Vinyl siding cleaners for pressure washers have chemical formulas that avoid ingredients such as organic solvents and petroleum ethers which can damage vinyl. They come in different sizes and can clean mold, algae stains, mildew, and other types of stubborn dirt from vinyl surfaces.
Best vinyl siding cleaner brands are Wet and Forget, Zep, Simple Green, Scotts, Star Brite, and Krud Kutter. The advantages and disadvantages of these brands’ products are presented in the vinyl siding cleaner reviews.
This vinyl siding cleaner buying guide discusses in detail the factors that need to be considered before purchasing a vinyl siding cleaner for pressure washers. These factors include ingredients, formulas, packaging type, eco-friendliness, smell, and application methods.
The best vinyl siding cleaners are listed below:
- Wet and Forget 800003 Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover
- Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner 128 Ounce
- Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner
- Simple Green Pro HD Heavy Duty Cleaner Concentrate 1 Gallon
- Simple Green House and Siding Pressure Washer Cleaner 1 Gal
- Scotts FBA 51501 Concentrate Plus Oxi Clean Outdoor Cleaner
- Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash with Mild Odor, 1 Gallon
Best Vinyl Siding Cleaner For Pressure Washer Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Wet and Forget 800003 Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover |
| View On Amazon |
 | Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner 128 Ounce |
| View On Amazon |
 | Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner |
| View On Amazon |
 | Simple Green Pro HD Heavy Duty Cleaner Concentrate 1 Gallon |
| View On Amazon |
 | Simple Green House and Siding Pressure Washer Cleaner 1 Gal |
| View On Amazon |
 | Scotts FBA 51501 Concentrate Plus Oxi Clean Outdoor Cleaner |
| View On Amazon |
 | Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash with Mild Odor, 1 Gallon |
|
Best Vinyl Siding Cleaner Reviews
1. Wet and Forget 800003 Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover
Wet & Forget is a brand that specializes in the production of high-quality easy to use residential cleaning solutions.
The Wet and Forget 800003 is a cleaning solution designed to efficiently remove algae, lichen, mold, mildew, and moss stains from various surfaces. These surfaces include decks, driveways, gutters, outdoor furniture, fiberglass, inflatable boats, pool surrounds, play equipment, and many more.
The Wet and Forget Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover stands out among competitors because it is really easy to use. The product doesn’t require any scrubbing or rinsing after application, it just needs to be applied evenly to an exterior dirty surface and will do its job really quickly.
The Wet and Forget Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover costs around $30 – $35.
The Wet and Forget Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover is a concentrated solution and comes in a 0.5-gallon container. This quantity is enough to produce 3 gallons of cleaning solution. The active ingredient of this soap is alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride which is present in a percentage of 9.9%.
The advantages of the Wet and Forget Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover are as follows:
- The Wet and Forget 800003 is long-lasting, as it can be used for more than one year because it is a concentrated solution.
- The Wet and Forget 800003 is biodegradable.
- The Wet and Forget 800003 is bleach-free, non-caustic, and does not contain any acids.
- The Wet and Forget 800003’s pH is close to the one of water.
- The Wet and Forget 800003 is highly effective when used on vinyl surfaces and makes them look new.
The disadvantages of the Wet and Forget Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover are as follows:
- The Wet and Forget 800003 has a strong odor.
2. Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner 128 Ounce
Zep is a brand with a history of more than 80 years in the cleaning industry. This brand is renowned for designing reliable products for both residential and professional use.
The Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner is a cleaning agent formulated to thoroughly remove dirt and mildew stains from hard coat stucco, gutters, bricks, aluminum and wood siding, and more. This product is ideal for reviving vinyl surfaces.
The Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner’s primary asset is the fact that it has a safe formula that doesn’t damage plants. The active ingredient used in this cleaner is sodium carbonate. Even if this product doesn’t harm plants, the use of protective gloves and goggles is recommended.
The Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner costs around $15.
The Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner comes in a 1-gallon container and is designed for a pressure washer or manual application. This cleaning agent has a concentrated formula that is enough to make 20 gallons of cleaning solution. This amount is enough to cover a surface of 5000 square feet.
The advantages of the Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner are as follows:
- The Zep House and Siding Cleaner is really affordable compared to similar products.
- The Zep House and Siding Cleaner needs only 5 to 10 minutes to penetrate and provide deep cleaning results.
