How to Clean Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is low maintenance, not no maintenance. Connecticut homes collect pollen in spring, green mildew on the shady north side, and road grime all year. A yearly wash keeps your siding looking new and helps it last.

What You Need

• A soft-bristle brush with a long handle or a car-wash brush.
• A garden hose with a spray nozzle.
• Two buckets, one for cleaner and one for rinse water.
• Safety glasses and gloves.
• Plastic sheeting to cover plants.

Choose the Right Cleaner

• Light dirt: warm water and a squeeze of dish soap.
• Mold and mildew: 70% water and 30% white vinegar.
• Heavy stains: a cleaner labeled safe for vinyl siding.

Avoid abrasive powders, steel wool, nail polish remover and undiluted bleach. They scratch or discolor vinyl.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Vinyl Siding

1. Close windows and cover plants and outdoor outlets.
2. Rinse a section with the hose to loosen surface dirt.
3. Scrub from the bottom up. Starting low prevents streaks from dirty runoff.
4. Work in sections about 5 feet wide so the cleaner does not dry on the surface.
5. Rinse from the top down with clean water.

Pressure Washer Tips

A pressure washer saves time but damages siding if used wrong. Follow these rules:

• Use a low pressure setting and a 25 or 40 degree fan tip.
• Keep the nozzle a few feet from the wall.
• Spray straight on or downward. Spraying up forces water behind the panels and into your walls.
• Stay away from windows, vents, outlets and light fixtures.
• Check your siding warranty. Some manufacturers limit pressure washing.

When Cleaning Is Not Enough

Some problems will not wash off. Watch for these signs that your siding needs repair or replacement:

• Cracked, warped or loose panels.
• Fading that cleaning does not restore.
• Mold or water stains on interior walls behind the siding.
• Rising energy bills from poorly insulated walls.

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