How to Clean Your Vinyl Siding

How to Clean Your Vinyl Siding

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Vinyl siding is extremely durable and virtually maintenance free. However, like anything that’s constantly in the outdoor elements a little upkeep and attention can go a long way.

We’ve compiled a few tips to help you keep your vinyl siding looking and performing as beautifully as the day it was installed.

How often should vinyl siding be cleaned?

We recommend an occasional washing with clear water using a garden hose and soft-bristled brush (a long-handled, car-washing brush is ideal for this purpose).

If water isn’t enough to clean the dirt off your siding, use the following recipe to make a DIY cleaner that works wonders:

• 1/3 cup detergent (Tide®, for example)
• 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (Soilax®, for example)
• 1 gallon water

How do you get rid of mildew on siding?

Mildew can collect on surfaces of all types of building products. Normally, mildew will appear as black spots, but it can be easily removed. Use our basic DIY cleaning solution above with the addition of sodium hypochlorite as follows:

• 1/3 cup detergent (Tide®, for example)
• 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (Soilax®, for example)
• 1 quart sodium hypochlorite 5% solution (Clorox®, for example)
• 3 quarts water

How do you remove caulk or tar from vinyl siding?

Use mineral spirits in reasonable amounts and apply directly to the substance. After cleaning, immediately rinse the area thoroughly with water.

How do you power wash vinyl siding?

If you decide to power wash your vinyl siding, read the power washer instructions carefully before you begin. When using the power washer hold the it straight at eye level making sure you don’t aim the washer upward because water can collect behind the siding. We recommend setting the power washer pressure between 1,500 PSI and a maximum of 2,400, using a 40-degree tip.

For more care and maintenance tips click here.

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