Remove Mildew Stains from Vinyl Siding on Your Home's Exterior
Posted on: 27 June 2016
If mildew streaks are present on some of the vinyl siding on your home's exterior, remove it with the following steps. Once the vinyl has been cleaned, keep your home's exterior maintained to prevent stains from forming in the future and to prevent damage to your home's exterior.
Materials
- pressure washer
- detergent (that is designed to be used with pressure washers)
- water hose
- long-handled scrub brush
- disposable gloves
- bleach
- plastic sheeting
Pressure Wash the Siding with a Soapy Solution
Add water and detergent that is designed for a pressure washer to the machine's tank. If you are unsure of how much of either item to add, read the instructions that came with the purchase of the machine. If you rented a pressure washer, the company that you acquired it from can assist you with directions. Agitate the detergent and water until they are thoroughly mixed. Spray the outside of your home with the pressure washer's nozzle until the stained pieces of siding are soaked. Use a long-handled scrub brush to help loosen the mildew stains.
Add Bleach to the Machine's Tank if Needed
If any of the staining on the vinyl is severe and won't come off with the cleaning solution that you have prepared, cover the ground that is below the siding with pieces of plastic sheeting to protect it from chemicals in the bleach. Put a pair of disposable gloves on your hands and add a small amount of bleach to the pressure washer's tank. Turn on the sprayer's agitator to mix the components that make up the cleaning solution.
Spray the stains on the siding with an even amount of the cleaning solution. Once the solution has penetrated the mildew for a few minutes, use the scrub brush to remove the stains. Rinse your home's siding with a strong stream of water once all of the stains have been eliminated.
Maintain the Vinyl Siding to Prevent Additional Stains
Spraying your home's siding off several times a year with a water hose and removing dirty residue as soon as you notice it with soapy water and a scrub brush will prevent severe stains from forming. It is also a good idea to keep grass and shrubs that surround your property trimmed so that they do not grow against the siding and contribute to staining. As long as you keep the outside of your home maintained on a consistent basis, the siding will remain stain free and will add beauty to your home's exterior.
For more information, consult a professional in your area, such as Boyce Industries.
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