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Household Cleaner #1: Bleach Solution One of the most popular alternatives to power washing your siding is detergent, bleach and water. If your white siding is beginning to look a little green, then this is the route you want to go, as it is very powerful against mildew and mold.
What is the best thing to use to clean vinyl siding?
The best vinyl siding cleaning solution uses gentle products such as dish soap and water, or vinegar and water. Or, you can purchase a commercial vinyl siding cleaner to do the job. Apply the solution and clean the siding using a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth, then rinse off with a spray hose.
Can you use Dawn to clean vinyl siding?
Dish soap or laundry soap mixed with warm water are efficient at cleaning your siding. You can use a handheld spray bottle to apply your dish soap mixture. Using a wet soft-bristled brush, start from the bottom of your section and scrub from side to side.
What should you not clean vinyl siding with?
When cleaning your vinyl siding, it is important that you not use any cleaners containing organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, or furniture polish or cleaners. These products can potentially damage the surface of the siding.
How do you get dirt off vinyl siding?
For general dirtiness all you’ll need is a bucket of soapy water – dish soap or common laundry detergent work well, a soft bristle brush and a garden hose. Apply the soapy mixture by hand and thoroughly rinse the siding with clean water from the garden hose.
Is it safe to power wash vinyl siding?
Using a Pressure Washer to Clean Vinyl Siding Don’t be intimidated by the power of a pressure washer. Pressure washers are easy to operate and are perfectly safe for cleaning your siding, contrary to what you may have heard before. For one-story homes, almost any pressure washer will do just fine at low pressure.
Why you should not pressure wash your house?
Do not pressure wash any fixtures housing electricity, even those on the exterior of your home or in your yard. Though built to withstand a rainstorm, pressure washing can force water into cracks and crevice and cause damage and costly repairs.
Does OxiClean clean vinyl siding?
OxiClean is just one of many different brands of oxygen bleach cleaners. Oxygen bleach, aside from being great at cleaning siding covered in mold or mildew, is perfectly safe for you and the environment. It’s actually nothing more than a souped-up relative of hydrogen peroxide in powdered form.
Will bleach harm vinyl siding?
Will bleach hurt vinyl siding? Although vinyl siding can also be cleaned with detergents, Clorox is much more effective for removing stubborn baked-on dirt, soot, stains, mold and mildew. Clorox bleach will not harm vinyl siding as long as it is properly diluted and thoroughly rinsed from the surface.
Can you use Murphy’s Oil soap on vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is usually rather easy to clean. Use a soft-bristled brush with a long handle. Cleaners recommended by the Vinyl Siding Institute for general cleaning include Fantastik and Murphy’s Oil Soap.
How can I clean the outside of my house without a pressure washer?
Wet the siding, spraying in a direction away from doors and windows. Scrub the areas with a soft-bristled brush on the end of an extension pole, working in small sections at a time. Start at the top and work your way down; this allows the dirt to wash down and keeps the bleach from staining.
Can I use Simple Green on vinyl siding?
Cleaning vinyl siding can be a quick and easy task, if you keep a semi-regular maintenance schedule. Simple Green Oxy Solve House and Siding Cleaner can help make the task even easier. Use it for hand cleaning or in your pressure washer on vinyl siding as well as stucco, wood, brick, and aluminum siding.
What is a good powdered household cleaner?
Brand Bar Keepers Friend. (6) Comet. (6) Ajax. (4) Eco Clean. (2) CLR. (1) Diversey. (1) HurriClean. (1) Method. (1).
What PSI Do I need to wash vinyl siding?
Choosing a Pressure Washer Vinyl siding can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi). Aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood homes will do better with a less powerful washer (about 1,200-1,500 psi). Determine whether you will rent or buy your machine.
What causes mold to grow on vinyl siding?
Buildup of Dirt One of the main reasons someone might see mildew or mold on vinyl siding is that dirt has accumulated on the surface. Not only does that make the siding look unclean, but it can also lead to mildew because fungus often feeds on dirt and dust.
How do you keep mold from growing on vinyl siding?
Fight the Mold: 10 Ways to Keep Your Home Siding Mold-Free Schedule Regular Cleanings. Use the garden hose and a soft-bristle brush to clean your siding surface every few months. Allow for Direct Sunlight. Eliminate Climbing Vines. Mitigate the Moss. Be Swift. Mind the Sprinklers. Invest in Good Insulation.
What’s the difference between pressure washing and power washing?
The main difference with power washing vs. pressure washing is the heat. The jet wash in a power washing machine uses heated water, whereas the water in a pressure washer is not heated. It is particularly recommended on surfaces, such as concrete or cement, which will not be damaged by power washing.
How much does it cost to get your house pressure washed?
Power or pressure washing typically costs between $192 and $401 in the U.S., with the national average running about $295. Power washing a house costs between $150 and $750, depending on the home’s size. Washing a driveway costs $100 to $500, while power washing a patio or deck costs about $250 to $400.