Cleaning Vinyl Siding – What Not to do! Pros &
Cons
Cleaning Vinyl Siding Made Easy
Vinyl siding is one of the easiest ways to go if you want an exterior that is easy to clean.
Cleaning vinyl siding often includes little more than a pressure washer or a soapy
bucket of water and elbow grease. Choosing which cleaning method is really up to the
individual homeowner, though most agree that the soapy water and elbow grease
method is the best way to go. Either way, cleaning vinyl siding is a breeze.
Which method is best for my home?
When choosing the method of how to clean your vinyl siding, you really need only look
at two options. One is pressure washing the vinyl, and the other is by hand. The vinyl
siding really determines which one you should go with. If the vinyl is well done, and the
corners, creases and seams of the vinyl are done properly, you can likely clean using a
pressure washer. If you have many creases and poorly done corners, you need to do it
by hand. The reason for this is because a pressure washer will usually be powerful
enough to get into the creases of the siding and wet the wooden parts underneath, if
your homes exterior walls doesn’t have a protective vapor barrier between the siding
and the walls sheathing. This can lead to mold and other serious problems. You have
Article written by – Michael Martin http://www.mbmcarpentry.com C 2010
to be careful either way you are cleaning vinyl siding, because even a water hose can
shoot water behind the siding if you are careless.
How do I clean my vinyl siding with a pressure washer?
The key to cleaning vinyl siding with a pressure washer is to use the right solution. The
commercial vinyl siding cleaners are great, but household dishwashing liquid mixed
with water is just as good. Regardless, you want to make certain you are not using
bleach. Bleach is loaded with toxins that will kill your plants, shrubs and trees quickly
when the water seeps into the ground, and also can eat away at the protective coating
layers of you