- The Zep House and Siding Cleaner is certified as Climate Pledge Friendly and is also accompanied by a Compact by Design certification that attests that the production process comes with low carbon emissions.
- The Zep House and Siding Cleaner can be used regularly without producing toxic vapors.
The disadvantages of the Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner are as follows:
- The Zep House and Siding Cleaner may cause staining if it is not rinsed in time.
3. Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover + Cleaner
Star Brite is a company founded in 1973 that is renowned for producing high-performing cleaning agents designed for a wide variety of surfaces. These surfaces include fields like marine, auto, home, or RVs.
The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover is a cleaner solution designed for vinyl, cushions, covers, tops, and other types of upholstery. This product provides great results when used for cleaning outdoor upholstery and acrylic materials.
The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover’s key strength is versatility. This cleaning agent is perfect for removing mildew and mold from a wide pallet of surfaces around the house such as wood, fiberglass, drywall, concrete, gutters, tiles, vinyl, and more.
The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover costs around $13.
The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover comes in a 22-oz spraying container and is not suited for pressure washing. This cleaner has to be sprayed several times on the dirty surface in order to produce great results.
The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover’s formula is highly alkaline and combines surfactant, bleach, and lye, which makes it ideal for removing old and stubborn stains. This cleaning agent’s active ingredients are Sodium Hypochlorite, N-methyl-N-(1-oxododecyl), sodium salt, and Glycine.
The advantages of the Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover are as follows:
- The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover contains buffered-bleach that makes it highly effective in removing mold.
- The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover is really easy to use as it has a prediluted formula that eliminates messy use.
- The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover acts without the need for scrubbing or brushing.
The disadvantages of the Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover are as follows:
- The Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover might not work with one application, a few sprays might be needed for deep cleaning.
4. Simple Green Pro HD Heavy Duty Cleaner Concentrate 1 Gallon
Simple Green is a brand made by Sunshine Markers, Ink that is renowned in the cleaning industry for producing efficient soaps and detergents for a wide variety of surfaces, including vinyl.
The Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner is a product formulated for professional use that works well on surfaces such as walls, floors, machinery, engines, car exteriors, and more. This cleaning agent is really efficient in removing grease, stains, and grime from vinyl.
The Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner stands out among competitors because it is a great option for pressure washer use. This product has a concentrated formula, perfect for power washers that have a soap dilution system, and is ideal for both low and high-pressure levels.
The Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner costs around $25 – $30.
The Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner comes in a liquid formula and is packed in a 1-gallon container. This concentrated detergent combined with water can provide 14 gallons of diluted solution. The active ingredients of this cleaning agent are amphoteric surfactants and non-ionic surfactants.
The advantages of the Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner are as follows:
- The Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner provides quick results when used manually, as well as with a pressure washer.
- The Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner is safe to use on various types of metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, chrome, and more because it has non-corrosive properties.
- The Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner doesn’t need tough scrubbing when used manually.
- The Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner is biodegradable.
- The Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner is environmentally friendly because its production has a reduced carbon footprint.
The disadvantages of the Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner are as follows:
- The Simple Green Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner does not provide great results when used on heavy mold stains.
5. Simple Green House and Siding Pressure Washer Cleaner 1 Gal
Simple Green is a renowned brand in the cleaning industry specialized in the production of reliable and efficient soaps and detergents suited for residential, as well as professional use.
The Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Cleaner is a pressure washer concentrate formulated for house sidings made of various materials, such as aluminum, wood, stucco, vinyl, and more.
The Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Cleaner is different from its competitors because it is not toxic to the environment and does not contain harsh chemicals. This cleaning agent doesn’t use bleach to revive surfaces but uses Hydrogen peroxide instead. The peroxide helps remove grime, dirt, mildew, moss, and algae without much effort. The other ingredients present in this cleaning agent are water, ethoxylated alcohol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, and Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate.
The Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Cleaner costs around $20 – $25.
The Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Cleaner comes in a 1-gallon container, is meant to be used together with a pressure washer, and can clean up to 6400 square feet.
The advantages of the Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Cleaner are as follows:
- The Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Cleaner is highly affordable considering the large surface it covers.
- The Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Cleaner provides quick deep cleaning.
- The Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Cleaner comes with an EPA Safer Choice certification which attests to its safety for both humans and the environment.
- The Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Cleaner has a concentrated formula that can be transformed into 21-gallons of cleaning solution.
The disadvantages of the Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Cleaner are as follows:
- The Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Cleaner is not suited for old hard stains.
