Vinyl siding is a popular exterior home covering because it is low maintenance and durable. Over time though, vinyl siding can accumulate dirt, mold, mildew and other grime. Scrubbing vinyl siding with a brush or other abrasive tool can actually damage the siding and cause it to fade prematurely. Thankfully, there are several effective methods for cleaning vinyl siding gently without scrubbing.
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Why You Shouldn’t Scrub Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding gets dirty over time from rain, wind, pollen, pollution and other environmental factors. Mold and mildew in particular like to grow on vinyl siding, especially in damp or shady areas. While it’s tempting to get out a stiff brush and scrub away the grime, this can actually do more harm than good for a few reasons:
- Scrubbing can create fine scratches in the vinyl that allow dirt to accumulate more quickly.
- It can rub away the glossy top layer, causing the siding to appear dull and faded.
- Abrasive scrubbing wears down the vinyl more quickly, shortening its lifespan.
- Vigorous back-and-forth motions can loosen siding from the walls.
Cleaning vinyl siding by hand puts a lot of stress on the material. So it’s best to avoid scrub brushes, sponges, or any other abrasive tools when cleaning.
Effective Cleaning Methods for Vinyl Siding
The good news is you don’t need to scrub to get vinyl siding looking like new again. Here are some simple, safe methods to clean vinyl siding gently and effectively:
1. Use a Pressure Washer
Pressure washing is one of the quickest and most effective ways to clean vinyl siding without scrubbing. Pressure washers use a concentrated stream of water to blast away dirt, mold, mildew and other grime. Models for home use have pressure levels around 2000 PSI, which is strong enough to clean vinyl siding without damaging it.
When using a pressure washer:
- Keep the nozzle about 1 foot away from the siding when spraying.
- Move the nozzle slowly back and forth instead of focusing on one area.
- Rinse from top to bottom and do overlapping passes for full coverage.
- Avoid aiming directly at crevices or seams, which can tear from high pressure.
Pressure washing when temperatures are below 50°F can damage vinyl by making it brittle. Doing sections at a time can help prevent streaking from quick drying in warmer weather.
2. Mix a Vinyl Siding Cleaner Solution
Specialized vinyl siding cleaners dissolve grime so you can rinse it away without scrubbing. Look for cleaners that are designed for vinyl specifically, not just general home exteriors. The packaging will specify if a product is safe for vinyl.
Try mixing one of these DIY cleaning solutions:
- 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent + 2/3 cup powdered household cleaner like TSP mixed with 1 gallon of water.
- 1 cup bleach + 1/4 cup powdered laundry detergent + 3 gallons of water.
- 1 cup bleach + 1 cup laundry detergent mixed with 1 gallon of water.
Put the cleaning solution in a garden sprayer or bucket. Apply liberally to the vinyl siding from top to bottom and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose from the top down. Avoid scrubbing by letting the cleaner do the work of dissolving the grime so it can be rinsed off.
3. Use a Soft-Bristled Brush for Light Cleaning
For light cleaning jobs, a soft-bristled brush is safe to use on vinyl siding. Look for a brush made from soft plastic bristles or microfiber cloth. Dip the brush in water, a mild soap solution, or vinyl siding cleaner and gently wipe to remove surface dirt and grime. Take care not to apply too much pressure or scrub aggressively back and forth.
4. Try a Vinyl Siding Cleaning Tool
Specialized tools are available for cleaning vinyl siding by hand. These feature soft scrubbing pads, microfiber cloth, or gentle bristles. Some popular options include:
- MR. Long Arm cleaning tool – telescoping pole for hard to reach areas
- Leisure Time Soft Scrubber – angled sponge pad on a pole
- Quickie Siding Cleaning System – curved velour cleaning sleeve
- Trimaco Soft Cleaning Tool – microfiber pad on an extender pole
Dip the cleaning tool in water or vinyl cleaner and wipe down the siding using minimal pressure. The shape and soft materials are designed to collect dirt without damaging the vinyl.
Tips for Gently Cleaning Vinyl Siding
Follow these tips for the most gentle, effective cleaning of vinyl siding:
- Always read product instructions and test on a small area first.
