really make your home’s exterior become dirty.
2) Start from the bottom up: Working your way up the house will prevent streaking.
3) Rinse as you go: Always make sure to rinse off cleaning solution before it dries.
4) Double check the manufacturer’s instructions: Vinyl siding manufacturers recommend cleaning methods and cleaning solutions specific to their product. Instructions from some of the top manufacturers are below. If you have a different type of vinyl siding, you can usually find the cleaning instructions online through a quick Google search. Cleaning instructions are usually mentioned in the warranty as well, which does not cover damage from improper cleaning.
Tools and Specific Cleaning Tips for CT Vinyl Siding
Surprisingly, rainfall can often do an adequate job at cleaning your siding. Rinse vinyl siding with a garden hose in areas that are not exposed to rain during dry periods. If you believe that your siding needs a more thorough cleaning, read on
Tools: Use a soft-bristled brush with a long handle that attaches to your garden hose. Clean gently. A glossy appearance does not signal a good cleaning. Rather, it means you scrubbed some of the finish away.
Solution for stubborn dirt: 1/3 cup powedered detergent (such as Tide or Fab) 2/3 cup household cleaner (such as Spic & Span or Soil Max) and 1 gallon of water.
Solution for Mildew: Use the solution above, but substitute 1 quart of laundry bleach for 1 quart of water.
Other tips: If you need to use a cleaning solution, save the project for a cool, overcast day to prevent the solution from drying before you rinse it off. Let the solution sit for approximately 3 minutes, and then rinse. (This will not be possible on a hot sunny day)
Fiderio & Sons | CT Vinyl Siding
Spring is known for fresh air and bright blooming colors. Restore your home’s original bright color this spring. Trust your vinyl siding contractor, get your scrub brush ready, and let your vinyl siding colors shine! Cleaning vinyl siding has a major, positive effect on curb appeal. Cleaning your house is a much bigger project than washing your car, though. If you aren’t up to the task, you can hire professional cleaners, or maybe some of the neighborhood children. If you are a DIY kind of person, try to enlist some friends or family members to help out.
