If your siding appears dirty or has mildew, it’s likely time for a cleaning. How do you clean siding? The process is fairly simple. Regular cleaning is crucial for minimizing maintenance costs, prolonging your siding’s lifespan, and maintaining the property’s value.
To start, you’ll typically only need a hose, bucket, brush, and an hour or so of your time.
Clean once or twice a year.
Most siding requires thorough cleaning at least once a year. If you live near lots of trees or in a heavily trafficked area, you may want to clean every six months. Spring or fall is the best time to clean because grime builds up more in the summer and winter.
Choose the right cleaning method for your siding material.
Be careful with how you clean. Using the wrong cleaning solutions and techniques can lead to significant damage to the exterior paint and fixtures of your home, potentially even allowing mildew to grow rather than removing it.
Vinyl requires only light scrubbing.
Vinyl is possibly the easiest siding material to clean. It doesn’t absorb moisture like other materials, so plain water usually does the trick.
For a deeper clean, mix in a little dish soap. Apply the soapy water and scrub with a soft brush or cloth. (Avoid any kind of metal or wire brushes). Finally, rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
Fiber cement should be cleaned gently.
Cement siding is delicate, so you need to be careful when cleaning. Abrasive brushes and harsh chemicals can damage the surface.
Start by removing loose dirt or dust with a cloth or brush. Then, as with vinyl, wash with soap and water. Just be sure not to scrub too hard; fiber cement isn’t as forgiving.
Wood siding absorbs water, so be careful.
Too much water can lead to mildew or even rot.
Start by rinsing with a garden hose. Then use a soft brush and a mild soap and water mix to scrub away dirt and stains. Work in small sections and rinse as you go so that water doesn’t sit on the surface.
Use a stronger cleaner if you’re dealing with mold or mildew.
Bleach is one option you might have at home, though there are also commercial mildew cleaners like Jomax. Either way, be sure to rinse afterward with clean water.
Clean siding from top to bottom.
Start at the topmost part of your siding and work your way down. That way, dirty water won’t drip onto already-clean areas.
And go easy with the pressure washer.
Sometimes you need to bring out the big guns. A pressure washer can be a great tool for cleaning your siding if there’s significant buildup.
However, too much pressure can cause real damage. It’s less risky with vinyl, but with wood or fiber cement, high pressure can strip the finish or push water underneath.
Always spray at a downward angle. If you spray upward, you can force water between the siding and the backing.
Need repairs or a replacement? Juno can help.
Sometimes, even the best cleaning can’t bring your siding back to life. At Juno Construction Group, we install and repair siding for all residential styles.
Contact us for a free assessment today.
