Putting together a fall or spring cleaning checklist? If so, don’t forget to add cleaning your durable, beautiful vinyl siding to the list!
Your vinyl siding can become dirty from debris, pollen, mold, mildew, and other weather-related causes, so sprucing it up is a great way to extend its lifespan while improving your home’s curb appeal. Before cleaning your home’s exterior, read this detailed guide to ensure you follow the best practices for keeping your vinyl siding well-maintained and in tip-top shape.
How Often Should I Clean My Vinyl Siding?
You should clean your vinyl siding at least once a year to prevent dirt and debris build-up.
An ideal time to clean siding in Indianapolis is in the spring after the snow melts. However, if your vinyl siding is vulnerable to mold growth or requires extra attention after a recent storm, more frequent cleanings might be needed.
What Materials Do I Need to Clean My Vinyl Siding?
You don’t need much to clean your vinyl siding. You’ll need to round up:
- A soft-bristled brush.
- A garden hose with a spray nozzle.
- A bucket filled with vinyl siding cleaning solution (or mild dish soap) mixed with water.
- A few soft cloths (microfiber cloths work great!).
You can also use a low-pressure power washer to apply the cleaning solution and water. However, using a power washer might void the warranty on your vinyl siding, so read up on all the terms and conditions before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Process for Cleaning Vinyl Siding
Step #1: Prepare the Space
First, remove any outdoor furniture or vehicles from around your home to avoid unnecessary damage and to create an unobstructed workspace. Items that cannot be moved, like plants, should be covered with plastic tarps, and you can cover windows with plastic drop cloths and tape to keep them from getting dirty from the sudsy runoff.
Step #2: Clean a Small Section at a Time
Don’t get too ambitious right out the gate when cleaning your vinyl siding.
The key is scrubbing a small section at a time, starting at the top of your home and working toward the bottom. This prevents you from having to re-clean the bottom from the soapy, dirty runoff from the top. Wetting a small section at a time keeps the solution from drying too quickly and leaving a thin, filmy residue behind.
Step #3: Apply the Cleaning Solution
After the siding is wet, gently apply the cleaning solution (mixed with water in a bucket) to a small section at a time with a soft cloth.
Never use harsh chemicals on vinyl siding, such as undiluted chlorine bleach, furniture polish, or grease removers. These can all cause permanent damage to your home’s exterior and may void your siding warranty.
Step #4: Scrub Gently
Next, use the soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the siding in a circular motion to loosen up dirt, debris, mildew, and other grime from the surface.
Some elbow grease should do the trick, but if your siding warranty allows it, you can also use a pressure washer on a low setting. Just steer clear of using a high-pressure power washer, which may result in a clean house but lead to a slew of other problems, like siding and trim damage.
Step #5: Rinse with Clean Water
After each section of siding is scrubbed clean, rinse it off with water from a garden hose. Ensure that all the cleaning solution is washed off, as it can cause discoloration and a thin, filmy appearance, as mentioned earlier.
Step #6: Check for Stains
After you’ve finished washing the dirt, grime, and soap off your entire home, do a quick inspection to check for any pesky spots or stains that might need a touch-up.
First, try repeating the cleaning process listed above on each spot. If that doesn’t work, you might need to use some extra elbow grease or heavier-duty cleaners. For stubborn stains, use a germicidal bleach concentrate or mix a vinegar-water solution (one part vinegar to four parts water) for a more natural approach.
Step #7: Enjoy Your Gorgeous Siding!
After following the steps listed above, your siding should be sparkling clean! Take time to appreciate your hard work, and don’t forget to add siding maintenance to next year’s home maintenance checklist.
How Can I Keep My Vinyl Siding in Good Shape Between Cleanings?
Want to make cleaning your vinyl siding a little easier every year? Keep the following maintenance tasks in mind:
- Inspect for Damage — After storms or harsh weather, inspect your siding for cracks or other damage. If necessary, staying on top of siding repairs is the best way to keep your siding in great shape and prolong its lifespan.
- Maintain Landscaping — Do you have trees, shrubs, or bushes near your siding? If so, keep them trimmed back to avoid dirt accumulation, minimize moisture (which can cause mold and mildew growth), and prevent scratches from tree branches.
- Eliminate Heat Risks — Grilling burgers or staying cozy by the firepit is fun… until the heat starts to melt your house. Be sure to keep heat sources far away from vinyl siding!
- Keep Gutters Clear — When gutters are full of leaves and debris, they cannot drain water properly, which means the gunk inside the gutters spills onto your siding. Keep your siding clean by keeping your gutters clear!
- Consider Siding Replacement — Vinyl siding does come with some maintenance. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance alternative, consider fiber cement siding replacement.
Beautify Your Indianapolis Home with New, Low-Maintenance Siding from JD Hostetter & Associates
Notice some siding damage while cleaning your vinyl siding? Ready to switch to a premium vinyl siding or to fiber cement siding? We can help!
JD Hostetter & Associates offers beautiful, lasting vinyl and fiber cement siding installation for Indianapolis homeowners. Learn more about our siding replacement options, and when you’re ready to get started, contact us!
