A very popular type of siding among homeowners is vinyl siding, which is durable, low maintenance, and comes in a range of colors and styles. But just like any material on the exterior, vinyl siding may become dirty, grimy, and grow mildew from the environment over time. It is important to clean it regularly to keep it in good condition, and avoid the accumulation of dirt. Here, we will take you through the most effective ways of cleaning vinyl siding to make sure that the exterior of your home is in good condition and does not deteriorate.

Why Clean Vinyl Siding?

It is essential to know the reason why you should keep your vinyl siding clean before you get into cleaning it. 

By washing your siding, you can:

Improve Outdoor Beauty: The cleaner your exterior is, the better the appearance of your house will be.

Stop Development of Mildew and Mold: Over time mildew and mold will develop on the surface causing stains and health risks.

Preserve the Siding Life: With frequent cleaning, the integrity of the siding can be preserved, and the damage produced by dirt and other environmental factors can be mitigated in the long-term.

Maintain Color: The accumulation of dirt and grime may fade the color of the siding, making the siding appear pale. Cleaning eliminates such particles and assists in keeping the initial hue.

At this point, we will discuss how to clean vinyl siding in the safest and most effective ways.

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

It is necessary to prepare the tools and cleaning products before starting to clean your vinyl siding. It will be easier and more efficient when everything is available.

Basic Supplies You’ll Need:

Bucket: To combine your cleaning detergent

Garden Hose: Used to rinse the siding before and after cleaning

Soft-Bristled Brush: To clean the difficult-to-reach or obstinate areas

Sponge or Cloth: To dry the siding 

Ladder: To reach higher siding (where necessary)

Cleaning Solution: Either purchase a commercial cleaner for vinyl siding or you can prepare your own using common household substances.

DIY Cleaning Solution:

An easy and efficient homemade cleaning solution for vinyl siding is:

• 1/3 cup of laundry detergent
• 2/3 cup Trisodium phosphate (TSP) 
• 1 gallon of water

Or, a more natural remedy would be to combine:

• 1/3 cup of baking soda
• 1 gallon of warm water

These solutions are neither harsh nor harmful to the siding, and they are effective in the removal of dirt, grime, and mildew.

Step 2: Prepare the Siding

It is necessary to prepare the siding before using any cleaning solution to eliminate the heavier dirt and debris that can cause further complications.

Rinse the Siding

Begin by spraying down the siding with a garden hose. This will aid in elimination of loose dirt, dust, and debris that might leave scratches on the surface during the cleaning process. Prevent streaking by starting on the top of the siding and going down to the bottom.

Apply Low Pressure: Washing with high pressure may destroy the vinyl siding so this is the time to use a low-pressure spray.

Focus on Areas with Visible Dirt: Give additional attention to the areas that have visible dirt, mildew, or stains.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution

As soon as the siding has been pre-rinsed, apply your cleaning solution to the surface. 

Using a Sponge or Cloth

In smaller areas or in cleaning off the lower sections of your siding, you may use a sponge or cloth with the cleaning solution

Sponge: Wipe the vinyl siding using a sponge which has been moistened in your cleaning solution.

Section Work: Working in sections, clean one section at a time to keep the solution from drying before it is wiped off appropriately.

Scrub Stubborn Spots: A soft bristled brush should be used to loosen tougher stains or places where mildew has accumulated.

Using a Soft-Bristled Brush

For more stubborn stains or more intractable ones, it is often a good idea to use a soft-bristled brush:

Use Brush: Apply the cleaning solution with your brush, and scrub the surface in a circular motion.

Be Gentle: You should not apply too much pressure because the harder you scrub, the more you are likely to break the vinyl.

Using a Pressure Washer (Optional)

If the dirt level or the mildew is considerable, a pressure washer can come in handy. But it should be set to the correct pressure to prevent the destruction of the siding.

Work With Low Pressure: The pressure washer must be adjusted to a low pressure which is preferably less than 1,500 psi.

Hold the Wand at an Angle: The nozzle should point at an angle of 45 degrees to prevent forcing water behind the siding. It is always best to start at the top of the siding and go down.

Step 4: Focus on Mildew and Mold

Vinyl siding may develop mildew and mold, particularly in high humidity or shaded areas. You will have to pay additional attention to these areas in case you observe spots of mold or mildew.

Apply a Mold and Mildew Cleaner

To loosen the mold and mildew stains, it is better to use a solution especially one made to kill mold like:

White Vinegar: Add a mixture of one part water and one part vinegar to form a natural solution of killing mold.

Bleach: A solution of bleach and three times as much water may be used to work harder on the mildew. Bleach should be used carefully; it may discolor areas and can kill plants nearby.

Apply the solution to the affected area and leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes. Then wipe the area with a soft-bristled brush or sponge and rinse with a lot of water.

Step 5: Rinse the Siding

After applying and scrubbing the cleaning solution, rinse the vinyl siding using clean water. Begin at the top, and move to the bottom, ensuring that all soap and suds are removed.

Apply Hose with a Light Spray: This should not be a high-pressure mode as this may cause destruction to siding or may drive water behind panels.

Wipe Down Well: Make sure you not only wipe every part, but also around the seams and edges where the cleaning solution can remain.

Step 6: Dry the Siding (Optional)

Although vinyl siding does not need drying in the same manner as painted surfaces, you should try to wipe off all water to avoid the streaks and spots.

Use Clean Cloth: To clean the siding, apply a microfiber cloth, and wipe the siding gently in case any water is left.

Step 7: Regular Maintenance

Cleaning your vinyl siding is part of your home maintenance routine to maintain the cleanliness of your vinyl siding. Depending on weather conditions, you might think of cleaning your siding every 1-2 years.

Other ideas in keeping vinyl siding:

Prune Shrubs Around the House: Debris can gather around your siding as a result of over-growing shrubs. Maintenance of trees will decrease the amount of dirt that accumulates.

Maintain Clear Gutters: Obstructed gutters may overflow resulting in water running down your side that leads to stains. This can be prevented by cleaning the gutters.

Check on Damages: Check on your siding regularly to ensure that there are no cracks, holes, or loose siding. Immediately fix any damage so that water does not find its way behind the siding.