Vinyl siding is one of the most popular materials used in homes across the country. Thanks to its low cost, durability, and ability to withstand a wide variety of weather conditions, vinyl siding usage continues to grow.
Furthermore, those who choose vinyl siding are helping contribute to better environmental practices used in homebuilding and manufacturing.
According to the Vinyl Siding Institute, Vinyl siding performs better than any other cladding, except cedar, according to a life cycle assessment conducted by an independent third-party.
Simply put, vinyl is an excellent material to use for the outside of your home. That said, despite its benefits, vinyl does require to be cleaned and maintained regularly to stay in optimal shape.
Here is a simple guide on how to clean vinyl siding:
- Traditional wash cloth
- Pressure Washer
Why You Need To Clean Your Vinyl Siding
Perhaps the most important reason why you should clean your vinyl siding regularly is that if left untreated, certain areas can develop mold on the outside of your home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, left untreated, certain areas of your home can begin to mold and exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all.”
Cleaning your vinyl siding will also help ensure the vinyl material can last longer before it needs to be replaced.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with just wanting the outside of your home to look lean as well.
Option 1: Traditional Wash Cloth
To clean your vinyl siding on your own, you’re going to need some cleaning solution, a large bucket, warm water, and a cloth or soft bristle brush.
If you’re on a budget, you can use a general all-purpose cleaner and mix it with warm water to create a cleaning solution to use on the side of your home.
Many DIY solutions involve using bleach or vinegar solutions, each of which can be used in specific situations.
If you find your vinyl siding is beginning to look a little green, bleach can be a great solution, but in many cases, it can also permanently change the coloring of your home slightly.
Vinegar and water are also effective at cleaning your vinyl siding, but if washed off the wall it can kill your plants, so it’s essential to not use it in areas in which you want your plants to grow.
There are also a variety of solutions made specifically for cleaning vinyl that you can pick up at your local hardware store.
When cleaning your siding, it’s important to start from the ground up and work your way up the side of your home. Start in small sections and firmly wipe the area until clean.
Option 2 (AKA The Most Effective Vinyl Siding Cleaning Solution): A Pressure Washer
While cleaning your vinyl siding with a cloth and cleaner is certainly better than not cleaning the siding at all, the most effective way to clean your siding is by using a pressure washer.
Offering significantly more pressure than warm water from a bucket, a pressure washer can quickly get rid of any mildew, mold, and dirt that is on your siding. Many times using a pressure washer can cut the time you spend cleaning the outside of your home by hours.
Low pressure is generally enough to clean the majority of your vinyl siding, but the ability to change the pressure of the water depending on your needs also comes in handy.
To get the most from your pressure washer experience, always start on low pressure and work your way up. You can always make the pressure stronger, but damaging your home to start things off is never fun.
If you are currently looking to clean your vinyl siding, and need some help, give us a call today. We would be happy to assist.