Keep Your Vinyl Siding Looking Like New

Of all your siding options, vinyl is certainly the easiest to maintain. You only need to wash and inspect it about once a year. Generally, it is touted as being maintenance free; however, there are several factors you will need to consider for the future.

Wash it annually Keeping it clean on a regular basis will keep you from scrubbing it harder when it becomes caked with dirt.
Be careful with it Keep lawnmowers, bicycles and lawn care items away from the siding so it doesn't crack or break.
Keep hot things away from it Grills, smokers, and patio torches can produce heat that can melt your vinyl siding.

Cleaning Vinyl

Cleaning vinyl siding is a snap with the right tools. If your siding isn't in need of scrubbing, spraying it with a hose can wash away the dirt and grime that has accumulated throughout the year. If you need a cleaning solvent, some ordinary dish soap or laundry detergent mixed with water will do the trick. Where there are troubled areas, such as mildew, a mild solution of 1 quart of bleach, ¾ gallons of water and a small amount of detergent. Scrub the areas with a soft-bristled, long-handled brush.

If scrubbing with a brush is going to be too much work, you can wash your siding with a power washer, which can be rented at your local home improvement store or other equipment rental business. Most homes can be pressure washed with a 2200 psi or higher washer.

To wash, follow these simple steps:

Turn off all power to the outside lights that may get wet.
Ensure that all your windows are closed and spray away from doors and windows.
If you have shrubbery or flowers below, make sure you cover them with plastic so no cleaning solution drips on them.
Start at the top and work your way down.
Be sure to rinse your cleaning solution off the siding before it dries.

(also see our vinyl siding guide)

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