How to Clean Vinyl Siding

In the US, vinyl siding is the most popular exterior cladding for homes and has been for over 25 years. 

It’s long-lasting, durable, and comes in a variety of colors so you can easily customize your home’s exterior. But what homeowners like the most is the fact that vinyl siding is easy to maintain. You’ll never need to paint it, and all you need to do to keep it looking like new is give it a cleaning once a year or so.

Not sure how to go about cleaning your vinyl siding? We’ve got all the answers here!

The Best Vinyl Siding Cleaners

There is no shortage of commercial vinyl siding cleaners on the market and you can even use household cleaners like oxygenated bleach (do not use chlorine bleach on your vinyl siding!), dish soap, and all-purpose household cleaners diluted with water. 

It’s also easy to make your own vinyl siding cleaner out of products you probably already have at home.

You can mix up a simple homemade vinyl siding cleaner by mixing two parts water to one part white vinegar. This is gentle enough not to damage your siding while also removing grime, as well as light mold and mildew stains. A water/vinegar mixture is also eco-friendly and safe for plants!

Cleaning Vinyl Siding With a Pressure Washer

Using a pressure washer is the easiest and fastest way to clean your vinyl siding. Here’s how to do it:

1. Gather your pressure washer and cleaning solution. Most pressure washers will work just fine with a mixture of dish soap and water, but pressure washer detergents are also available if you want to be certain the cleaner will not damage your machine. Do not use chlorine bleach or other harsh cleaners to clean your siding!
2. Apply the soap or detergent solution with your pressure washer. Start at the bottom and work your way up using long, overlapping strokes. 
3. Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. Spray it clean using the lowest pressure you can effectively clean with. Turning the pressure up too high can damage your siding or even cause the water to get behind your siding. (If you have a multi-story house, you may need to use higher pressure to reach upper stories).

How to Clean Vinyl Siding Without a Pressure Washer

No pressure washer? No problem. You’ll still be able to clean your vinyl siding with some common household items. Here’s what you need:

• Garden hose
• Soft-bristled brush or broom
• Soft cloths or towels
• Cleaning solution
• Bucket

When you have your cleaning supplies, here’s how to get your siding squeaky clean:

1. Start by rinsing your siding off with your garden hose to remove any loose dirt and debris.
2. Add your cleaning solution to your bucket and start at the top of your home. Dip your brush or broom into the cleaning solution and scrub the siding, being careful not to scrub too hard. 
3. Once a portion is clean, rinse it with your hose. If necessary, scrub the area again.
4. Rinse your brush or broom with your hose regularly to make sure you’re not putting a dirty brush into the cleaning solution.
5. Work your way around the exterior of your home until your siding is clean!

Upgrade Your Vinyl Siding With Window World

With Window World of Central PA, you can choose the vinyl siding that fits your style and your budget. From premium 4000 Energy Plus vinyl siding to dependable 2000 series siding and charming shakes & scallops, we have everything you need to enhance your home’s exterior. Get started by requesting your free estimate today!