It’s hard to venture into any suburb or neighborhood around the U.S. and not see homes adorned with colorful vinyl siding. This wildly popular exterior cladding is highly versatile, resilient, and extraordinarily durable.

Since 1995, vinyl siding has been the most popular siding in the United States. With no signs of slowing down, a staggering 33% of new single family homes sold in the nation were designed with vinyl siding.

While vinyl siding offers countless benefits over other material, it does have one inherent downside – it can get dirty. Overtime, vinyl siding can appear dingy and will require your attention. However, not all methods for cleaning vinyl siding are the same. Continue reading to learn how to clean vinyl siding.

Why Does Vinyl Siding Get Dirty?

Even though vinyl siding is durable, it can play host to grime and dirt. The material can collect various stains from insect droppings, bird droppings, pollen, rust, and spider webs. Homes in moist, shady areas can act as a petri dish to mildew and mold, which results in a brownish-green color.

At the same time, vinyl siding may be subject to discoloring effects from fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. Your home’s cladding can also be marred by several commonly used household products, including:

  • Driveway sealant
  • Motor oil
  • Caulking
  • Paint

What Is the Best Way to Clean Vinyl Siding?

When your home’s exterior becomes dingy – and with time it will – it’s up to you to know the best way to clean vinyl siding. Contrary to popular belief, pressure washing your home isn’t the only way to remove the accumulated dirt, grime, and other pollutants.

According to the Vinyl Siding Institute, the best way to clean vinyl siding is with a soft cloth. On the other hand, you can use a soft-bristled, long-handled brush to thoroughly clean your home’s exterior.

In the process, make sure to start at the bottom and work your way to the top of your home. This practice will prevent streaking and ensure your vinyl siding looks great for years to come. Make sure to rinse thoroughly as you work your way around your home. If your home has a brick face, cover the brick to protect it from the runoff.

Can You Use a Pressure Washer to Clean the Home?

Pressure washers are excellent for cleaning your vinyl siding. However, it’s imperative you read and understand the instructions for operating the pressure washer. Get started by holding the pressure washer’s stream at eye level, which keeps the water on the top of the siding.

Avoid aiming the pressure washer stream up because this may force water behind the vinyl siding panels. Before you get started, read the vinyl siding manufacturer’s recommendations.

While some vinyl siding allows pressure washing, others may suggest avoiding the use of pressure washers.

Manufacturers may also have restrictions on the types of cleaning products you use or on the amount of pressure allowed. The majority of manufacturers will caution you against using power washers around any openings in the material.

What Are Good Cleaning Solutions?

Today, you can find several different cleaning solutions for your vinyl siding. Some of the best cleaning solutions are:

  • A mixture of 30% white vinegar and 70% water. This all-purpose cleaner will effectively remove mildew stains and light mold.
  • Homeowners looking for a stronger and more potent mixture can use:
    • A gallon of water,
    • One quart of liquid laundry bleach,
    • ⅓ powdered laundry detergent,
    • ⅔ powdered household cleaner.
  • Simple Green offers a non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaner designed exclusively for vinyl siding, terra cotta, stucco, aluminum siding, as well as painted woods. You can use this solution with a pressure washer or manually.
  • If you have concerns about how the runoff will affect your landscape, use one cup of oxygen bleach and a gallon of water in a bucket. The oxygen bleach will effectively clean your vinyl siding without harming your meticulous landscape.
  • If your home has tough stains and stubborn built-up dirt, use a general household cleaner. Common cleaning solutions like Lysol, Windows, Fantastic, and Murphy’s Oil Soap are excellent for removing a vast array of stains.
  • If your home has rust stains, you can use products exclusively engineered for this purpose, such as Instant Rust Out and Super Iron Out.

Contact GAMCO Remodeling for Vinyl Siding Cleaning

Keeping your vinyl siding clean and pristine can ensure your home looks amazing. If you are selling your home, it makes sense to clean the material before you consider replacing your vinyl siding.

Instead of spending hours laboring over washing your vinyl siding, trust the experts at GAMCO Remodeling to deliver a professional solution. We offer decades of experience and know-how to transform your home from drab to fabulous in a matter of hours.

Contact GAMCO Remodeling today to schedule a complimentary quote.