Vinyl siding delivers the great looks and is easy to install. It also has a long life compared to wood siding, without the heavy maintenance. Vinyl siding helps homeowners avoid rotting, splitting and insect damage unlike wood. Or compared with exterior cladding, vinyl siding only requires simple, periodic cleaning with mild soap and a rinse from a garden hose.
Washing Vinyl Siding
To keep your vinyl siding looking clean, wash it with a soft cloth or soft bristle brush. To clean hard to reach areas, use an ordinary long-handle with a brush at the end. With textured surfaces, a soft bristle brush will clean the grooves in the texture and keep it stain-free. Start at the bottom of the house and working upward is easiest way to approach cleaning vinyl siding. Be sure to rinse cleaning solutions completely before it dries. If your house has brick facing, cover the brick to protect against the runoff.
Power Washing Vinyl Siding
First, you should always follow the recommendations of the siding manufacturer. Some manufacturers do not want pressure washers used on their products. Other manufacturers allow power washing with limitations on pressure and cleaners used. Most caution against using pressure washers around any wall openings, including windows, doors, electrical wiring, and plumbing.
Also, be sure you read the washer instructions carefully prior to use. When cleaning, hold the power washer at eye level to keep the water on top of the siding where it can clean most effectively. Always be moving downward on your wall. If you aim the power washer upward, water can be driven behind the siding.
Mold And Mildew Removal From Vinyl Siding
Occasionally, small spots of mold and mildew can occur in areas in shadows or naturally damp areas. Cleaners such as Fantastik® or Windex can be used to remove mold and mildew. With larger sections, a 30% vinegar solution and water has been successful in removing mildew.
Other solution options include:
- 1/3 cup (2 2/3 ounces) powdered laundry detergent (e.g., Tide®, Fab®, or equivalent), and 1 gallon of water.
- 2/3 cup (5 1/3 ounces) powdered household cleaner (e.g., Spic & Span®, Soilax®, or equivalent) and 1 gallon of water.
- 1 quart (32 fluid ounces) liquid laundry bleach and 1 gallon of water.
Removing Mulch Residue From Vinyl Siding
Spots on vinyl siding could be from residue from artillery spores. If this is occurs, we are not aware of any cleaner to remove it from the siding. Artillery spores come from a particular fungi living in shredded wood mulch or other organic material. Unfortunately, the only way to fix the problem is to replace the shredded wood mulch with bark mulch. After the bark mulch is in place, replace the vinyl siding.
Cleaners To Use With Vinyl Siding In Madison
Below is a list of commonly accepted cleaners. As a rule, spot check any general or stain specific cleaner prior to using it on large or very visible sections of siding. When the stain is removed, rinse completely with water.
Do not use cleaners containing organic solvents. They can affect the surface of the siding. This list includes but is not limited to:
• Undiluted chlorine bleach
• Liquid grease remover
• Nail polish remover
• Furniture polish or cleaners
The Sims Exteriors & Remodeling staff are not only vinyl siding experts , but are specialists in all remodeling challenges including roofing, replacement windows, ventilation, adding additions, bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, basement remodeling, sun tunnels, deck additions and more.
We are vinyl siding specialists serving the Madison WI area including Middleton, Waunakee, Fitchburg, Oregon Verona, McFarland, Stoughton, Cottage Grove, Sun Prairie, Deforest and all of Dane County.
Contact Sims Exteriors and Remodeling at 608-825-4500 for assistance selecting the best vinyl siding for your needs in Madison WI.
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