Homemade Mold Cleaner For Siding
There are some commercial mold and mildew cleaners on the market, but in my experience, the easiest and best mold and mildew cleaner for vinyl siding is a bleach-based solution.
Our homemade mold cleaner for vinyl siding does the job without much scrubbing. While there is a difference between mold and mildew, cleaning them requires the same methods.
Recipe Homemade Mold Cleaner for Siding
- 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate
- 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent
- 1-quart household chlorine bleach
- 1-gallon water
You may need to apply a little elbow grease if the stains are severe. If your siding has cracks or crevices, make sure you kill any mold and mildew thoroughly. You may need a second application. Apply this solution and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing. Dont let it dry on the siding.
How To Maintain Your Siding So It Doesnt Get Moldy
A mold infestation can cause structural damage and health problems, so its important to know how to prevent mold on vinyl siding and take measures to prevent it. Mold can appear fuzzy or slimy and come in many colors, from dark green to black.
Its easy to detect mold once you see it, but it can grow unnoticed for some time if its in a moist area. If you smell a musty or foul odor in a moist area, inspect it thoroughly for signs of mold growth.
Luckily, vinyl siding is not high maintenance, and its simple to prevent mold growth. Heres what you need to know to prevent growth and how Thompson Creek can help you.
Take Care Of Siding Damage
If you notice any cracks or missing pieces on your siding while youre washing it, you should attend to the problem soon. Water will penetrate gaps and threaten the integrity of your homes structure. Although its easy to learn how to clean mold off of your siding, you might want help with siding repairs. A siding specialist from PJ Fitzpatrick is available to evaluate your siding damage right away. Fill out our estimate form today and tell us a little about your project to get started.
Recommended Reading: Mould Bathroom Ceiling
Using Mold And Mildew Removers
Some vinyl siding cleaners are also formulated to stop mold and mildew growth. But its crucial that you take extra care when applying a vinyl siding cleaner near plants and landscaping.
It is best to wet the plants before applying the mold and mildew killer and then rinse the product thoroughly afterward.
Vinyl Siding Cleaners That Actually Work
Good weather brings homeowners outside to enjoy decks, patios, and porches, but with the summer season comes the introduction of mold growing on vinyl siding. Sometimes its stubborn stains from topsoil, rust, dirt, and other debris that leave your vinyl siding less than desirable to look at.
No homeowner wants to be distracted from enjoying the backyards of their homes by green tinted mold covering the vinyl siding. Fortunately, there are plenty of vinyl siding cleaners to help kill the mold and restore the siding back to its original beauty.
Whether you use a mainstream product available at your local hardware store or supermarket, or if you choose to make your own concoction with bleach, vinegar, or cleaning substitute, the task of cleaning vinyl siding can be quick and easy with the right tools for the job.
Also Check: Removing Black Mold From Ceiling
Using A Pressure Washer On Vinyl
Not all vinyl siding manufacturers recommend pressure washing their products, so it’s best to check first to avoid voiding the warranty. Once you’re sure it’s OK, adjust the pressure to no more than 1,200 psi and fit the wand with a 40-degree nozzle. At that pressure, you may have trouble removing well-established patches, especially from high places that require you to work from a ladder. For this reason, it’s a good idea to scrub with a disinfecting cleaner and rinse with the pressure washer. Remember to keep the wand horizontal or tilted downward to avoid forcing water under the vinyl slats.
How To Make The Best Homemade Vinyl Cleaner
Vinyl siding usually cleans up easily with nothing more than a homemade vinyl siding cleaner of soap and water, and a yearly scrubbing will keep it looking new. For basic vinyl siding wash cleaning, use general-purpose vinyl siding cleaning solution mixed with warm water. To make your own vinyl cleaner you’ll need:
- A general-purpose cleaner like Dawn Dish Soap or Soft Scrub
- Bucket full of warm water
- Large sponge
Read Also: Get Rid Of Black Mold In Basement
What Not To Do When Cleaning Vinyl Siding
- Using undiluted and un-targeted products: Organic solvents or undiluted chlorine bleach, and furniture polishers can damage the surface so best be avoided.
- Abrasive scrubbers: The likes of steel wool can scratch and cause damage when cleaning vinyl siding. Soft bristles + elbow grease is the answer.
- Too strong pressure washing: As mentioned, opt for the garden hose instead but if you must use your pressure washer, keep it to a minimum strenth.
- Not cleaning with care: Go carefully around windows, doors, any dryer vents and more openings so that water doesn’t go where it shouldn’t.
Ways To Clean Moldy Vinyl Siding
- Written by Lakshmy Nair on Jul 01, 2010To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by
- 10-30
Mold and mildew on vinyl siding is a common problem that can be remedied with some effort and the right cleaning materials. Over time, mold can grow on a vinyl siding because it has not been cleaned for a while. Accumulated dirt, grime, grease and plant material can also provide the perfect breeding ground for mold. The methods described below will give you an idea about the vast number of cleaning methods you can use.