6. Scotts FBA 51501 Concentrate Plus Oxi Clean Outdoor Cleaner
Scotts is a brand that focuses on providing eco-friendly products with reduced pollution levels. This brand provides outdoor cleaning products as well as lawn seeds, tools, and accessories.
The Scotts Multi-Purpose Outdoor Cleaner is a cleaning agent designed for removing dirt, stains, algae, mold, and mildew from a wide variety of outdoor surfaces, such as wood, stone, cement, brick, wood composite, vinyl, and more.
The Scotts Multi-Purpose Outdoor Cleaner stands out due to its high levels of safety. This cleaning solution is safe to use around fabrics, plants, and lawns because it is bleach-free. The Hydrogen peroxide present in the product is responsible for delivering impeccable surfaces.
The Scotts Multi-Purpose Outdoor Cleaner costs around $20 – $25.
The Scotts Multi-Purpose Outdoor Cleaner has a concentrated formula that has to be diluted according to the cleaning needs. For heavy cleaning, the product shouldn’t be diluted, but for medium and light-duty tasks it should be combined with water on a ratio of 1:3, respectively 1:9. This cleaning solution comes in a 2.5-gallon container, has foaming properties, and removes stains really quickly when applied using a pressure washer.
The advantages of the Scotts Multi-Purpose Outdoor Cleaner are as follows:
- The Scotts Multi-Purpose Outdoor Cleaner doesn’t contain chlorine or phosphates that can be harmful to both the user, as well as for the environment.
- The Scotts Multi-Purpose Outdoor Cleaner can deliver up to 25 gallons of cleaning solution when used for light-duty cleaning tasks.
- The Scotts Multi-Purpose Outdoor Cleaner is perfect for pressure washers because it has a formula that will not deteriorate them.
The disadvantages of the Scotts Multi-Purpose Outdoor Cleaner are as follows:
- The Scotts Multi-Purpose Outdoor Cleaner is not so efficient for manual use.
7. Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash with Mild Odor, 1 Gallon
Krud Kutter is a brand that focuses on the improvement of cleaning solutions’ formulas in order to deliver eco-friendly products that are still efficient, reliable, and easy to use.
The Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash is designed to clean siding made of various materials such as bricks, stucco, masonry, wood, vinyl, and more.
The Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash stands out among similar products because it is completely biodegradable and safe to use around children and pets. This cleaning agent does not contain bleach or ammonia, which might be toxic for animals and humans if used in inappropriate amounts. The EPA certification that this product comes with attests to its eco-friendliness.
The Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash costs around $25.
The Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash comes in a plastic bottle that holds 1 gallon of concentrated cleaner. Depending on the cleaning task, this product can be diluted up to a ratio of 1:19, meaning that the total cleaning solution made from this product is 20 gallons. This amount can cover up to 4000 square feet.
The advantages of the Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash are as follows:
- The Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash has a mild scent that will not bother the user or the people in proximity.
- The Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash is water-based and can be rinsed really easily without leaving any marks.
- The Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash is a multi-purpose cleaning agent that can be used all around the house, not just for vinyl.
- The Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash is ideal for pressure washers.
The disadvantages of the Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash are as follows:
- The Krud Kutter HW01 Clear House Wash might remove old stains efficiently because it is not very strong.
How to Clean Vinyl Siding with a Pressure Washer?
Pressure washing vinyl siding can be easily done by preparing the area, connecting the pressure washer to a water supply and to a power source, rinsing the area with plain water, applying pressure washer vinyl detergent, letting the detergent soak in, and rinsing it off at the end. The steps needed to clean vinyl siding with a pressure washer are discussed in detail below.
Step 1. Prepare the area.
Before pressure washing vinyl siding, carefully inspect the surfaces that need to be cleaned. Make sure to repair any flawed parts before starting the job to avoid further damage. Remove any tough to clean dirt using a brush before beginning the pressure washing procedure.
Remove all objects in close proximity to avoid hose entanglement. Make sure pets and children are kept away during the power washing procedure.
Step 2. Connect the pressure washer to a water source.
Attach a garden hose to a water supply and run water through it for less than a minute to remove debris and air. Turn off the water supply, and connect the hose to the water inlet fitting situated on the pressure washer.
Step 3. Connect the pressure washer to a power source or check the fuel.
If the unit used is an electric pressure washer, inspect the power cord and make sure that it is not damaged. Test the GFCI system as instructed by the pressure washer’s manufacturer in the user manual. Plug the power cord into a compatible electrical outlet.
