Best Vinyl Siding Cleaner: Vinyl Siding Cleaning Solution

Huge popularity is attached to the name of vinyl siding, particularly in the United States. Vinyl siding is primarily used for decorative and weatherproofing cladding for a house. Its name comes from its basic ingredient, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Earlier, timber, aluminum and fiber cement siding were used for external cladding construction. Vinyl siding is the most wanted alternative to the traditional sidings. However, maintaining vinyl siding includes annual cleaning to keep the material new as ever. There are a number of different vinyl siding cleaning solutions available in the market to help you chose the best vinyl siding cleaner.

Clean the Siding with a Water Hose
Vinyl siding is supposed to be maintenance free. However, exposure to the environment gradually makes the siding to wear a dull and dirty look. One of the most common and preferred ways opted for cleaning vinyl siding is to rinse it down using a garden hose. Dirt, dust, mold, algae and the like, can be washed off from the siding, by applying a medium misting spray of water using a nozzle.

Other than the method described above, there are also some homemade cleaners which you can use for vinyl siding cleaning. Unlike some commercially manufactured cleaning solutions, home made cleaners are Eco-friendly and cost effective. Here is a list of cleaners you can easily prepare at home.

Soapy Solution
Normal dishwashing or laundry soap is good enough in cleaning a vinyl siding. It is the simplest cleaning method of all. Take an adequate amount of soap and mix it with warm water to make a soapy solution (one part soap to ten parts water). Rinse the siding with clear water to remove dirt and dust that has accumulated on its surface. Thereafter, spray the soapy solution onto the vinyl siding. Once the solution has formed a coat like layer, clean the siding using a soft bristle brush, in a side-to-side motion. After you have cleaned the surface, immediately rinse the area. Do not let the solution to dry on the siding before you rinse it off.

Oxygen Bleach and Vinegar Solution
Mold, mildew and algae growth, can be prevented from the siding using a solution of one part of oxygen bleach and four parts water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and use it to wipe the vinyl siding and remove the unwanted dirt. Wiping the siding more than once will give better results. Once you are certain that the siding has been cleaned completely, rinse it using a garden hose. A vinegar solution consisting of one part white vinegar with two parts water, is also an efficient cleaning solution for mold and mildew.

Stain Remover
For stubborn stains, certain products like Quick-N-Brite and Mean Green are economical to use. Being non-toxic cleaners, they present no hazard to the environment. Several cleaners are available to clean bird droppings, spider web, grease, oil, paint, tar, soil, rust and other kinds of contaminants.

Power Washing
If you are planning to clean your vinyl sidings regularly, then purchasing a power washer would be a better option than renting it. Close all the windows and doors and other openings before you start power washing the vinyl siding. The solvents or solution to be used should be recommended for power washer use. Start with low pressure and spray with smooth and overlapping strokes, from the bottom-up. After having sprayed the cleaning solution, rinse the vinyl siding from the top-down. Pressure washers work under high pressure, and it can damage or knock out loose windows and panes. So, always be careful about the control of pressure in this type of washing.

Depending upon the cleaning, the best vinyl siding cleaner can be purchased or even prepared at home. It is recommended to go for non-toxic and Eco-friendly vinyl siding cleaning solutions and solvents. Avoid using cleaners that are manufactured from organic solvents. Undiluted chlorine bleach, grease remover, nail polish or furniture polish remover and similar solvents must not be used as cleaning agents for vinyl siding. It is always wise to consider the environment and your health before going for any kind of cleaners; be it your vinyl siding or any part of your house!