Anyone who has a house with siding knows how grimy the surface can become, especially on the north side of the house. Giving your siding a good wash every few years will keep it looking pristine.
Start by lightly spraying the entire surface with a garden hose to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, apply a cleaning solution in sections, starting at the top and working your way down. The cleaning solution can be a commercial siding cleaner, dish soap in a bucket of warm water or a solution of 70% water and 30% vinegar.
Use a soft-bristled brush on a telescopic pole to gently scrub until clean. Use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse each section when clean. For stubborn stains, you may have to repeat.
Avoid washing your siding in direct sunlight as it can dry the cleaning solution too quickly and leave streaks. Don’t forget to protect your plants and trees in the surrounding area from the cleaning solution.
Pressure washer
Washing your siding with a pressure washer with a soap attachment is very effective but it’s important to use a low-pressure setting. High pressure can cause damage to the siding and windows plus the spray can go under the siding panels and make the substructure wet and potentially causing rot. Remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using a pressure washer on your siding.