If the machine used is a gas-powered pressure washer, check the engine fuel and oil levels, and inspect the oil levels of the power washer pump. In case these levels are low, add the necessary lubricant and refill the fuel tank with clean gas.
Step 4. Rinse the vinyl siding with lain water.
Vinyl siding is a strong material but it is prone to bending and scratching. The pressure washing procedure of this material needs to be done correctly. Attach a green or white pressure washer nozzle to the wand. Turn on the pressure washer and keep a distance of 8 to 24 feet away from the surface. Set the pressure rate to about 2000-2800PSI. Starting from the bottom, or the top makes no difference at this point. Turn off the pressure washer.
Step 5. Add pressure washer detergent to the soap tank.
While the pressure washer is turned off, remove the cap of the detergent tank. Fill the soap tank with a power washer cleaning solution specially designed for vinyl cleaning. Screw the cap back onto the tank and make sure that it is secure.
Step 6. Attach a soap nozzle to the pressure washer wand.
Detach the existing nozzle and replace it with a black nozzle, also known as a soap nozzle. Avoid attaching the nozzle while the pressure washer is on because this might cause severe injure, as the pressure of the water can cut the operator. After quick-connecting the nozzle, make sure that it is secure.
Step 7. Apply the cleaning solution to the vinyl siding.
Turn on the pressure washer and start spraying the vinyl siding starting from the bottom, going all the way to the top. Split the surface into smaller cleaning sections to avoid skipping any small parts. This direction of cleaning reduces the chances for stripes.
Step 8. Let the detergent soak in.
As every cleaning solution acts differently, make sure t read the label. Each manufacturer mentions a specific time that the solution needs to provide deep cleaning. Avoid leaving it to soak in for more than indicated, as this could cause the vinyl siding to deteriorate. Reapply another detergent layer if the detergent seems to dry to avoid deteriorating the vinyl.
Step 9. Rinse.
Turn off the pressure washer and connect a white nozzle to rinse the detergent off. Start from the top and finish at the bottom to avoid stripes.try taking overlapping stokes to make sure that all the detergent residue is removed.
Step 10. Pressure wash the nearby area.
After finishing the cleaning process, make sure to pressure wash the building’s nearby area with plain water to remove the dirt and detergent that came off the vinyl siding. Direct the residue to a sewer to get rid of it.
What Are Vinyl Siding Cleaners and Do You Need One?
Vinyl siding cleaners are liquid cleaning agents used for cleaning dirt, mold, mildew, and debris off the vinyl and other surfaces – aluminum, concrete, stone, wood, and other house-building materials. Some vinyl siding cleaners can be applied only via pressure washers while some vinyl siding cleaners can be sprayed or applied manually on the surface.
Vinyl siding cleaners might be needed for the following reasons:
- All-purpose cleaners are too weak and inefficient with cleaning mold, lichen, sap, bug and bird waste, mud, rain marks, and other outdoor calamities that build up on vinyl siding.
- Some multi-purpose cleaners can be too strong or contain wrong ingredients that can make vinyl siding change color or damage it long-term.
- Not all cleaning products can be used with pressure washers because they can’t create suds when blasted at 1,500 PSI or they will damage some parts of the pressure washer.
Vinyl Siding Cleaner Buying Guide
Factors such as ingredient list, formula, packaging type, garden and eco-friendliness, smell, and application should be considered when buying vinyl siding cleaners.
1. Ingredient List
Best vinyl siding cleaners are based on inorganic solvents like water and hydrogen peroxide or soaps with surfactants like alkyl sulfates that are unlikely to damage the vinyl material. Vinyl siding cleaners based on organic solvents and petroleum ethers – benzene, acetone, and THF should be avoided because they can be harmful to vinyl siding and can cause discoloration, haziness, or make the vinyl lose vitality and flexibility.
Bleach
Vinyl siding cleaners that contain ammonium chloride, chlorine bleach, and oxygenated bleach are efficient at removing fungi and mildew off vinyl surfaces. However, bleach-based vinyl siding cleaners can damage the pressure washer pump seals, which results in pressure washer pump placement. Bleach-based vinyl siding cleaners should be used with spray bottles rather than pressure washer cleaners.
