There are many different types of siding. Mold, mildew and dirt accumulate on all of them. Below are three tips to help you remove mold from your home’s siding.
Tip #1: Cleaning Agents
Use the right cleaning agents. There are plenty of store bought cleaning agents on the market today. Simple Green, for example, is environmentally friendly and nontoxic. It can be used on almost all surfaces both inside and outside of your home. However, several there are homemade cleaning agents that can work just as well. A solution of 70% water and 30% white vinegar makes a wonderful all-purpose cleaner that is safe on many surfaces. A cup of oxygen bleach in a bucket of water is also safe to use. Be sure to use oxygen bleach, as it will not kill your landscaping greens. (The bleach you use for your clothes can damage and kill plant life and leave bleach stains on non-white surfaces!) Pre-apply your cleaning agent and allow it to briefly soak before cleaning.
Note: Various siding manufacturer’s throw in clauses regarding cleaning methods and chemicals. It is always a good idea to call the manufacturer to find out what will void your warranty.
Tip #2: Cleaning Tools
The Vinyl Siding Institute recommends homeowners use a soft cloth or soft bristle brush to clean their siding. When using these hand-held tools, it is important to start at the bottom and work your way up. This will help to prevent any streaking that may occur. It is important to wash away any residue as you go.
Pressure washers may also be used with caution. Use a 25- or 40-degree nozzle tip to clean siding with a pressure washer. An extension wand can help you avoid the use of a ladder, which increases safety. Start off with the pressure wand 3 feet away from the siding surface. The cleaning agent should allow the mold to wash away easily.
Tip #3: Safety
Be sure to put your personal safety first. Electric pressure washers are useful. However, electricity and water do not mix. Take precautions to prevent power cords from sitting in puddled water or from being directly blasted with a water jet. It is best to avoid using ladders. However, it may not always be avoidable. Be sure to take precautions to ensure ladders are properly supported on flat, level ground. Start with a low pressure and increase as needed to allow yourself to adjust to balancing on a ladder with a pressure washer. Wear goggles when using toxic chemicals.
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