Cleaning Siding: What Not To Do

When it comes to cleaning your house siding, what you don’t do is usually just as important to remember as what you do do.

Siding is one of the best home exterior materials a property owner could select. It is inexpensive while increasing your home value. It helps boost curb appeal while being energy efficient, and, quite possibly, best of all, this material is durable and considerably low maintenance.

House siding exterior is made to be weatherproof, insect-proof, and fade-resistant. Under normal conditions, this material is virtually indestructible! Some siding can even resist window speeds of 200 miles per hour or more.

While house siding is hard-wearing and long-lasting, it can be even more hard-wearing and long-lasting if you take care of it as necessary. A little TLC will keep your house siding exterior looking great for decades.

Continue scrolling to learn how to clean siding and what you should never do.

How to Clean Siding: 6 Things You Should Never Do

Dust, cobwebs, dirt, mildew, mold, bird poop, stains, and all sorts of other kinds of debris can leave unsightly messes, residue, and buildup that detract from the beauty of your home, resulting in an untidy, tired-looking exterior. The outside of your home requires regular cleaning to keep it looking and functioning at its best.

Cleaning and caring for your siding is an essential part of owning a home. When you take care of this exterior material, it will work hard for longer. Knowing what to do is necessary, but it’s also important to understand what you shouldn’t do when washing your siding. We’re here to fill you in on all of the details:

• Don’t use a pressure washer — Whether you’ve neglected for a bit or a big storm just passed through, it may require much more effort to clean your siding exteriors. This is why many property owners turn to a power washer to get the job completed. While power washers help complete the task faster, you might want to skip using this strong sprayer for a couple of reasons:

1. Power washers can cause a lot more harm than they do good. If your siding is even the slightest bit damaged, a power washer cleaning can quickly and significantly intensify any problems. 

2. Using a power washer on your exterior siding can void your manufacturer’s warranty. Before reaching for this piece of equipment, make sure to look into the details of your warranty.

• Don’t use your pressure washer on full blast — Okay, we know we just told you not to use a power washer. But we also know many people will surely disregard the “no pressure washer to clean your siding” rule. So, we’re throwing this reminder in, too. If you do decide to risk voiding the warranty from your manufacturer, or you no longer have one, and choose to use a pressure washer for this chore, it’s best to avoid using it on full blast.
  It can be tempting to crank up the pressure to focus on stubborn stains, but too much pressure can damage your siding, especially if it is made of delicate materials like wood or stucco. 
  Too much pressure can push water beneath the siding, causing mold, water damage, and other issues. So, if you must use your pressure washer, start with the machine’s lowest pressure setting and slowly work your way if needed.
• Don’t use abrasive materials or tools on your siding — Paint scrapers, steel wool, and wire brushes have their place in the cleaning world, but getting stubborn stains and buildup off your siding is not one of them. Using an abrasive tool can be incredibly damaging to your siding. You can expect them to leave permanent marks and scratches, expose layers to the elements, cause colors to fade or change, and even puncture your house siding.
  Avoid using all stiff, hard, or otherwise abrasive materials, tools, and equipment when washing your siding. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush or terry cloth rag to tackle difficult-to-remove spots. Even though that good, old-fashioned elbow grease requires more time and effort, it is well worth it!
• Don’t forget to move your outdoor furniture and other items — As you get into washing your home exteriors, it can be easy to forget all else. But it’s important to be mindful of your items outside your home, such as outdoor furniture, foundation plantings, and other landscaping.
  Between ladders, pressure washers, and the other moving parts of cleaning your siding, it’s not uncommon to dislodge mulch, chairs, flowers, tables, grills, planters, children’s toys, and more. Before you begin, move what you can out of the way. Cover things you cannot move, such as a bush, with plastic sheeting.
• Don’t forget your safety — Another thing you cannot forget is your safety. As simple a task as washing your siding sounds, it can be dangerous, especially when ladders are involved. Here are a few reminders for your safety:
  
  • Wear protective gear, such as eye and ear protection, boots, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt.
    
  • Never aim the pressure washer or other tools at yourself or others.
    
  • Always be mindful of exterior electrical outlets, windows, and other potential hazards.
    
• Don’t use harsh chemicals on your home exteriors — The exterior materials of your home, specifically your house siding, are exposed to the weather all day. Over time, it’s normal for them to get dirty and become temporarily discolored under the layers of filth. To tackle these messes, using some cleaning solution is necessary.

However, not all cleaning solutions are safe to use on your siding. It’s best to avoid using harsh chemicals, such as cleaners that contain solvents, bleach, and other intense ingredients. Products with intense ingredients could damage your siding by dissolving, discoloring, stripping, and decomposing the surfaces. When cleaning your siding, it’s best to stick with water and more gentle options like dish soap or white vinegar. 

How to Clean Siding: More Tips You Need to Know

• Only tackle one smaller area or section at a time for a more manageable job. Doing the entire house all at once can feel daunting, and cleaning products won’t be properly rinsed before they dry.
• Work your way from top to bottom; it’s more effective.
• Don’t try washing your house siding when temperatures are high. Cleaning solutions will dry too quickly, making it difficult to rinse and clean effectively.
• Cleaning your house between two and four times annually should be sufficient; however, washing it whenever necessary is always smart.
• If your house siding exterior is particularly dirty, spray it with warm water twice before using your cleaning solution and scrubbing. Removing as much dirt, dust, and debris during the pre-rinse will get you a cleaner finished product.
• Make sure to avoid spraying water at your windows. The pressure can break or crack the glass. This also goes for placing your ladder directly on your windows.
• If something feels out of your wheelhouse, you have questions, or you would just rather someone else handle the job, always contact a trusted and experienced professional.

Interested in House Siding? Mountain States Windows & Siding is Here to Help!

Whether you want to update your current home or are in the beginning stages of a new build and are making exterior material selections, house siding is a great option for your property, and the skilled team at Mountain States can help.

Siding is effective, efficient, and inexpensive, and it helps improve the look and functionality of your house. We work tirelessly for our outstanding reputation and are proud to be a trustworthy, professional, and hassle-free home improvement company in Northern Utah. 

We are committed to giving our clients more than just quality house siding and windows — we are also committed to providing our customers the highest service out there. Anyone who has worked with our team can tell you that we stand behind our products and services. 

When it comes to home renovations, such as kitchen or bathroom renovations and new siding and window installations, homeowners want a professional, highly qualified company to make that happen. We are proud to be that kind of company. When you choose the Mountain States Windows and Siding team, you can rest assured you will receive honest, premium, and friendly service with a smile.

At Mountain States Windows & Siding, we only provide quality materials and products that will improve your house’s function, value, and look. We offer our customers professional, transparent service. We will always be upfront about our processes and accompanying costs along the way. We also know how important the budget is, so we are also dedicated to staying within yours.

We serve residential and commercial properties across the Wasatch Front, so if you live in Salt Lake City, Alpine, Spanish Fork, West Jordan, or a nearby city, contact the Mountain States team today!