2. Concentrated or Pre-diluted Formula
Vinyl siding cleaners are formulated as either concentrated or ready to use. Concentrated vinyl siding cleaners have to be diluted in water before being used, while the dilution ratio depends on the severity of dirt that needs to be cleaned. Between 3 and 10 gallons of diluted product is obtained for one gallon of concentrated vinyl siding cleaners, which makes them very economical. When using concentrated vinyl siding cleaners with pressure washers, the machine will dilute the cleaner automatically using another hose that connects it to the tap.
Pre-diluted vinyl siding cleaners are sold in smaller spray bottles or half a gallon bottles with built-in spraying mechanisms. As the water flows through the hose-end dispenser, it dilutes the vinyl siding cleaner and sprays it across the surface. Pre-diluted vinyl siding cleaners are pricier and less economical than concentrated siding vinyl cleaners.
3. Packaging Type
Vinyl siding cleaners’ packaging depends on the formula of the product. The best vinyl siding cleaners are specifically designed for pressure washer cleaning and come in small, 22fl oz spray bottles to 2.5-gallon jugs. Concentrated vinyl siding cleaners are sold in large bottles, ranging from 0.5 to 5-gallon containers, and come with a bottle cap that measures 1fl oz or another amount that helps with determining the right dilution ratio. Pre-diluted vinyl siding cleaners come in spray bottles or with a spraying adapter for garden or pressure washer hoses and are ready for application off-the-shelf.
4. Garden and Eco-Friendliness
Vinyl siding cleaners that contain benzene and other inorganic solvents can pollute waterways and impact aquatic life. Vinyl siding cleaners marked with “non-toxic”, “biodegradable”, or “EPA Safer Choice” labels minimize the impact they have on nature and are safe for the environment, humans, pets, and plants because they don’t contain carcinogens. Non-eco vinyl siding cleaners produce fumes when being sprayed and can be dangerous for the user and the environment.
5. Smell
Vinyl siding cleaners have different smells – more chemical or scented, while the choice of smell depends on personal preference.
Vinyl Siding Cleaner Application Methods
Vinyl siding cleaners can be applied through a built-in applicator, using a bucket and a medium soft-bristled brush, or by spraying it on the surface using a pressure washer.
1. Built-in Applicator
Vinyl siding cleaners with built-in applicators – hose ends or spray heads can be connected to the tap, standard garden hose, or a pressure washer wand. Vinyl siding cleaners with built-in applicators are suitable for cleaning smaller problem areas on vinyl and not for removing sap, grease, or mildew off the whole siding. If vinyl siding cleaners are not designed to withstand the pressure of a pressure washer, the product can burst and cause burns.
2. Manual Application
Manual application of vinyl siding cleaners involves pouring the product into a bucket and applying it to the surface using a long-handled, medium-soft bristled brush. Cleaning the vinyl siding manually should never be done using scouring powder and other abrasive cleaners or using wire brushes that can damage the surface. Vinyl siding cleaners can be applied using foam nozzle tips or foam cannons as well.
3. Pressure Washing
Using vinyl siding cleaners with pressure washers is the quickest and most efficient method of removing tough stains and buildup off the siding. Only specifically labeled vinyl siding cleaners can create enough suds and should be used with pressure washers. Bleach-based vinyl siding cleaners can damage the inner parts of the pressure washers and should be avoided.
Using a pressure washer extension wand is recommended for reaching and cleaning higher stories of the house. Pressure washer brushes that combine the power of scrubbing bristles and pressurized water can be used for removing tough spots off the vinyl siding.
How to Clean Vinyl Siding with a Pressure Washer
Washing home exterior or vinyl siding with a pressure washer involves gathering the right equipment, preparing the surface, setting up the pressure washer, soaping and rinsing the surface. Surface cleaners and soap and detergents can be used with pressure washers for washing vinyl, cars, floors, and other surfaces.
1. Equipment Needed
Equipment needed for cleaning vinyl siding using a pressure washer is listed below:
- Pressure washer
- Pressure washer nozzle tips: a green 25-degree, a white 40-degree, and a black foaming tip
- Vinyl siding detergent
Optional tools for cleaning vinyl siding using a pressure washer are listed down below:
- Manual brush for applying soap can be used
- Pressure washer extension wand to reach high spots
- Pressure washer brush to scrub tough spots
More information about pressure washers and their accessories can be found on this link.
2. Before Starting
Before applying the vinyl siding cleaner to the surface, the gutters should be cleaned, the siding itself should be prepared, as well as the lawn, and safety precautions should be taken.