- Clean vinyl siding at least once a year to prevent heavy buildup.
- Work from top to bottom and do overlapping passes for complete coverage.
- Wet vinyl with water first to prevent cleaner solutions from drying too quickly.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and a non-abrasive tool.
- Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight or temperatures above 80°F.
- Wear protective eyewear and rubber gloves when handling chemicals.
- Follow up with vinyl siding sealer or conditioner for added protection.
How to Remove Specific Stains from Vinyl Siding
Beyond regular dirt and grime, vinyl siding also gets plagued by specific stains that require a targeted approach. Here are some tips for removing common vinyl siding stains:
Algae and Mold Stains
Mix 1 part bleach to 3 parts water and apply to stained areas. Let sit 5-10 minutes before rinsing. For tough stains, full strength bleach may be required. Wear gloves and ventilate the area.
Rust Stains
Use a rust remover product containing oxalic or phosphoric acid. Other options are lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
Oil and Grease Stains
Dish soap, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, or nail polish remover can help dissolve oil and grease spots. Rinse thoroughly after applying.
Chalky White Stains
Hard water deposits leave these crusty mineral stains. Wipe them away with vinegar followed by a rinse. You can also use lime scale remover.
Wood Rot Stains
These water stains indicate damaged siding or trim wood underneath. Unfortunately they can’t be cleaned off the vinyl. The affected wood will need to be replaced to resolve the staining issue.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY cleaning is suitable for minor grime, heavy mildew growth or extensive staining may require hiring a professional. Siding contractors have specialized equipment and chemicals for deep cleaning and stain removal. They also have the experience to determine if siding damage is causing difficult stains. Professionals take safety precautions when using harsh chemicals high off the ground. They can also clean and restore second story siding that is hard to reach.
Signs it’s time to call a siding cleaning service include:
- Previous DIY attempts didn’t restore the siding.
- Musty black mildew is taking over large sections.
- Grime buildup is thick and caked on in areas.
- There are stains you can’t identify or remove yourself.
- Cleaning chemical fumes are too strong to tolerate.
Look for licensed professionals with training and certification in exterior cleaning. They’ll assess the type of grime present and use truck-mounted power washers, lifting equipment, and commercial strength cleaners as needed. Expect to pay around $0.80-$1.50 per square foot for professional vinyl siding cleaning services.
Maintain a Clean Exterior with Regular Washing
While deep cleaning vinyl siding is only needed every year or two, more frequent maintenance washing preserves the pristine results. Here are some tips for keeping vinyl siding cleaner between deep cleanings:
- Use a garden hose with a fan spray nozzle monthly to rinse away dust and debris.
- Spot clean problem areas as needed with the soft bristle brush method.
- Apply siding conditioner or protectant annually to repel dirt.
- Keep plants and bushes trimmed back from touching the siding.
- Install gutter guards to prevent clogs that overflow onto siding.
- Address moisture issues like leaky roofs that allow mold growth.
With the right cleaning methods and regular maintenance, your vinyl siding will stay looking like new for many years. Avoid abrasive scrubbing and use pressure washers, specialty cleaners and tools designed specifically for vinyl. Pay attention to keeping siding clean and dry by sealing gaps, fixing drips from roofs and gutters, and routing water away from the foundation. Contact a professional siding cleaner for a deep cleaning when DIY methods aren’t getting the job done.
Conclusion
Scrubbing vinyl siding does more harm than good by scratching and fading the material. Thankfully, there are many effective cleaning methods that safely restore vinyl siding without abrasion. Pressure washing, specialty cleaners, soft brushes and cleaning tools all remove grime and restore vinyl’s color without damage. For heavy mildew and challenging stains, hiring a professional siding cleaning service may be needed. But for routine cleaning, DIY methods like mixing your own cleaner solutions or using a soft-bristled brush get vinyl siding looking fresh and new again without scrubbing. Just remember to follow safety tips, test products first, and rinse thoroughly after cleaning. With the right gentle cleaning methods, vinyl siding will maintain its good looks for many years before needing replacement.