How to Clean Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding has become a popular choice for homes in Michigan due to its durability and versatile appearance. One of the biggest advantages of vinyl siding is that it requires minimal maintenance. You'll never have to worry about painting your siding again like you would with wood. You only need to clean them occasionally. Follow this simple guide to learn how to clean vinyl siding.
General maintenance cleaning for Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding can be cleaned in most cases with a cleaning solution and a brush or cloth with soft bristles. You can buy special vinyl cleaners, but DIY recipes work just as well. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water to make a simple facade cleaner, or dilute some dishwashing detergent to remove stubborn stains. With a long-stemmed brush, this process is child's play, as you can cover large parts of the siding at once. However, you may want to use a cloth to hand polish some of the more delicate areas, such as near your landscaping.
High Pressure Cleaning of Vinyl Siding
Pressure washing is a common method for cleaning vinyl siding, but proceed with caution. If you are unfamiliar with a pressure washer, you may find yourself pushing water between the siding boards. Glide over the siding with even strokes and stand at a good distance from the siding. Pay close attention to windows, cladding and other external elements that would not withstand a high-pressure cleaner.
For safety reasons, consider having your vinyl siding professionally cleaned with a pressure washer instead of trying it on your own.
How often should I clean Vinyl Siding?
There are several factors that determine how often you should clean your exterior vinyl siding. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend cleaning vinyl siding at least once every two years. Some homes may need to be cleaned more often due to the weather conditions around them. If you live in a community with persistent rainfall, you may need to clean your sidings once a year. One side of your house may be more prone to dirt and grime than the other. In this case, you should clean that side once a year and clean the entire exterior every two years.
Also note that some colors of vinyl siding have more dirt than others. If you have beige or light gray siding, the dirt left over from rain may not be as visible as on darker siding. White side panels look amazing the first time they are installed, but white side panels may show dirt faster than other colors. Keep this in mind when you are looking for new vinyl finishes for your home.
What should you do if you notice damage to your vinyl Siding?
Do you notice any damage to your vinyl finish now that it is clean? Don't worry - maybe there is a quick solution to the problem. Vinyl siding is easy to repair or replace over time. We will be happy to perform an inspection of the sidewall to assess the damage and create a repair plan. We will match the color of the replacement track to your existing track, so that the repair is seamless.
Was this article helpful?174 Posted by: 👨 Charles M. Carone