How to Clean Vinyl Siding
The vinyl siding on your home is tough and sturdy, but since it’s exposed to different weather conditions, it will eventually look dirty and damaged. Simple power washing may be the first thing you’ll think of doing, but this can have unpleasant results in the future. There’s a more effective method of cleaning vinyl siding, and here’s how to do it.
What You’ll Need:
TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate)
Nozzle
Hose
Laundry detergent
Oxygen bleach
Bucket
Warm water
Scrub brush with an extending pole
Painter’s tape
Plastic sheets
Procedure:
Identify if it’s really vinyl on the surfaces you’re going to clean. Sidings can come as painted wood, cement fiber or aluminum, which require other methods of cleaning. Once you’re sure it’s vinyl, you can proceed.
Clear the area you’re working on, making sure it’s clutter-free and safe. Remove barbecue grills, patio furniture and toys that are hanging around, so you won’t accidentally trod on them while you’re working.
Prepare the surface you’ll work on. Cover the light fixtures and electrical outlets with plastics sheets. Secure their edges with painter’s tape.
If there are plants and shrubs near the area where you’re working, protect them by covering them with plastic sheets. Remember to remove these sheets when you’re done with the cleaning, though, because the plants can suffocate and die under the plastic.
If you see dark spots on your vinyl sidings, check if these are mildew or just dirt. You can do this by dropping some oxygen bleach on it. If it stays black, it’s dirt, but if it turned white, it’s mildew. To remove dirt, you can scrub it off, but for mildew, make a mixture that’s five parts water and one part oxygen bleach. This will solve the problem.
Get the bucket and mix 2/3 cup of TSP and 1/3 cup of laundry detergent into one gallon of warm water.
With your garden hose, spray a section of the vinyl siding. Start at the bottom, then work your way upwards. Do this first for areas that are not hit by sunlight, since the heat will dry the water quickly.
Get the scrub brush and dip it in the cleaning solution, then begin scrubbing the siding. Start on the bottom, working your way up. This prevents streaks from forming and the stain from ruining your work.
As you finish a section, spray it with clean water before moving on to the next area. Keep doing this, one section at a time, working your way around the house. When you’re done, allow the vinyl siding to dry.
As long as your vinyl siding is clean and well-maintained, it will last longer. With these tips, you’ll have it looking good as new.