Vinyl siding is a hard-wearing plastic structure that is used for both weatherproofing and the aesthetics of a home.
It is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. It is the most popular option for siding throughout the United States not only because it is durable but it is also affordable. Vinyl sidings are naturally being installed over rigid insulation to provide energy efficiency.
Another reason why many people prefer to install vinyl siding over other materials because it is very easy to install and does not require much precision compared to its competitors. It is also available in a wide array of colors — just as many paint colors as you can choose from. The material used in vinyl siding is resistant to rot, unlike the natural wood that traps moisture and termite infestation. In addition, it is very easy to clean and maintain.
Reasons to Clean the Vinyl Siding
Some homeowners disregard the importance of cleaning the vinyl siding of their homes. Some think it's unnecessary.
However, this shouldn't be the case. Listed below are reasons why you should consider cleaning your vinyl siding regularly.
Protects your home
Cleaning your vinyl siding will help you prevent future damages. Many natural factors can lessen the radiance of one's home, like bird poop, bug goo, and other pollutants.
Aside from that, the growth of molds, algae, mildew, and moss are mainly the culprits of siding discoloration. Getting rid of them will help you avoid potential repair issues in the long run.
Prevents Sickness
Protect your family member's health and your health by eliminating the growth of molds, algae, etc., on your vinyl siding. Cleaning your siding regularly will help get rid of these irritants or allergens and will help you improve your health.
Renovation Ready / Improve Curb Appeal
Before starting any renovations on the external part of your house, make sure that you have gotten rid of any dirt, stain, or growth of molds and the likes, especially in shaded areas.
This is a suggested step that should never be neglected as this will help avoid future inconveniences on your renovation. Also, homeowners who are planning to sell their property should consider cleaning their vinyl siding as this will improve the general attractiveness of the house.
Tools to Use in Cleaning
Here are some tools that you can use in cleaning your vinyl siding:
Types of Cleaning Products to Use
General Household Cleaners
Common household cleaners like Fantastik, Lysol, and Windex can be used most especially on tough dirt and stains. Including stains created by bird poop, topsoil grass, grimes, bubblegum, crayon, and ink.
Recommended Use:
For most general household cleansers, spray 15-20cm from the surface until the affected area is covered and wet. Leave the section wet for about 5 minutes before you wipe it with a cloth. No need to rinse.
Product to Use
Most cleansers are environmentally friendly, one example would be Simple Green, this product is specially formulated for vinyl siding and other types of siding. The non-toxic concentrate can either be used with a power washer or manually.
Recommended Use:
Use a pressure washer. Make sure you use the correct nozzle or spray tip to prevent costly damage in the future. Begin pressure washing 4 feet away from the vinyl siding and move closer as needed. Always work in a small section and please remember to start at the bottom of your vinyl siding moving your way up to the top. Rinse with water afterward.
Homemade Solution
Suppose you have a beautiful garden and are concerned about damaging your landscaping while cleaning your vinyl siding. In that case, we recommend that you use this liquid solution: 1 cup oxygen bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water. The oxygen bleach will do its job of making your vinyl siding clean without causing any damage to your landscaping.
Recommended Use:
Use a pump sprayer to wet the area. Let the liquid solution sit for 10 minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean off the surface. You may need to use a long-handled brush to reach the top part of your vinyl siding. Work in sections. Rinse the area with water after brushing.
Natural Cleaning Solutions
White Vinegar and Water Solution
½ gallon of water
3 ½ cups of white vinegar
White vinegar is a miracle worker when it comes to cleaning lots of surfaces, may it be inside or outside of your homes. Mix it with water, and it becomes an all-purpose vinyl siding cleaner that can remove mold growth and mildew stains.
Baking Soda Paste
½ cup baking soda
1/3 to ½ cup of water to produce a paste
Though baking soda is known for its deodorizing properties, it can also take on tough cleaning jobs. It generally becomes a high-powered mixture that can break through tough stains and residues with other common household liquids.
Recommended Application:
This serves as a secondary application for tough stains after the white vinegar and water solution is applied on the vinyl siding.
It's a super-effective gentle abrasive, so you can use a small scrub brush that was dipped on the baking soda paste and apply it on heavily soiled areas of the vinyl siding. After that, you can rinse the entire section from the top to going down.
Clove Oil and Water Mixture
¾ teaspoon of clove oil
2 quarts of water
If you have tried cleaning your vinyl siding with vinegar and bleach but weren't successful enough to fully eradicate the growth of molds in certain areas, this mixture is the perfect recipe to remove it.
The solution is environmentally friendly. It is very convenient as it can help prevent the mold from growing back since the solution can kill even the embedded mold spores.
Recommended Application:
Put the water and clove the oil mixture in a spray bottle sprayer. Spray this mixture onto the areas where the mold spots are. This mixture needs time to work, so leave it overnight to kill the molds fully. Rinse the area with water the next day and use any detergent-based cleaners to scrub the area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Power washing vinyl siding is okay so long as you know how to do it. Please make sure to follow the instructions on the manual before you use it.
As for cleaning, do not aim the power washer at an upward angle as water may go behind the vinyl siding. Make sure to hold the washer at eye level to direct the water on top of the vinyl siding where it can clean the most.
Yes, it is possible to paint your vinyl siding. However, you need to consult with your vinyl siding manufacturer of the current warranty on your siding because painting it may negate the warranty.
Bleach is a perfect solution to clean and restore the beauty of your vinyl siding. It does not harm your siding so long as it is properly diluted and rinsed from the surface thoroughly.
Otherwise, we have to remember that bleach is a highly corrosive chemical. Inappropriate use will result in damaging your vinyl siding as it can cause stains on your siding.
The best house cleaner would be a liquid solution composed of 70% water and 30% white vinegar. Not only because is vinegar a versatile cleaner, but it also protects your plants and landscaping. This mixture does not harm any of the plants around.
Some insecticides can potentially damage and stain the vinyl siding. Check on the label to see if it's safe to use with plants near vinyl siding before applying. Also, when doing home renovations, it would be best to cover vinyl siding to avoid stains from wet concrete and sealants.
Conclusion
Many people prefer to install vinyl siding over other materials as it is very convenient to install and does not require much precision compared to its competitors. It is an engineered material from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin.
The material used is not only durable but is also very resistant to rot. With a wide spectrum of colors available and designs to choose from, it precludes the need to paint the material a few years later like we usually do with natural wood and the likes.
Although vinyl siding is made affordable and would allow us to replace it if we want to, there are ways on how we can keep the luster of our siding. There are steps that we can follow on how we can maintain it. Many cleaning materials are available, may it be homemade, natural cleaning products, or just general cleaning products that we can buy mostly everywhere.
With regular cleaning, we can prevent future damage and stains. Improve our health and the health of our family members because we can avoid the growth of molds, mildew, and other allergens that can make us sick. Also, you can prolong the beauty of your vinyl siding so long as you know how to maintain and clean it.