Why Vinyl Siding is a Popular Choice for Homeowners
We’ve been expertly installing Alside Premium Vinyl on homes throughout the Ozarks for more than two decades. Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners in the U.S. They choose it for its beauty, easy upkeep, variety of color choices and lasting performance. While vinyl is durable, it does need care. This type of siding requires periodic cleaning with mild soap and water and sometimes a spot clean for hard-to-wipe stains. Learn more about how to care for your vinyl siding below.
Jump To:
- Washing Vinyl Siding
- Vinyl Siding Cleaners
- Stubborn Stains and Mold on Vinyl Siding
- Precautions for Vinyl Siding
- Alside Premium Vinyl Siding
How to Wash Vinyl Siding
It’s best to use a soft cloth or long-handled, soft-bristled brush for vinyl siding washing. If your siding has a textured surface, use only a soft bristle brush to remove stains in the grooves. Many people use a brush with a long, telescoping handle (like you’d use to wash a motorhome), making it easier to reach high spots without the need for a ladder. Begin at the bottom of the house, working your way up and fully rinse the vinyl cleaning solution before it dries. Not all siding manufacturers approve cleaning with power washers, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendation as some power washers can damage your siding. If you use a power washer, hold it straight at eye level to keep the water on top of the siding and prevent driving water behind the siding.
Using the Right Vinyl Siding Cleaners
Mild soap and water are typically adequate as a vinyl house siding cleaner, but if you need something a little stronger for dirt, mold or bird droppings, you may use a multi-purpose cleaner like Simple Green or Soft Scrub. As a precaution, be sure to spot-check any general or stain-specific cleaner before using it on a large section of your home’s siding. After using the cleanser, be sure to rinse it with water. Don’t use cleaners containing organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, furniture polish or any other product not made for vinyl siding.
Tackling Stubborn Stains and Mold on Vinyl Siding
For hard-to-remove dirt, wipe the siding down with a solution that includes 1/3 cup powdered detergent, 2/3 cup household cleaner and one gallon of water. If mold or mildew is an issue, prepare the solution mentioned above but substitute one quart of laundry bleach for one quart of water.
Precautions and Protection for Vinyl Siding
If you use stains, sealants or wet concrete for a home renovation project, be sure to cover and protect the vinyl siding on your home. Certain insecticides and herbicides can stain vinyl siding, so consult product labels before applying. Visiting with your professional pest control company before applying any chemicals to ensure there will not be any discoloration or other damage to your siding. Additionally, vinyl siding can melt when exposed to a significant heat source because it is constructed from organic material. Be sure to keep barbecue grills and other ignitable materials such as dry leaves, mulch and trash away from your siding.
Choose Alside Premium Vinyl Siding for Quality and Durability
Vinyl is a top siding choice for homeowners. To learn more about Alside vinyl siding and why we install it, visit our siding service page or check out our recent review of Alside’s Acend product offering.
