It is not difficult to clean vinyl siding, but a pressure washer makes it easier. However, you should exercise extreme caution when using a pressure washer to avoid injuring yourself or damaging the vinyl cladding. Continue reading for advice on how to pressure wash vinyl siding properly.
Tools & Materials Needed
- Brush with soft bristles
- Bottle of spray
- Water, bleach, and a garden hose
- Vinyl siding cleaning solution that can be used with a pressure washer
- A pressure washer fitted with the appropriate tips
- Cloth made of microfiber
- Goggles, rubber gloves, and a face mask are all protective equipment.
How to clean vinyl siding with a pressure washer
Step 1: Clean Up the Surface Dirt
Begin by removing dirt, debris, mildew, or algae from the siding’s surface. For this, you’ll need a microfiber washcloth and a soft-bristled brush with a long handle.
In a spray bottle, combine one cup of oxygen bleach and ten cups of water. Spray the mixture on the lower siding slats as well as those near your eyes.
Mount a ladder and spritz the bleach mixture on the hard-to-reach areas, then clean the surface dirt with a long-handled brush. Scrub the dirt away from the lower sidings with a hand brush.
Rinse the walls with water from a garden hose. Removing surface dirt will make deep cleaning easier.
Step 2: Add a cleaning solution to the pressure washer reservoir.
It is time to use a deep cleaning solution to remove stubborn dirt and stains.
Use a pressure washer-safe cleaning solution. If the solution requires measuring and mixing, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.
Find cleaning solutions designed specifically for washing vinyl siding whenever possible. These are gentle and won’t stain, burn, or scuff the siding.
The majority of pressure washers have such a compartment for cleaning detergents. Find this on yours and add the recommended amount according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Inside the washer, an injector will mix the water and soap, producing a nice soapy solution that will cut down on dirt.
Step 3: Make Use Of The Soap
Insert the soap tip into the wand of the pressure washer. Use the proper tip for each job. The soap tip sprays the soapy water at a low pressure and wide angle. This allows you to spread the soapy solution over a larger siding area.
When applying soap, keep the water pressure in the range of 1,300-1,600 PSI to become acquainted with the pressure washer and determine whether the pressure is sufficient to clean the vinyl siding or if you need to build pressure for effective cleaning.
Remember that even a slight increase in pressure can cause the siding to separate. It is best to apply moderate pressure and work slowly to protect your siding.
Turn on the washer, raise the wand to eye level, and spray water directly onto the vinyl siding.
Maintain a 45-degree angle with the wand; do not tilt the wand up or blast the cleaning detergent into the seams where the vinyl slats meet. When you point the wand upward, water can seep through the siding, causing water damage to your walls.
When cleaning inaccessible areas, use a tall ladder. You’ll avoid tilting the wand upward, keeping it at eye level for safe use.
Step 4: Ensure Proper Cleaning Solution Application
Ensure that the cleaning solution is applied correctly.
Apply the soapy solution liberally to the siding. Begin in one corner and work your way around until the entire siding surface is covered in the soapy solution.
Sweep the cleaning solution up and down and from left to right. As you work your way up the siding, start at the bottom and work your way up. When using a pressure washer, many people make the mistake of swirling the wand in circles. However, doing so will cause you to miss some spots and end up leaving visible streaks.
Work in small sections and only move on when one surface has been thoroughly cleaned and the residue has been removed. Go across each section again, blasting the soap and water mixture as much as necessary until the stubborn residue is gone.
Keep an eye on the reservoir and replenish it as necessary. While you should blast the soapy water repeatedly to remove the grime from your vinyl siding, be careful not to use too much soap. Excess soap on vinyl can be difficult to remove, especially if it dries on the surface. Decide how much cleaning solution is required for your vinyl siding using your best judgment.
You should also keep an eye on the pressure. If it isn’t enough to remove the gunk from your siding, gradually increase the pressure until you are satisfied with the level. Twist the soap tip right to increase pressure and left to decrease pressure. Remember that adjusting the pressure gradually rather than abruptly can result in serious injury and damage.
Step 5: Let the cleaning solution sit for a while
Enable the cleaning solution to soak for a few minutes.
Allow the cleaning solution to dissolve the dirt on the siding’s surface. Rinsing becomes quick and easy as a result of this.
In most cases, five to ten minutes is sufficient time for the cleaning solution to do its job. Allowing the soapy water to dry on the siding can cause streaking and residue on the surface.
A neat trick is to go back every now and then and spray some of that soapy solution on the preceding part while working on the other sections. This will keep the soap from drying on the areas where you applied it.
Step 6: Get Ready to Rinse the Vinyl Siding
It’s time to clean the soapy solution off the siding’s surface. First, drain the cleaning solution from the pressure washer reservoir.
Make sure to completely empty the soapy solution so that your rinse water is clean and detergent-free. Hold down the wand trigger to ensure that the cleaning solution is completely flashed out.
Eliminate the soap tip from the wand and install it with a general-purpose tip. This tip will spray water at a 15-20 degree angle, which is sharp enough to remove soap, residue, and loose dirt from the siding surface.
Step 7: Rinse the vinyl siding
Keep the wand at eye level and aimed directly at the siding surface. Blast the clean water from the top and work your way down to allow the soap to wash down. Install a ladder to reach those hard-to-reach areas.
Work on one small section at a time, making sure the water runs clear before moving on to the next. Blast as much clean water as necessary until you are pleased with the appearance and feel of your vinyl siding.
FAQs
How frequently should I power wash my vinyl siding?
Pressure washing your vinyl siding at least once a year is recommended.
Is there a safe bleach to use around plants?
Oxygen bleach is a less harmful to plants alternative to chlorine bleach.
What type of bleach is best for vinyl siding?
Clorox makes outdoor bleach that is specifically designed for applications such as house siding.
Conclusion
Cleaning your home’s exterior is an excellent way to maintain its curb appeal. You can restore the look of your vinyl siding with a little elbow grease and the right cleaner.
Source:
1. [NBC News – How to Clean Vinyl Siding](https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/how-clean-vinyl-siding-according-cleaning-expert-ncna988036)
2. [CNN – Tips for Cleaning Vinyl Siding](https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/08/cnn-underscored/cleaning-vinyl-siding/index.html)
3. [USA Today – Vinyl Siding Cleaning Guide](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/06/23/cleaning-vinyl-siding-how-to-diy/3235664001/)
4. [ABC News – The Best Way to Clean Vinyl Siding](https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Shop/tips-clean-vinyl-siding/story?id=75605908)
5. [CBS News – How to Clean Vinyl Siding Safely](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-clean-vinyl-siding/)
