Cleaning Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding became one of the popular house siding materials among house owners for its durability and low maintenance costs. This siding material is available in a wide range of styles, including horizontal and vertical panels in a variety of pre-finished colors. Aluminum sidings with a wooden texture are also available. But the drawbacks of this siding are that apart from denting, they are also prone to chalking and fading. Denting can be repaired, otherwise the panel has to be replaced with a new one. But the other problems, like chalking and fading of the paint, can be cured with regular maintenance and cleaning. Chalking is the oxidation of the siding, which is caused by the weather. You can clean and paint the aluminum siding to give it a new look.

How to Clean Aluminum Siding?

Aluminum siding, though durable, is prone to chalking. It can also look faded with the accumulation of dust and grime. If the siding is a colored one, then the dust can make it look dull. Hence, cleaning the aluminum siding every year is a must to retain its look and make it longstanding. The following guidelines can help you with cleaning aluminum siding.

• The first step is to cover any outdoor furniture, shrubs, etched glass and metal wall pieces, to prevent them from getting destroyed by the cleaning solutions.
• Shut the doors and windows and switch the power off to the outside electrical units, like lights.
• If the siding has mildew growing on it, then you will have to use solutions with bleach. In such a case, you have to use gloves, boots, goggles, etc to avoid direct contact with the cleaning product.
• You can either use a pressure washer to clean the aluminum siding or it can be done with the help of a soft brush, a bucket of water and laundry detergent. A pressure washer may cause denting, so it is better to clean the siding with a brush and cleaning solution. If you want to use a pressure washer, then make sure that it is set in the 'low pressure' mode.
• Add ¼ cup of laundry detergent to four gallons of water and mix well. Cover your head with a shower cap and wear old clothes. Start from the top of the siding and work your way down.
• Use a hose to spray water on the siding to remove the accumulated dirt and debris. Now dip a long-handled brush in the cleaning solution and scrub away the dust and grime.
• If there is mildew, you can clean the surface with a solution made of one part bleach to five parts of water. Chalking can be removed by scrubbing with siding wash and elbow grease. If you don't want to use bleach, then replace it with one tablespoon of borax. A 30:70 mix of vinegar and water is also useful for this purpose.
• Spray water once again over the siding to rinse away the cleaning solution, which can leave behind marks, if not cleaned properly.

If the area to be covered is very large, you can seek the help of professional cleaning services. Otherwise, it is always better to clean it yourself. Take care, as you will have to use a ladder while cleaning high surfaces. Aluminum siding, if cleaned once every year, can retain its sheen and color. Cleaning aluminum siding is not a difficult task and is also beneficial for enhancing its durability.