1 Rinse the Siding with Water
If the mold has just started accumulating on the siding and you discover it on time, you can do a quick cleaning with water. Use a garden hose for this purpose. Remember to always work from the bottom up. Whether you use a garden hose or a pressure washer, never direct the water upwards. This will cause the water to collect behind the siding and possibly contribute to rot and other problems.
2 Apply Cleaning Solution with a Long Handled Brush, Sponge or Soft Cloth
3 Use Windex for Small Spots
If you have mold or mildew in small areas or patches, try cleaning it with Windex or another similar household cleaning solution. Before applying any cleaner, test the solution on an inconspicuous piece of the siding.
4 Apply a Solution of Vinegar and Water
5 Use a Pressure Washer
Don’t Miss: Fungus On Leather
Does Vinegar Kill Mold
White vinegar is a mildly acidic product that cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects. It can also kill 82% of mold species, including black mold, on porous and non-porous surfaces. You can use it safely on most surfaces, and its offensive odor goes away quickly. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle.
Clean Wood Siding With A Garden Hose
If youre using a pressure washer, youll probably do a final rinse with a garden hose, which wont damage the siding and washes away all the chemicals. However, you can also buy an attachment with a chemical cleaner that is hooked up to the garden hose and used to distribute the solution on the siding. The pressure from the hose isnt strong enough to knock down all of the grime, which means youll have to use the scrub technique to remove the more stubborn areas of grime.
When using a garden hose, it is recommended to use a solution of water and cleaner, which is often a mild detergent, and scrub the siding with a sponge, cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Be careful not to push too hard with a brush as this can damage the siding. As a final step, use the garden hose to rinse off any remaining solution and debris.
Read Also: How To Remove Mold From The Ceiling
Remove Algae From Vinyl Siding With The Help Of Experts
Our team here at Washh are expert home exterior cleaners. Their extensive experience helps homeowners get their home siding back to the best condition it can be. We have years of experience and knowledge of the best new products and solutions. As a result, our team continues to amaze our customers not only in having the power washing completed quickly. They also impress with their knowledge of the best cleaners and washing methods for a home.
How To Remove Algae From Vinyl Siding
When it comes to the different types of solution and methods of removing green algae from vinyl siding, you have a few options to choose from. One of the most popular ways of removing algae stains is by using bleach on the siding. When it comes to home maintenance, having issues like these removed and cleaned can help in the look of a home and how long vinyl siding lasts before it needs to be replaced. Keeping up with maintenance like this can be the best decision a homeowner makes.
You May Like: Bathroom Ceiling Mould
Removing Mildew From Vinyl Siding
As rainwater and condensation accumulate on vinyl siding, it can develop black spots of mold and mildew. Standard household cleaners won’t necessarily remove mildew from siding, but a solution of bleach or vinegar should do the job. If you use bleach, protect the plants nearby from runoff by covering them with plastic dropcloths. A power washer is the most efficient tool for the job, but not all siding can handle the water pressure, so check with the manufacturer or test a small, inconspicuous area to determine whether you can use a power washer without damage.
1
Turn off the electricity to any outlets and lamps on the walls you plan to clean. Cover them with plastic sheeting, and secure the sheeting to the wall with duct tape.
2
Mix a solution of 3 parts distilled white vinegar to 7 parts water in a bucket. Alternatively, mix a solution of 1 part household bleach to 4 parts water.
3
Dip a long-handled, soft-bristle brush into the solution. Gently scrub any visible mildew spots.
4
5
Tip the remaining solution out of the sprayer and back into the bucket. Rinse the sprayer quickly and refill it with clean water. Spray the wet strip of vinyl with the water from the top of the house downward to rinse off the solution.
6
Repeat the process with the next 5 feet of siding. Continue in this fashion until you have cleaned the entire affected area.
References
Why Does Mildew Grow On Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular addition to the exterior of homes because its known for being durable and affordable. But there is a downside to this material, and its that mold and mildew tend to grow on vinyl siding. Whether homeowners are considering adding vinyl siding to their home or are concerned about the siding they currently have, its a good idea to find out more about mildew and mold on vinyl siding. More specifically, its helpful to learn the factors that can lead to this issue.
Don’t Miss: Cleaning Mold In Basement
What Is The Best Homemade Deck Cleaner
DIY Organic Deck Cleaner Recipes
Also Check: How To Clean Plastic Cutting Board With Vinegar
How To Clean Vinyl Siding Without Killing Plants
In the world of home improvement, there are few tasks more daunting than cleaning vinyl siding. The material is challenging to clean and can be a nightmare for homeowners who have plants in their yard.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide some tips on how to clean vinyl siding without killing plants. Read on!
