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Keeping Your Vinyl
Siding Clean
 Wash
vinyl siding with a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled,
soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, use only a
soft bristle brush to avoid smearing stains into the
grooves of the texture. To prevent streaking from soap
and water running down the house during cleaning, start
at the bottom of the wall and work up. Rinse the
cleaning solution with water before it dries. If your
home has brick facing, cover the brick so that it is not
affected by the runoff.
Vinyl siding can be washed with a power washer, although
you should read the washer instructions thoroughly
before use. When cleaning, hold the power washer
straight at eye level. Do not aim the power washer
upward, as the water may collect behind the siding, leak
later, and produce streaks or could remain and cause
decay.
Small spots of mold and mildew can be handled with
cleaners such as Fantastik™
or Windex™. For larger sections, a solution of vinegar
(30 percent) and water (70 percent) has proven
successful. Alternatively, you also could try the
following solution: 1/3 cup (2 2/3 ounces) powdered
laundry detergent, 2/3 cup (5 1/3 ounces) powdered
household cleaner (e.g., Spic & Span™, Soilax™, or
equivalent), 1 quart (32 fluid ounces) liquid laundry
bleach, and 1 gallon (128 fluid ounces) of water.
Be sure to spot check any general or stain specific
cleaner before using it on a large section of siding.
After removing the stain, rinse thoroughly with water.
Do not use cleaners containing organic solvents,
undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail
polish remover, or furniture polish or cleaners. They
can affect the surface of the siding.
General cleaners such as Simple Green™, Nice & Easy™,
Armor All™, or the equivalent can be used to clean dirt,
bird droppings, and spider webs. Cleaners such as
Fantastik™, Lestoil™, Murphy's Oil Soap™, Windex™ or the
equivalent can remove some stains such as bubble gum,
crayon, oil-based caulk, felt-tip pen, grass stain,
lithium grease, motor oil or rust. Try cleaners such as
Soft Scrub™ or the equivalent for pencil or paint*.
Rinse all cleaners with water before they dry.
VINYL SIDING MAINTENANCE
 To
protect vinyl siding from discoloration, cover it when
using stains, sealants, and wet concrete as part of home
renovation projects. To avoid potential staining from
insecticides or herbicides, consult the product labels
and/or the insecticide or herbicide manufacturer before
applying.
Vinyl siding is made from organic materials and will
melt or burn when exposed to a significant heat source.
Home and building owners should always take precautions
to keep fire sources (e.g., barbeque grills) and
combustible materials (e.g., dry leaves, mulch, trash)
away from vinyl siding.
The typical heat distortion temperature of vinyl siding
is approximately 160 F to 165 F. When temperatures reach
these levels, the siding is likely to distort. Reflected
or radiated heat sources can include windows, roofing,
pavement, and certain underlayments. Installing screens
and awnings and planting bushes or other landscaping can
alleviate reflections or radiation.
If a vinyl siding panel is permanently stained or
otherwise damaged, it is easily replaceable. Place an
"unlocking" tool behind the bottom of the panel above
the panel to be replaced and unzip it from the lock of
the damaged panel. Gently bend out the upper panel and
remove the nails from the damaged panel. Remove the
damaged panel. Lock on the new panel and nail it up. Use
the unlocking tool again to zip the upper panel over the
lock on the new panel.
If you wish to paint your vinyl siding, consult with
your vinyl siding manufacturer first. Many manufacturers
void their warranties if the siding is painted.
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