2.1. Cleaning gutters
Clogged gutters should be cleaned before washing siding, otherwise, dirt from gutters can overflow and make the siding dirty again.
2.2 Preparing the house
Washing home exterior using a vinyl siding cleaner and a pressure washer should be done on a mild day with low wind, during the spring or early summer. If the sun is too strong, the soap will dry before it is rinsed, which will reduce the efficiency of the vinyl siding cleaner. Strong wind can change the direction of the water stream and suds.
Any open outlets on the outside of the hose should be covered with plastic wrap as using a pressure washer around power lines can cause an explosion.
2.3 Preparing the lawn
Plants and bushes around the home should be watered before cleaning the siding with a pressure washer and vinyl siding cleaners. Watering the plans ensures the soap doesn’t stick and protects them from mildew.
2.4 Personal safety
Water-resistant clothes and boots, eye protection, and a breathing mask should be worn while cleaning house siding using a pressure washer and a vinyl siding cleaner to prevent breathing in soap chemicals or getting burned. Using a telescoping extension wand is recommended for cleaning two-story houses.
3. Setting Up
The water intake hose should be plugged into the electric pressure washer while gas-powered pressure washers should be filled with fuel. The vinyl siding cleaner should be poured through the siphon tube or in the pressure washer’s detergent tank. Pressure washers should be set to the lowest setting when cleaning vinyl siding.
4. Applying Soap
The black nozzle tip with a lower pressure setting should be used for applying soap, a pressure washer brush, or a standard medium soft-bristled brush. The soap should be applied from the bottom of the house up and the whole wall should be soaped at once. Once the soap is applied, it shouldn’t be rinsed before the next 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Rinsing
For rinsing the soap, a green 25-degree nozzle tip that delivers more pressure and a smaller jet of water or a white 40-degree nozzle tip that delivers less pressure but a more focused jet of water should be used. The pressure washer’s nozzle should be 1 foot away from the siding when rinsing it and the water should be sprayed directly onto the surface, panel by panel, from the top down. Once rinsed, the siding should be left to dry naturally.
FAQ About Vinyl Siding Cleaners
1. Is it okay to power wash vinyl siding?
Yes, it is okay to power wash vinyl siding as long as the pressure washer is set to the lowest setting. The pressure washer should be pointed downward so no water gets under the strips, which can make mold and moisture to start forming.
2. How often should I clean my vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding should be cleaned using a pressure washer and vinyl siding cleaner once or twice a year, depending on how dirty the siding gets.
3. What time of year is best for power washing vinyl siding?
The best time of year for power washing vinyl siding is in the spring or early summer, when the wind is mild so it can’t change the direction of the water jet and when the temperature is relatively warm.
4. Is bleach bad for vinyl siding?
Bleach is not bad for vinyl siding as long as it is used properly, diluted with water, and rinsed right after the application.
5. Can I use a bleach-based vinyl siding cleaner with my pressure washer?
Bleach-based vinyl siding cleaners shouldn’t be used with pressure washers, otherwise, they can damage the pressure washer’s pump seals. Bleach-based vinyl siding cleaners shouldn’t be used with spray bottles either but should be applied using a brush.
6. What PSI should I use to clean my vinyl siding?
Pressure washers should be set to 1,200 to 1,800 PSI maximum when cleaning vinyl panels, otherwise, the vinyl siding, windows, or doors can be damaged.
7. How do you clean vinyl siding without scrubbing?
Vinyl siding can be cleaned without scrubbing by using a pressure washer and a vinyl siding cleaner. Some vinyl siding cleaners can be applied manually and rinsed with water without doing any scrubbing.
8. Can I make my own vinyl siding cleaner solution?
Yes, vinyl siding cleaners can be made using white vinegar and water in ratio 1:3 or by mixing bleach with water in 1:1 ratio. Homemade vinyl side cleaners shouldn’t be used with pressure washers but applied using a spray bottle and a bristled brush. Bleach-based vinyl siding cleaners shouldn’t be used on colored vinyl. After the homemade vinyl siding cleaner is sprayed on the surface, it should be left to react, scrubbed, and rinsed with water.
As a bonus, feel free to check the top-rated pressure washer surface cleaners & pressure washing chemicals.
Hi. My husband used a mold and mildew cleaner attached to the pressure washer to our vinyil siding. he then went over entire house with the pressure washer with just water. I woke up today to the entire house having streaky marks and I am freaking out. How do we fix this?