Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding for Best Results

When it comes to choices in siding materials, vinyl siding is clearly one of the most popular for several good reasons. Since vinyl is made with color pigment in its ingredient list, the color is a permanent part of the vinyl, so this siding never needs to be painted. In addition, vinyl siding resists damage from moisture and insect pests, so it requires little in the way of ongoing maintenance. Finally, vinyl siding is one of the most economical choices of siding materials; for homeowners who are on a tight budget, vinyl is often the preferred choice of siding.

Even with all of its advantages, vinyl siding can and will become dirty over time. The best method by which to remove dirt and grime is to pressure wash vinyl siding. While some homeowners may prefer to leave this task to the professionals, it's actually not too difficult once you have the proper equipment and the know-how.

Pressure washers are expensive, and since you will use one only on infrequent occasions, it makes more sense to rent one when it comes time to pressure wash vinyl siding. Look for a high-quality pressure washer that emits water at around four gallons per minute at a pressure of 1,000 psi. It is important to not pressure wash vinyl siding with higher pressure than recommended because it could easily damage the siding, and it is also important to not pressure wash vinyl siding with lower pressure because it will be ineffective at removing the dirt and grime.

Be sure to use a cleaning solution that is recommended for use on vinyl siding. Although vinyl is a strong material, it can be damaged if the solution used when you pressure wash vinyl siding is too strong. You will perform two passes to thoroughly clean the siding: one with the cleaning solution to remove the dirt, and the second with clean water to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. This second step is critical, since any solution left after you pressure wash vinyl siding will cause unsightly streaks as the siding dries.

When spraying as you pressure wash vinyl siding, it is important to aim the spray at the house siding directly but not in an upward direction. If you spray upward, this can force water underneath the siding, which can pose a problem if the water becomes trapped there. In addition, when spraying a section of the siding, start at the bottom and then work your way to the upper portion of the siding. This helps to prevent dirt from the upper reaches from staining the lower areas of the siding.