How to clean vinyl siding: maintenance tips for exterior cladding

Updated on September 8, 2020

Even though vinyl cladding may seem like a pretty fragile, easily broken and damaged material, discovering how to clean vinyl siding properly, homeowners can preserve its functionality, prolong the lifespan, and add property’s resale value. Thus, even if you think that there is nothing more durable and high-impact resistant than aluminium, it’s time to analyze the vinyl cladding benefits, as facade longevity depends rather not on the material, but on its adequate process of maintaining. It means that no matter, you invest in composite siding, aluminium, or vinyl cladding, be ready to adhere to simple cleaning advice to benefit the most from a home renovation project.

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The advantages of the vinyl option are its relatively low price compared to aluminum siding, resistance to bad weather, and sustainability with no negative effect on climate change. With competently installed flashing to direct all rainwater away, your house won’t be subjected to excessive moisture, growth of fungus, rusting, etc. Insulated cladding will reduce energy costs. More signs that vinyl worth your investments:

  • the life expectancy is at least thirty years with proper care, and some manufacturers guarantee even up to 50 years of smooth and reliable service;
  • vinyl siding comes in different colors, styles, finishes, offering to create a unique facade design;
  •  simple installation routine allows applying a DIY strategy;
  • there is no option of repainting the vinyl facade, however, due to its inherent features and ultraviolet resistance, it won’t fade and keep the color longer than you expect;
  • environmentally friendly material does not crack or scratch, easy to clean.

Withstanding bright sun and heavy rains, the cladding will retain its original shade and texture. However, due to poor maintenance or simply wear and tear over the years, it can deteriorate and lose its visual beauty. In this case, consider using siding Providence services for upgrading your exterior.

How to clean vinyl siding properly: best practices

Caring for horizontal or vertical siding made of vinyl is a quite straightforward household task. Of course, it can get dirty quicker than metal. However, it’s much easier to wipe, rinse, and refresh vinyl. Accumulated dust and dirt can be washed off with no troubles. Here are some tips to help you deal with this cleaning challenge.

When is the right time? 

Check the weather forecast and pick a warm and dry day. Do not start washing vinyl facade on a cloudy day, otherwise rain can spoil your work and make siding dirt again. You can clean cladding with a hose and a garden spray nozzle or you can learn how to clean vinyl siding with a pressure washer. Regardless of the method which you will apply, be careful, as a strong jet of water is undesirable since moisture can get into the vertical joints of the panel and ruin the integrity of walls.

Apply the right technique

When it comes to pressure washing your siding, always start spraying from the top to bottom, dealing with the top panels first and then with the lower siding part, no matter if you have your panels installed vertically or horizontally. Any grime, dust, and mud that cannot be removed with a water stream can be eliminated with a soft brush or cloth and soapy water.

Perfect solutions for vinyl

To remove mold, algae, or mildew stains, use white vinegar (70%) and add water (30%). Also, consider using powdered laundry detergent or household cleaning products for making your cladding look new again.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.