
Vinyl siding is your home’s first barrier against the outdoors. As such, it takes a beating. Between dirt and grime, chalky residues, and algal stains, siding may start to look nasty. Fortunately, mild soap and a scrub brush are all it takes to get your home looking beautiful again. New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. provides a cleaning guide for your vinyl siding to keep it in peak condition.
The Importance of Siding Maintenance
After a year of rough weather, you may notice your vinyl siding looks worse for wear. The once-vibrant colors become dingy, and the clean, crisp lines are marred by dirt build-up. Several factors contribute to this. The most common include:
- Debris: The outdoors are naturally full of debris. The wind blows dirt and the elements against the house, spiders build webs that capture fallen leaves, and rain splashes up mud.
- Algae: In the damp New Jersey climate, house siding may experience algae growth. This is most common in protected areas that don’t receive much sunlight.
- Chalk: This dull, dusty residue is the result of wear and tear and is a natural consequence when pigmented materials are constantly exposed to sunlight and weather.
Fortunately, these are all normal occurrences that can be easily resolved with the right cleaning method. After some soap, water, and elbow grease, your house siding will look as good as new.
Is Power Washing Suitable for Vinyl Siding?
When it’s time to clean your vinyl siding, many homeowners’ first instinct is to power wash, which uses high-pressure streams of water to remove dirt and grime. However, it’s best to avoid power washing your vinyl siding to prevent damaging its surface. Some effects of power washing vinyl siding can include:
- Water intrusion: Power washing over gaps in your siding may force water underneath. Moisture underneath can lead to mold growth and structural problems.
- Scratches: If high-pressure water catches a piece of stone, stick, or other sharp debris, it may create unsightly scratches and blemishes in your siding finish.
- Torn siding: The extreme forces may loosen your siding’s attachment. In severe cases, it can even tear pieces away from the home causing serious damage.
All of these may impact your house siding’s beauty and longevity. When you invest in a top-quality product like vinyl siding, you expect it to perform for years. Early, avoidable damage may require financing a costly replacement. This is why it’s important to learn how to care for house siding correctly.
How to Safely Clean Vinyl Siding
Proper cleaning practices reduce the risk of damage to your siding, helping you keep your home beautiful while making the most of your investment. New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. recommends the following steps for cleaning your vinyl siding:
Use a Garden Hose
To begin cleaning your siding, spray it down using a garden hose. It’s best to keep the spray pointed downward, when possible, to avoid forcing water behind the panels. The soft pressure is often enough to remove most surface debris. In some places, a quick spray is all your siding will need.
Use Gentle Cleaners
If dirt remains after spraying your siding down with a hose, you can fill a bucket with warm water, some laundry detergent, and bleach. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals like undiluted bleach and grease remover.
Scrub Stubborn Stains
Once you have your cleaning solution, apply it to the siding and scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush to lift stubborn stains. Telescoping handles can help you reach high sections of your home. Avoid using metal brushes that may scratch or damage the siding.
The Final Rinse
Finally, use your garden hose again to rinse off the cleaners and scrub debris. Work from the top down. If any areas still look soiled after rinsing, you can spot clean with a brush or scrubbing pad to eliminate any remaining dirt. Congratulations: your siding is now clean!
At New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., our inventory of vinyl siding features options from trusted brands, including Royal Building Products, ProVia Siding, CertainTeed vinyl siding, and Norandex Premium Vinyl Siding. Whatever brand you choose, you’ll know how to take care of it with our cleaning guide.
Learn More About Siding Maintenance
Vinyl siding brings beauty and resilience to any home. With proper care and maintenance, you enjoy this value for years to come. New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc. is a siding company located in Randolph, NJ, serving North Jersey with high-quality siding sales and installation. Contact us at (973) 895-1113 to learn more about our products or get more insights about cleaning your siding from our blog.