What do professionals use to clean vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular exterior home sidings today. It offers many benefits over traditional wood siding, including durability, low maintenance, and cost effectiveness. However, like any exterior surface, vinyl siding still needs regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. When cleaning vinyl siding, using the right products and techniques is important to avoid damaging the siding. Professional house cleaners and property managers rely on proven methods to safely and effectively clean vinyl.

Why Clean Vinyl Siding?

Keeping vinyl siding clean provides both aesthetic and functional benefits. Aesthetically, clean siding simply looks better, helping maintain your home’s curb appeal. Dirt, mildew, and other buildup can make vinyl siding appear dingy or stained. Functionally, regular cleaning helps preserve the siding itself. Debris and dirt buildup can retain moisture against the siding, while mold and mildew can actually feed on the vinyl and cause degradation over time. By washing away these contaminants, you keep your siding looking fresh and ensure its longevity.

Potential Damage from Improper Cleaning

While vinyl siding needs occasional washing just like any other exterior surface, special care must be taken to avoid damaging it in the process. The vinyl used in today’s siding is durable but still vulnerable to certain cleaners and methods. Harsh chemicals, abrasive tools, and excessive pressure can all lead to scratches, discoloration, and degradation of the siding. The key is using the right cleaning solutions and techniques tailored specifically to vinyl. Professional vinyl siding cleaners are careful to avoid the following:

• Harsh chemicals – Bleach, ammonia, and other strong chemicals can discolor or physically break down vinyl polymers.
• Abrasive tools – Stiff brushes, abrasive sponges, and anything that can physically scratch the siding must be avoided.
• High pressure washing – While mild pressure rinsing is okay, excessive pressure can damage softer vinyl and force water into crevices.

Following the proper cleaning methods using mild, vinyl-safe products is essential.

Soft Wash Cleaning Solutions

When researching what the professionals use to clean vinyl siding, “soft wash” cleaning solutions designed for vinyl consistently come up. Soft wash mixes utilize gentle cleaners and low pressure applications. There are two main types of soft wash mixes used:

1. Bleach-based Solutions

Many professional cleaners use a soft wash mix containing sodium hypochlorite, better known as bleach. Household bleach effectively removes dirt, mildew, mold and other buildup without the harshness of full strength chlorine bleach. When properly diluted down to around 2-4% bleach, it can safely clean vinyl siding without bleach’s damaging effects. The typical recipe is:

• 1/3 cup bleach
• 1/3 cup mild dish soap
• 1 gallon of water

The soap helps the diluted bleach spread and cling to the siding for maximum cleaning action. The soap also contains surfactants that help lift contaminants from the vinyl’s surface when rinsing.

2. No-Bleach Soft Wash Mixes

For those wishing to avoid bleach entirely, there are effective no-bleach soft wash mixes used by vinyl siding professionals. These typically contain a mix of:

• Mild liquid cleaning detergents – For lifting dirt and oils.
• Low-alkaline degreasers – For removing grime and grease.
• Anti-bacterial additives – To kill mildew and algae.
• Water softeners – To allow rinsing with hard water.

The cleaning agents in these mixes are formulated to be safe on vinyl and other delicate exterior surfaces but still dissolve common buildup and discoloration issues.

Soft Wash Cleaning Process

Using the right soft wash solution is only part of the process. Applying the cleaner and rinsing the siding is equally important. Here is an overview of the soft wash cleaning method used by vinyl siding cleaning professionals:

Mix the Soft Wash Solution

Mix an appropriate soft wash solution as described above – either bleach-based or no-bleach. Only mix as much as needed for each cleaning session.

Apply the Solution

Apply the mixed soft wash solution generously to the vinyl siding using a low-pressure pump or compression sprayer. Let the cleaner dwell 5-10 minutes.

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse off the vinyl siding using a standard garden hose, taking care to not use excessive water pressure. Rinse until the rinse water runs clear.

Brush Stubborn Areas

For any remaining stubborn dirt or buildup, use a soft bristle brush with light pressure while rinsing. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.

Final Rinse

Do a final thorough rinse of the siding to remove any last traces of the cleaning solution.

Tips for DIY Cleaning

While it’s always best to hire vinyl siding cleaning professionals, it is possible to clean your siding safely yourself using the soft wash method. Here are some useful tips for effective DIY vinyl siding cleaning:

• Test first – Always test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before doing the entire house.
• Start at the top – Work from top to bottom when cleaning siding to prevent streaking from rinse water runoff.
• Use a sprayer – Use a pump sprayer or pressure washer on low setting to evenly apply the soft wash mix.
• Limit sunlight – Clean siding early or late in the day to allow it to dry before direct sun exposure.
• Rinse thoroughly – Take the time to completely rinse off all cleaner residue.
• Dry completely – Allow the siding to fully air dry before evaluating the results.

