When you’re cleaning the interior of your home, do you ever consider the exterior? Many homeowners tend to overlook this important part of their home.
Without proper care, vinyl siding can become dirty and make a bad first impression on your guests. Dirty vinyl siding can affect the look and value of your home.
Knowing how to clean the various types of vinyl siding can keep your home looking great and extend the life of your vinyl siding.
Here’s how you can keep your vinyl siding looking its absolute best.
How Often Should You Clean Vinyl Siding?
Cleaning vinyl siding should be a regular task. Dirt, debris, and moisture buildup can lead to mold and mildew growing on the outside of your home.
This can damage your home’s exterior, affect its curb appeal, and lead to repair bills for you. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to clean your vinyl siding once a year at a minimum.
If you live in a damp or shady area, it’s best to clean it throughout the year to deter algae and mildew growth. Whenever your vinyl siding is visibly dirty, it’s a good idea to do a non-abrasive siding cleaning.
Cleaning your vinyl siding when the weather is mild and sunny makes the job much easier.
Inspect Your Vinyl Siding
Before you begin cleaning your vinyl siding, take a walk around your home looking for any cracks, holes, warping, or other issues. If you notice any problems, contact a vinyl siding contractor to assess the damage and do necessary repairs before you clean.
Protect Your Surroundings
Before you start the cleaning process, take the proper precautions to protect your outdoor items and landscaping. Cover shrubbery and plants with a plastic tarp or sheet to protect them from the cleaning solution.
Move grills, outdoor furniture, and other items away from your home to prevent any damage. Make sure your windows and doors are closed to keep water from entering your home as you clean.
Begin With a Low-Pressure Rinse
You can start with a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Rinse your vinyl siding top to bottom on a low-pressure setting.
High pressure can damage your siding and force water underneath. This can lead to mold and mildew issues over time.
This first rinse helps to loosen dirt and debris from the siding, making it easier to do a thorough cleaning.
Use the Right Technique
Cleaning vinyl siding effectively requires the proper technique. You can start by filling a bucket with water and cleaning solution. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution and scrub the siding gently.
Work in small sections for even cleaning. Start at the bottom, working your way up. Use a side-to-side scrubbing motion to prevent streaks.
Continue to clean and rinse with the garden hose to prevent the cleaning solution from drying on your home’s surface. Dry cleaning solution can discolor your vinyl siding.
Tackle Stubborn Stains
For tougher stains, use a stronger cleaning solution. If your siding has a buildup of mildew, mold, or algae, it may take a little more work to get it clean.
Consider using a mix of white vinegar, dish soap, and water. You can also purchase a vinyl siding cleaner that’s made for these types of stubborn stains.
Apply the cleaning solution to the stained areas, letting it sit for a few minutes. Then, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush and rinse thoroughly.
Dry After Washing
After you clean your siding, dry it thoroughly. You don’t want to leave excess moisture behind.
On a sunny day, you can let your siding air-dry or use a soft cloth to absorb excess water. Avoid using high-heat sources or abrasive materials that can damage vinyl siding.
If all of this sounds a bit overwhelming and time-consuming, you can hire a professional softwashing siding cleaning service to handle the job.
Cleaning Safety Tips
Cleaning vinyl siding is a straightforward process, but using ladders and unfamiliar tools can be dangerous. It’s important to keep some safety tips in mind for a safe cleaning process.
Wear the Right Protective Gear
Working with water and cleaning solutions can be slippery. Remember to wear non-slip shoes. It’s a good idea to wear goggles and gloves, too.
Use a Sturdy Ladder
Working with a ladder can be dangerous, especially an unstable one. Make sure you have a secure and stable ladder and a spotter to hold it for your safety.
Watch Electrical Outlets
If you’re cleaning around electrical outlets, be careful. Use extra caution to avoid getting water into outlets, fixtures, or switches.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Be aware of your footing as you clean your home’s exterior. Watch for slippery, uneven surfaces, and other potential safety hazards.
Opt for Regular Vinyl Siding Maintenance
To keep your vinyl siding looking its best, be sure to clean it on a regular basis. Cleaning it once or twice a year works for most homeowners.
If you live on a busy road or in harsh weather conditions, your vinyl siding may need a little more attention. If you don’t have time to worry about cleaning your vinyl siding, that’s okay! You can hire soft wash house washing pros to do the job for you.
You can schedule regular maintenance and softwash siding cleaning so you don’t have to worry about it.
If your home’s exterior hasn’t been cleaned in a while, professional power washing services may be the answer.
Cleaning All Types of Vinyl Siding
All types of vinyl siding need some TLC from time to time. If you plan to clean your vinyl siding yourself, having the right materials and a plan in place can make the process easier.
If you’re not in the mood for soft-pressure washing your home, we can help! At Hinkle’s Pressure Washing, we offer power washing, soft washing, and roof cleaning services that can transform the look of your home’s exterior.
If you’re ready to amp up your home’s curb appeal, contact us today to get started.
