How To Wash Vinyl Siding

Learn how to wash vinyl siding to keep your home looking its best. A clean, well-maintained home increases the curb appeal of a house and can even add value if you are thinking of selling. Vinyl siding is a popular choice because of how easy it is to clean and maintain.

To wash vinyl siding, you will need:

• A long water hose with a spray nozzle
• A ladder
• A bucket
• Dish washing liquid
• Water
• A soft bristled brush with a long handle

1. Mix the cleaning solution that you will be using. Place a small amount of liquid dish washing detergent into the bucket. Fill the bucket about two-thirds full of water. If mold and mildew are a problem, you can also use a mixture of 30% white vinegar and 70% water to wash the siding.
2. Set up your ladder. It will probably be necessary to use a ladder to reach the highest sections of vinyl siding. Set up the ladder on firm, even ground to avoid accidentally tipping over.
3. Rinse one side of the house. Use the water hose to rinse one side of the house to remove all of the loose dirt and debris. Start at the top and work your way down. A spray nozzle attachment set at a strong jet will help to loosen stuck-on dirt.
4. Brush the vinyl siding. Use the long-handled brush to gently scrub the siding. Remember to work from the top down just like before. It is also important to work on a small section of siding at a time. This will prevent the soap from drying on the siding and will also keep you from having to reach too far on the ladder.
5. Rinse off the soap. Again using the water hose and spray nozzle, rinse all of the soap off of the vinyl siding. If there are any dirty spots left, you can go over them again with the brush and cleaning solution.

Consider the weather and temperature outside when choosing a day to wash your vinyl siding. It is not a job you would want to do when it is very cold or very hot. If you wash the vinyl siding on your home once or twice a year in the spring or fall, it should be fairly easy to keep it looking like new.

Resources:

Vinyl Siding Institute