Vinyl siding has become a very popular siding material. It will stand up to the Canadian climate very well and will not flake or rot. Vinyl siding does require some maintenance to look its best, however; a good annual cleaning will avoid the siding taking on a dull and dirty appearance.
How to Clean Vinyl Siding
Cleaning your vinyl siding properly involves more than just spraying water and detergent toward the side of your house. Before you start applying the cleaner, you’ll want to prepare your home for cleaning.
Make sure all the doors and windows are securely closed. The power to any outside outlets and lights should be turned off.
Cover any plants and shrubs located close to the house. They may be damaged by cleaning products. Be sure to cover any metal or etched glass as well; these materials can also be damaged by cleaners. Remove outdoor furniture or toys that is in the way.
Check your siding for signs of mold before you begin. To determine whether a dark spot is mold or dirt, place a drop of bleach on it. Mold will turn white and dirt will not react at all and will stay dark.
Cleaning Process
It’s easier to work in small sections at a time. Fill a bucket with water and add your detergent. You can use laundry detergent for this purpose, or T.S.P. (trisodium phosphate), which is available at the paint department of a hardware or home renovation store.
Use a hose or a pressure washer to remove any loose dirt and debris. If you decide to use the pressure washer, you will lessen the amount of scrubbing required in the next step. Do not force water behind the vinyl panels through the seams. Don’t worry if some water gets behind the siding as each panel has a small drainage hole to allow the water to escape.
Starting from the top of the siding, dip your cleaning tool into the water and scrub away dirt and debris from the siding. Work your way toward the bottom of the section.
Rinse away the soapy water with your hose. You’ll need to remove all traces of the soap before it dries to avoid leaving a residue on the siding. Continue in the same way until all the siding is clean.
