Cleaning vinyl siding can be a tricky task, especially if you’re concerned about the safety of climbing up a ladder. Thankfully, there are a variety of cleaners that can help you clean and remove stains on your vinyl siding. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Vinyl Siding Cleaner.
Many of these cleaners are designed to tackle tough dirts and stains like those caused by grease, oil, grass, bubble gum, ink or rust. Some even come in spray bottles that attach directly to your garden hose.
Vinyl siding can be a beautiful addition to your home, but it requires routine care to keep it looking clean. Fortunately, many common household cleaners are safe and effective for cleaning vinyl siding. These cleaners can help you remove stubborn stains and dirt buildup that can diminish the appearance of your vinyl siding. When using a general household cleaner on your vinyl siding, make sure to use caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid using any cleaners that contain organic solvents, chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, paint thinner or other abrasives on vinyl because these can damage the surface of your vinyl siding.
Depending on the type of stain you are trying to remove, you may need to experiment with various household cleaners before finding one that works best for your specific needs. For example, a general household cleaner with a high concentration of surfactants is usually able to remove mildew and algae stains while still being gentle on the vinyl surface. Other common household cleaners that can be used on vinyl include rubbing alcohol, dish soap or laundry detergent.
If you have more stubborn stains that need to be removed from your vinyl siding, consider using a mildly abrasive cleaner such as Soft Scrub. This nonabrasive cleaner is effective in removing oil, tar and pencil marks from your vinyl siding. You can also try a nontoxic vinyl siding cleaner such as DeckGeneral(r) 50162, which is biodegradable and low in VOCs. This special concentrate cleaner is specifically designed to be safe for use on vinyl siding and can be used without water pressure from a power washer.
Another option for tackling tougher stains on vinyl siding is to mix white vinegar or oxygen bleach with water. This is a natural and safe solution that can get rid of light mold and mildew stains on vinyl siding. Make sure to rinse the solution completely before it dries on the surface of your vinyl siding.
When scrubbing your vinyl siding, it is important to divide the house into sections and work with small areas at a time. This will prevent the abrasive action of your scrub brush from damaging your vinyl. Using a soft bristle brush with a long handle is also important to get into hard-to-reach spots.
For those who prefer to power wash their vinyl siding, a hose-spray attachment can be attached to the spray bottle of your chosen cleaning solution and controlled by a nozzle on your garden hose. This method can be very effective and save you from the hassle of climbing a ladder, although you should always use caution when using any tool such as this on a two-story building to prevent the risk of falling off the roof. If you do choose to power-wash your vinyl siding, be sure to direct the spray at a 45-degree angle away from windows, doors and plumbing connections.
Bleach
Bleach, particularly chlorine bleach, is effective at killing mildew and mold and at lifting stubborn stains. However, if not applied correctly, it can damage vinyl siding by discoloring it and weakening the surface. Because of this, it is important to use a vinyl siding cleaner specifically labeled for use with your cleaning solution and to follow all product directions carefully. In addition, it is best to use a diluted bleach solution, such as one part bleach to ten parts water. This will help to mitigate any harshness of the bleach and also make it more environmentally safe for your landscaping plants.
There are several other, less toxic options available that will clean dirt and organic growth off of your vinyl siding without relying on the power of bleach. Products that are designed to clean vinyl and that have been formulated for this type of application are preferable, as they will be gentler on the siding. For routine maintenance cleaning, a simple mixture of white vinegar and water (70% water, 30% white vinegar) is an effective alternative.
A professional-strength cleaning solution can also be used to effectively and safely clean vinyl siding. Professional cleaners understand how to properly mix, apply, and rinse these cleaning solutions so that they do not damage the vinyl or cause any discoloration. Additionally, professionals know how to safely power wash the siding while using a low-pressure setting. This is key to ensuring that the cleaning process does not force water behind the siding, which can cause moisture problems and lead to damage and premature wear.
Cleaning vinyl siding can be a tough and time-consuming task, especially if it is heavily impacted by mildew or other organic growth. With proper care and regular cleaning, though, vinyl siding can be a durable, attractive component of your home’s exterior.
For the best results, it is a good idea to mix your vinyl siding cleaner with water in a spray bottle or other container that can be attached to your garden hose. This makes it easier to apply the cleaner and will give you some flexibility with how much of the cleaner you want to use and where. You should also consider using a soft-bristled brush to help you get into all the cracks and crevices of your vinyl siding. This will help the cleaner to penetrate and loosen any dirt or mildew and will allow you to scrub it away with more intensity where necessary. Finally, you should always rinse thoroughly with a hose afterward to remove any remaining cleaner and prevent the buildup of streaks or dirt particles. Rinsing with a hose also helps to avoid forcing water behind the siding, which can cause moisture issues. If you are concerned about harming your landscaping with a hose or pressure washer, it is a good idea to wet or cover the plantings before washing the siding.
Laundry Detergent
If you’re looking for a gentle, but effective, cleaning solution for vinyl siding that won’t harm plants and shrubs in the landscape, laundry detergent may be the answer. It can be mixed with water to create a powerful cleaner that removes dirt and stains without the use of harsh solvents or acid-based chemicals that can damage the surface of vinyl.
Vinyl is an excellent material for homes, but it must be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain its luster and protect the home’s structure from damage caused by dirt, grime, bird droppings, insecticides, lichen, mold and mildew. Fortunately, there are several household cleaners that can be used to clean vinyl siding and restore it to its original luster.
A basic cleaning will usually remove light stains, but for more stubborn messes, you can mix laundry detergent with bleach or vinegar to make a powerful cleaner that eliminates even the most difficult messes from vinyl house siding. Using a soft-bristled brush, you can scrub these solutions into the surface of vinyl siding to eliminate even the most stubborn dirt and staining.
Using a pressure washer, you can also get your vinyl siding clean in less time. However, you must be very careful not to saturate the vinyl with water or you could risk tearing it or damaging the seams between panels. To avoid this, you should always wash vinyl siding by pointing the hose down to prevent water from seeping behind the house’s exterior.
General household cleaners such as Fantastik, Murphy’s Oil Soap and Windex can help remove a variety of common stains from vinyl siding including those created by dirt, grass, grease, oil, rust and crayon or ink. A specialized rust cleaner, such as Wet & Forget outdoor, may be needed to remove stubborn rust stains.
Mildew and mold are another annoyance that can be a problem on vinyl siding, particularly in warmer climates with consistently high humidity levels. Although vinyl is resistant to mildew and mold, the growth of these unwanted organisms can leave black spots on the surface of the vinyl that can be difficult to get rid of. Bleach is an excellent product for removing these organisms, as it essentially kills them and erases their staining. It is important to remember that bleach must be diluted before it can be safely applied to vinyl, as straight-on chlorine bleach can damage the surface of vinyl and other surfaces.
Before you begin cleaning your vinyl siding, ensure that all windows and doors are closed to prevent soap and water from getting inside your home. Also, close the garage door and cover any landscaping, plants or potted flowers that you don’t want to expose to cleaning solutions or water. Finally, make sure you’re wearing rubber gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from the spray of cleaning products.