You May Like: Wet Molding Leather Holsters
How To Clean Vinyl Siding Without A Pressure Washer
In most cases, a pressure washer with an adjustable hose nozzle will have enough pressure to get the water and detergent mix to the top of the first floor. If you have a multi-storied home, you will need a ladder.
Spray the solution on the siding in sections. Use a long-handled soft brush to scrub the section, giving particular attention to the dirtiest spots. Use one of the homemade vinyl siding cleaning formulas above and rinse off all solution after scrubbing.
Will Vinyl Siding Cleaner Damage Landscape
If you have flowers or vegetation surrounding your house, make sure to thoroughly saturate with water before you spray vinyl siding cleaner, and consider protecting them during the cleaning process by covering them. Most chemical cleaners are potent products that can do damage to your plants.
Speaking of Natural Surroundings Check out our How-To Guide How to build an in-ground fire pit
You May Like: Skin Rash From Mold
How To Remove Mold From Vinyl Siding
Mold and mildew are basically two words for the same thing, and cleaning them from the side of a house is usually easy with a power washer. That technique is problematic when cleaning vinyl siding, though, because a pressure washer can force water under the siding.
That doesn’t mean you can’t use a pressure washer, but you have to keep the pressure low, so you should scrub the siding with a solvent first.
Products And Tools Youll Need To Clean Vinyl Siding:
- Soft-bristled brush or broom: You want the bristles to be fine enough to get debris from the siding without damaging its surface effectively. A brush is perfect for the lower sections of your siding, while a broom, or brush with a long handle, is effective at reaching those higher parts.
- Soft cloth: We recommend using microfiber cloths, as these wont scratch or chip the surface of your vinyl siding. Ensure you have plenty on-hand depending on how dirty your vinyl siding is, you may go through a lot!
- General-purpose cleaner, such as Dawn Dish Soap or Palmolive: A simple solution of dish soap and warm water can work wonders as a siding wash, plus it wont wear away at the vinyl sidings protective coating.
- Commercial house siding cleaner, such as Wet & Forget Roof and Siding Cleaner or Simple Greens House and Siding Cleaner: For a heavy-duty clean, look to products specially formulated for cleaning vinyl siding. Avoid harsh products like straight chlorine bleach, paint thinner, acetone , furniture cleaner, and spot or paint remover.
- Bucket: Youll need this to mix your house siding cleaner and to take with you as you move around the house.
- Garden hose: Use a hose to rinse off each section as you clean to avoid residue and streaking. Make sure your garden hose is long enough for the water to reach the highest sections of your vinyl siding.
Read Also: Mold Spores On Bathroom Ceiling
Tips For Maintaining Your Homes Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is an incredibly popular siding material because its resilient, long-lasting, and affordable. To keep your home looking great without hurting plants or damaging moisture barriers below the siding, here are routine maintenance tips to keep in mind.
- Inspect your vinyl siding at least twice a year for any cracks, dents, or missing pieces.
- Remove any spider webs, dirt, or debris from the surface of your siding with a broom or brush.
- Replace any broken or damaged vinyl panels as soon as possible to prevent moisture and insect infiltration.
- If you have plants below your siding, make sure to trim them back at least 12 inches from the houses edge.
- Regularly clean your gutters so that water does not drain on top of your vinyl siding and cause it to peel or warp.
- Use a natural vinyl siding cleaner first before resorting to commercial cleaning solutions. Consider environmentally friendly options if you must use something for tough dirt and mildew.
- For thorough cleaning of your siding, avoid using household bleach. Experts caution against chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach as they can deteriorate the vinyl and harm your landscaping.
- Be careful when using a pressure washer to remove stubborn stains. Use the proper technique to not damage any plants underneath the siding.
Remove All Potential Source Of Moisture
- Dark, moist places are ideal for mold growth, so trimming trees and shrubs and providing as much direct sunlight as possible on the siding helps prevent mold growth.
- As climbers, vines, and moss cover siding, they prevent natural light from reaching the surface. This leads to mold developing rapidly without anyone noticing it.
- When your gutters are clogged or improperly sloped, they can leak or overflow. This can lead to water damage to your siding, roof, and foundation.
- Ensure sprinklers do not reach your siding as continuous dampness can cause mold spores to attach and grow. Always make sure that sprinklers are placed far enough away that the siding is not in the splash zone.
Don’t Miss: Diy Mold Removal Basement
Make A Vinyl Siding Wash
Mix a general-purpose cleaner into a bucket of warm water for a cleaning solution thats great for cleaning dirt, dust, and grime. If youre targeting mold and mildew, create a solution containing 70% water and 30% white vinegar. Are you looking for something heavy-duty? Try a commercial house siding cleaner such as Wet & Forget Roof and Siding Cleaner, or for an environmentally-friendly option, use Simple Greens House and Siding Cleaner.