Following these tips will help ensure you safely clean vinyl siding without causing any damage. However, for large homes or severe buildup issues, calling in a professional soft wash cleaner is advised.

Hiring Vinyl Siding Cleaning Services

While DIY cleaning is possible for small vinyl siding jobs, professionals have the experience, tools, and techniques to handle more extensive cleaning projects. Reasons you may want to hire a vinyl siding cleaning service include:

• Two story or high homes – Professionals have the necessary ladders and lifts to access and clean the entire exterior safely.
• Severe mildew staining – For heavy mildew buildup or discoloration that requires more aggressive treatment.
• Whole-house cleaning – Cleaning all siding for a large single-family detached home or multi-unit dwelling.
• Post-construction cleaning – After new siding installation or exterior remodeling.
• Annual/biannual maintenance cleaning – For homeowners who want to maintain the exterior’s appearance as part of regular home maintenance.

When looking for a professional siding cleaner, be sure they:

• Specialize in soft wash cleaning methods.
• Have experience specifically with vinyl siding.
• Offer exterior cleaning packages for whole homes.
• Carry full insurance coverage.

Reputable soft wash companies will provide a free inspection and quote for your vinyl siding cleaning needs.

Cost to Clean Vinyl Siding

For professional vinyl siding cleaning, costs depend on several factors:

• Size of home
• Amount of siding
• Severity of buildup
• Location and accessibility
• Frequency of cleaning

As a rough estimate, expect to pay:**

Home Size	Average Cost
Small (under 1500 sq ft)	$200 – $400
Medium (1500 – 2500 sq ft)	$400 – $700
Large (over 2500 sq ft)	$700 – $1000

Multi-story homes generally cost more as well. Most companies provide discounts for repeat customers signing up for regular maintenance cleaning.

Pressure Washing Alternatives

While occasionally mistaken for pressure washing, professional soft wash vinyl siding cleaning is far gentler. True pressure washing – using powerful jet sprayers up to 5000 PSI – can easily damage vinyl. However, there are some alternative pressure-based methods professionals may use:

• Low pressure rinsing – Under 500 PSI using fan spray tips to prevent vinyl damage.
• Soft wash attachments – Special pressure washer attachments that siphon and mix cleaners for low pressure application.

These techniques allow properly diluted cleaners to be applied under light water pressure while still protecting vinyl from harm. But the highest PSI compatible with vinyl is about 800. Higher pressure should be avoided.

Maintenance Cleaning Schedule

To keep vinyl siding looking its best, consider having it cleaned on a regular maintenance schedule by professionals.

Climate	Cleaning Frequency
Hot and humid	Every 6-12 months
Hot and dry	Every 12-18 months
Cooler climates	Every 2-3 years

Homes in hot, humid environments are prone to heavy mildew growth and may need cleaning as often as every 6 months. In drier or colder regions, every couple years is sufficient. Adjust frequency based on the level of buildup you observe.

DIY Maintenance Tips

Between professional cleanings, some simple DIY maintenance can keep your siding cleaner longer:

• Hose down siding occasionally to rinse away loose dirt.
• Clean gutters and direct drainage away from siding.
• Trim back bushes and plants touching siding.
• Use a leaf blower to remove debris around siding.
• Spot clean problem areas as needed with soft wash mixes.

Neglecting basic cleaning and maintenance leads to faster buildup of damaging gunk on your vinyl siding. Keeping the exterior maintained helps your siding last longer.

When to Avoid DIY Cleaning

While DIY siding cleaning is possible for many homeowners, there are times it is best avoided:

• Two-story homes
• Severely dirty or stained siding
• Little DIY experience
• Unable to access all areas
• No necessary equipment

Attempting to clean siding under any of these conditions often leads to subpar results or even vinyl damage. Leaving the cleaning to professional soft wash companies ensures it is done safely and properly.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning is important for keeping vinyl siding looking fresh and lasting longer. While pressure washing may sound like an easy cleaning method, its high pressure water can easily damage vinyl. Professional cleaners use special soft wash solutions and low pressure rinsing techniques tailored specifically for cleaning vinyl safely and effectively. Hiring reputable soft wash companies with vinyl siding experience allows homeowners to maintain their home’s exterior appear and protect their siding investment. With the right products and methods, you can keep your vinyl siding clean without putting it at risk of damage.