How To Clean Your Home’s Vinyl & Wood Siding

Maintaining your Columbus Area home is an essential duty of a homeowner. Regular upkeep not only helps in minimizing costs but also reduces the need for major repairs. In terms of home exteriors, few aspects are as crucial as the condition and cleanliness of your siding.

Here at APCO, we place great importance on home exterior maintenance, and today, we’d like to share some insights on how to clean your siding properly and explain why it’s of such significance.

The Importance of Siding Care

Maintaining your siding isn’t just about aesthetics — although it does significantly contribute to your home’s curb appeal — it’s also a matter of functionality and longevity.

Siding is a home’s first line of defense against environmental factors such as rain, snow, wind, and the harmful rays of the sun. Regularly taking care of your siding can increase its life span, thus offering a prolonged safeguard to your home.

Comprehensive Steps to Clean Your Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is an incredibly popular choice among homeowners due to its durability and low maintenance. Yet, over time, it’s natural for it to accumulate dirt, grime, and mildew. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean vinyl siding effectively:

1. Safety First: Before you start, make sure to take all necessary safety precautions. Wear protective clothing and goggles, and be careful when using ladders.
2. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Mix 70% water and 30% white vinegar for a potent yet environmentally friendly cleaning solution. Alternatively, you can purchase specialized vinyl siding cleaners from your local home improvement store.
3. Wet the Siding: Start by gently hosing down the section of the siding you’ll be cleaning.
4. Apply Cleaning Solution: Using a soft-bristle brush or a specially designed siding cleaning brush, apply your cleaning solution. Always work from the bottom up to avoid streaking.
5. Scrub Gently: Clean the siding gently to avoid damaging the surface.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: Once you’ve scrubbed an area, rinse from the top down to ensure all residue is removed.

Repeat these steps as necessary until your vinyl siding is sparkling clean.

Your Guide to Cleaning Wood Siding

Wood siding, while not as common as vinyl, brings a warm and natural look to any home. It does, however, require more care and attention. Here’s a comprehensive guide to cleaning your wood siding:

1. Inspect the Siding: Begin by inspecting the siding for any signs of damage or rot. These areas will need to be addressed before cleaning can begin.
2. Preparation: Remove any objects, such as plants or furniture, that might get in the way. Cover any plants or shrubs that cannot be moved.
3. Create Your Cleaning Solution: A solution of one part bleach to three parts water will effectively remove mildew and stains from your wood siding.
4. Apply the Solution: Start at the bottom and work your way up, allowing the solution to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Scrub: Use a soft brush to scrub the siding gently. Avoid using a power washer, which can damage the wood.
6. Rinse: Rinse the siding from top to bottom, ensuring all cleaning solution is thoroughly removed.

If followed correctly, these steps will leave your wood siding looking as good as new.

Choose APCO for Your Siding Needs in Columbus, OH

At APCO, we offer comprehensive siding services and materials, from installation to maintenance, in the Columbus, OH, area and throughout Ohio. We work with all types of siding, including vinyl and wood, and partner with top manufacturers to ensure quality and durability.

Looking to revamp the exterior of your home with new siding? Or perhaps you need professional assistance to clean and maintain your existing siding? Either way, APCO has you covered.

For expert siding installation and maintenance in Columbus, OH, trust APCO. Call 614-254-5489 to schedule your free quote today!