Yes, we are side-eyeing your siding.
We know we shouldn’t pass judgment, but there’s no denying that the exterior of your home makes the first impression.
WHY CLEAN THE SIDING
Cleaning your house siding is a terrific method to renew and improve the curb appeal of your property. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your siding help to reduce and eliminate dirt, mold, and mildew that accumulates over time. The right techniques, chemicals, and equipment are all necessary to effectively clean your siding. Additionally, regular cleaning of your siding can also serve as a preventative maintenance measure, as this allows you to stay ahead of issues that could cause problems with your siding later on. For example, if your gutters have gaps, water can leak through to your siding, providing an ideal environment for mold, mildew, and staining.
RETHINK CLEANING YOUR SIDING WITH A PRESSURE WASHER
Although convenient, using a pressure washer to clean your house siding can easily damage it and end up costing you money in the long run. A pressure washer can cause holes in your siding and peel paint off your house.
Additionally, pressure washing can cause water to enter your home and accumulate in your attic, walls, and flooring, leading to mold and mildew growth. If exposed to mold and mildew for an extended period of time, it can cause irritation to the nose, eyes, and skin, as well as aggravate symptoms in people with allergies such as asthma.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO CLEAN HOUSE SIDING
We at Glassmate have found hand scrubbing with an extendable brush to be the most effective method for cleaning siding. How to clean vinyl, wood and aluminum siding.
- Multi-purpose cleaner (Dawn dish soap or Palmolive)
- Homemade solution (warm water and vinegar)
- Soft bristle brush
Use an all-purpose cleaner like dawn dish soap and warm water. For grime, mold and mildew, mix some vinegar into the solution. With a soft-bristle brush, scrub the cleaning solution along the entire length of the surface from side to side.
Use an extendable cleaning brush with soft bristles for hard-to-reach areas. Remember not to scrub too hard when using a bristle brush as this can cause damage to the material. Apply the solution and let it sit for up to 15 minutes before you start scrubbing for tougher stains.
To avoid streaks, start at the bottom and rinse each area with your garden hose before it dries.
IN CONCLUSION
Mold and mildew are less likely to take hold and become an issue if the surface of your siding is kept clean. Clean the siding on your house yearly as this will remove dirt and grime that has accumulated over the year, giving your siding a cleaner, more appealing appearance. If you notice a problem that is beyond your capabilities, contact a professional to have the situation evaluated.
