Vinyl siding is a go-to choice for homeowners because it’s tough, low-maintenance, and looks great. However, like any exterior surface, it gets dirty over time due to constant environmental exposure. Fortunately, there are a plethora of cleaning products on the market. But how do you know which is the best vinyl siding cleaner for you?
At A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing, we’re here to guide you. Since advertisements and promotions are not always helpful, we’ve created a well-researched article to help you choose the right cleaning product. So, whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, this information will be a huge help!
Before moving on to product recommendations and homemade solutions, let’s learn the crucial factors to consider when making a choice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Vinyl Siding Cleaner
Before buying any cleaning solution, it’s always best to understand how to compare them. There are multiple factors that affect the performance of cleaning products, and you should know their basics before making a purchase.
Environmental Factors:
Consider the climate and environment where your home is located. If your house is in a humid area, you may need a cleaning solution that can effectively tackle mold and mildew.
Safety Concerns:
Some cleaning solutions include harmful chemicals, so read the label carefully before making a purchase. If you have children or pets, you should buy the best cleaner for vinyl siding that is non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Price and Value:
Vinyl siding cleaners fall within different price ranges. Spending a bit more for a high-quality cleaner may be more cost-effective than purchasing a cheaper, ineffective cleaner. However, the most expensive product isn’t necessarily the best. Read the reviews or labels carefully before buying online or offline.
Current Vinyl Siding Conditions:
Older or heavily soiled siding may require a more potent cleaner than newer or mildly stained siding. If your vinyl siding has cracks, chips, or other types of damage, cleaning won’t solve it. Instead, it will exacerbate the damage. In such cases, you should first repair or replace the damaged siding. After cleaning, you can also paint vinyl siding boards if required.
By considering these factors, you can select a cleaner that is appropriate for your specific needs. Now that you know what to look for, let’s learn more about the best vinyl siding cleaners on the market.
Top 4 Vinyl Siding Cleaners
A good cleaning solution results from the right ingredients and responsible manufacturing practices. While there are many options, you should always research certified and reputable brands in order to buy products that contain chemicals that are safe to directly apply to your home.
Here are the top four cleaners from the best manufacturers in the United States:
Krud Kutter House and Siding Pressure Washing Concentrate
This cleaner is excellent for removing grime, mold, mildew, and other stains from vinyl siding. This pressure washing concentrate from Krud Kutter is eco-friendly and biodegradable, and you can also use it to clean other surfaces such as brick, cement, stucco, and wood, and you won’t have to worry about scrubbing the surface hard.
Simple Green House and Siding Cleaner
This is among the best cleaners for vinyl siding that removes environmental pollution, dirt, and grime from vinyl siding and many other surfaces such as aluminum, wood, terra cotta, and stucco. Simple Green House and Siding Cleaner is an effective product for removing mold and mildew stains. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can also use it to scrub and wash the siding manually.
Zinsser® JOMAX® House Cleaner and Mildew Killer
This solution cleans mold and mildew after you mix it with water and bleach. This excellent product doesn’t require you to scrub at all. However, you need to be careful how you dispose of this powerful solution because it harms aquatic life and shouldn’t end up in drainage systems. But note that JOMAX® House Cleaner and Mildew Killer is safe to use around plants.
Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner
This is also a powerful multi-surface cleaner, best to eliminate mold, mildew, tough stains, and even algae from almost all outdoor surfaces. Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner is a ready-to-use product that comes with a free high-capacity trigger sprayer. Cleaning stubborn stains and algae may take time, but the results are promising. Just spray over the stain and forget about it.
Be sure to read reviews and product descriptions carefully before making a purchase to ensure that you choose a product that is appropriate for your specific needs.
If you prefer to use natural or homemade products for cleaning, there are several effective solutions that you can make at home to clean your vinyl siding. Here are some of the best homemade vinyl siding cleaning solutions:
Best Vinyl Siding Cleaners You Can Make At Home
Along with water, you can use ingredients such as bleach, baking soda and laundry detergent, dish soap, Borax, or vinegar. Here’s how you can make a safe, cheap, and effective solution to clean vinyl siding at home:
Bleach And Water
Mix one part bleach with nine parts water in a bucket. Apply the solution to your vinyl siding using a soft-bristled brush or a cloth. Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when using bleach. Let the solution sit for several minutes before rinsing the siding with water.
Baking Soda Solution
Mix 1/3 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup laundry detergent and 2 gallons of water. Apply the solution to your vinyl siding and scrub with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. Rinse the siding with water to remove any remaining solution.
These two DIY cleaning solutions are the best homemade vinyl siding cleaners anyone can make. You can also use the other ingredients mentioned with water to make a similar vinyl cleaning solution. It depends entirely on what you are comfortable with. However, if the stains are old and dark, buy any factory-made cleaner from our recommendations. They will be much more effective than a homemade solution.
Final Thoughts
By following the tips and suggestions outlined in this article, you can find the most suitable cleaner for your vinyl siding and keep your home’s exterior looking clean and beautiful for years to come.
For the quickest and best results, discuss your requirements with a siding professional before taking any further steps. They can help you find the proper vinyl siding cleaning. You can also discuss your budget for this project, so they can explain how to clean your siding in a more cost-effective way.
If you live in Tulsa, OK, or nearby areas, we can help you select the best vinyl siding cleaner and provide more information over a free consultation.
Free Consultation On Vinyl Siding Cleaning & Maintenance
A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing is among the most reliable siding contractors in Oklahoma. We understand the importance of a clean and well-maintained home, and we’re dedicated to helping every homeowner who needs professional guidance. That’s why we offer free consultation services to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Our experts will assess the condition of your vinyl siding, identify any problematic areas, and recommend the best cleaning and maintenance solutions to keep your siding looking its best. We can also suggest a trendy vinyl siding color if that’s what you’re looking for. We pride ourselves on providing unparalleled customer service and delivering outstanding results. Call us at (918) 402-7167 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll also offer a free siding inspection and estimate to help you have peace of mind.