Clean Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding was sold as maintenance-free, which turned out to mean low-maintenance at best. What accumulates on those panels over a season is a film of airborne dust, pollen, spider webs, algae spores, and whatever the sprinkler threw up there. Left alone, it dulls to a gray-green patina that makes the whole house look tired. Cleaned properly, vinyl comes back to its original finish in an afternoon, no special equipment required. The work is straightforward but the technique matters. Go at it wrong with a pressure washer set too high and you'll drive water behind the panels or crack the seams. Rush the rinse and you'll streak detergent down the wall. Do it right and you're looking at four to six hours for an average two-story, less if you've got help. The house looks newer when you're done, and the siding lasts longer because you've cleared the organic matter that holds moisture against the surface.

1. Protect Plants Before You Start. Move furniture, grills, and planters away from the house. Cover shrubs near the foundation with drop cloths if you're using detergent. Run the hose over plants and grass along the house perimeter to saturate them before you start washing.
2. Mix the Right Solution. Combine one part white vinegar to three parts water, or use a tablespoon of dish soap per gallon if you're dealing with heavier grime. For mildew, add a cup of oxygen bleach per two gallons. Avoid chlorine bleach, which can discolor vinyl and kill plants.
3. Scrub Bottom to Top. Wet a four-foot-wide section from bottom to top with the hose. Apply cleaning solution with a soft-bristle brush on an extension pole, scrubbing horizontally along the panel lines. Work one section at a time, keeping the surface wet.
4. Target Tight Spots. Switch to a handheld brush for areas around vents, corners, and trim where the pole brush can't reach effectively. Pay attention to the underside of each panel's bottom edge where mildew collects.
5. Rinse Every Trace Away. After scrubbing each section, rinse from the top down using a steady spray from the garden hose. Hold the nozzle at a slight downward angle to avoid forcing water up behind the panels. Keep the rinse moving to prevent streaks.
6. Tackle Stubborn Stains. Walk the perimeter once the first pass is dry enough to evaluate. Rust stains need oxalic acid cleaner. Tree sap responds to mineral spirits on a cloth. Stubborn mildew may need a second treatment with oxygen bleach left on longer.
7. Protect Plants One Last Time. Remove drop cloths and rinse all plants, grass, and mulch along the foundation to wash away any detergent residue. Check soil moisture and water deeply if the ground dried out during the work.
8. Spot Damage Now. With the siding clean, look for cracked panels, loose seams, or gaps around trim that need caulking. Check that all panels are locked into each other properly. Make a list of repairs to address before weather turns.