Vinyl siding is one of the most durable types of cladding. It doesn’t rot and is generally impervious to weathering from rain, salt, snow, and cold. Plus, you don’t have to worry about scratches, dents, peeling, or insect damage. It is virtually maintenance-free. The only thing you need to do is wash it down every once in a while to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips on how to clean vinyl siding:

How to Clean Vinyl Siding With a Pressure Washer

Easy maintenance is one of the benefits of vinyl siding. One of the most popular ways to clean vinyl siding is to do so with a pressure washer. You do want to be careful how you’re using the pressure washer. Although vinyl siding is strong and durable, you can potentially cause issues with an improperly used pressure washer. It’s tempting to stand in one spot and just spray away to clean your siding. However, spraying up into the vinyl siding, especially with a pressure washer, can force water behind the cladding.

When using a pressure washer or a garden hose with a spray nozzle, make sure you set it on a medium spray pattern. This will ensure there is enough pressure to wash away dirt without risking damage. Use a wide spray pattern and keep the nozzle moving as you wash from the bottom and work your way up. Then, start at the top and work your way back down to the bottom when rinsing.

This will help prevent streaks as your siding dries. Make sure you keep the spray level with the siding or spraying downward. This will prevent water from getting behind the siding. You also want to use care around any openings in the wall, like windows, doors, plumbing, or electrical wiring.

Consider Using a Cleaning Solution

For additional cleaning power, you can mix up a special cleaning solution to make your vinyl siding sparkle. This can be added to a pressure washer or mixed in a bucket if you’d rather clean the siding manually. Using a formula of 70% water and 30% white vinegar will make an all-purpose cleaner that is safe for your vinyl siding and your yard without needing to use harsh chemicals, like bleach.

Before diving into cleaning your vinyl siding with a cleaner or cleaning solution, make sure you do a spot check. If you need a stronger cleaning solution or would prefer to buy one, be sure to check with the manufacturer of your vinyl siding for approved cleaners. Organic solvents, furniture cleaners, and some other cleaning chemicals can affect the surface of your siding.

Once you have your cleaning solution ready to go, a soft cloth or long-handled soft bristle brush are good tools for cleaning vinyl siding by hand. You’ll want to start from the bottom and work your way up, rinsing away residue as you go with a garden hose. Here, too, you’ll want to keep the spray level with the siding or pointed downwards so you don’t drive water behind the siding. Once you’re done washing all of it, finish off with a final rinse, moving from top to bottom. Your vinyl siding will look like new in no time!

For more information on cleaning your vinyl siding or upgrading your current siding, call Zephyr Thomas at 717-399-4708 or stop by our office to talk in-person and tour our showroom!