Vinyl siding has been an incredibly popular siding choice ever since its introduction in 1950. It’s low-cost, effective, and super simple to maintain. Out of the four main siding options, metal, wood, fiber cement, and vinyl, it is the most affordable and second most easy to install. Despite being low maintenance, it does require an annual checkup every year to keep the siding in good shape throughout its lifespan. Here’s how to clean vinyl siding:
Siding Maintenance
Occasional cleaning is a must to keep your vinyl siding appealing and to prevent the accumulation of dirt. A rinse down every now and then with the garden hose will do just fine if done regularly. Although if you miss a few cleaning sessions and notice that mold and other heavier grime has accumulated, a soft scrubbing brush and some cleaning solution will easily remove any buildups. A simple cleaning solution can be made at home if you don’t have anything handy. The following recipe will do a fine job and leave your vinyl squeaky clean:
1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent
2/3 cup powdered household cleaner
1 quart liquid bleach
1 gallon water
Pressure washing is also an acceptable method if done with care. If you go this route you need to be careful to keep the water from going behind the siding. Once you’ve finished scrubbing your siding clean, rinse from the top down and do so quickly as to avoid any stains from your cleaner. Always clean regularly! It’s the best way to protect your siding and can easily save you $250-$900 in repairs.
PRO TIP: Professionals wash their siding from atop a ladder! This is because vinyl siding is hung with a locking mechanism. If you spray it from below with a powerwasher, it can come unlocked do to the upwards pressure. Then you will have to reinstall all of the siding that sits below where it came unlocked. By spraying the powerwasher onto the siding from above, it prevents this from occurring.
When to Replace Your Vinyl Siding
Although clean vinyl siding is resilient, being exposed to the elements 24 hours a day can take its toll. Harsh UV rays from the sun can cause the color in your siding to fade over time. Heavy dirt buildup can also cause bleaching or staining on siding. And if your home experiences extreme weather conditions, siding can be damaged by it, especially if it’s cold. Bending and cracking can occur due to high winds, fluctuating temperatures, and high impact forces.
Depending on the quality of siding you purchase, vinyl can last up to 60 years with good maintenance. If you ever notice a crack or physical damage on your siding, it’s best to repair it as soon as possible. A break in your siding can leave the side of your house exposed to rain and moisture, leaving your house at the mercy of mold and insects that could potentially take residence. So if you ever notice a break in your siding, make haste and repair as soon as you can! Your home will thank you.
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