How to Clean Mold and Mildew Off Your Vinyl Siding

Nothing steals the curb appeal and pride of your home faster than mold and mildew creeping up your siding. They are a common sight in neighborhoods with a fair share of rain, shade, or humidity.

Moisture, shade, and organic debris create a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Those dull, green streaks mar your exterior and make it look unkempt. Also, they eat away at the lifespan of your siding and signal potential moisture problems that could damage your home’s sheathing and structure.

However,mold and mildew pose genuine health risks. Those with allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities are at risk of their conditions being worsened. These spores can infiltrate your home and turn it into a source of discomfort. With the right approach, you can reclaim your vinyl siding and restore your home’s curb appeal. This guide will take you through the process of how to clean mold and mildew off safely.

Pressure Washer vs. Garden Hose

Before tackling mold and mildew, you need to know the best and right kind of tool to use. For many homeowners, the instinct is to grab a pressure washer and attempt to blast the grime away. While it’s powerful, a pressure washer is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. The high pressure can force water under the siding panels, leading to moisture damage and a problem far worse than the one on the surface.

For cleaning vinyl siding, most professionals rely on the soft washing technique. It involves using a low-pressure spray like a standard garden hose combined with a specially formulated cleaning solution to kill the organic growth at its root.

There are two main options for cleaning solutions you can use. You can either use a DIY vinegar solution or commercial siding cleaners. The most important thing is the concentration of these products you use and your cleaning process.

To prepare the DIY vinegar solution, mix 70% water and 30% white vinegar in a spray bottle. It’s ideal for moderate mold buildup. Another alternative is to use an oxygen bleach solution. 1 cup of oxygen bleach powder with 1 gallon of warm water will do the work. It is gentler than chlorine bleach but powerful enough to tackle deep-set mold stains without harming your landscaping.

Basic Supplies You Will Need Before You Start

Applying the soft washing technique, you don’t need any fancy equipment. You should only gather the following:

Garden hose with spray nozzle
Long-handled brush with soft bristles
Large bucket
Cleaning solution
Protective eyewear and gloves
A face mask

How to Clean Mold and Mildew Off Vinyl Siding

You can start by removing all furniture in the area. Cover plants and ensure all windows and doors are tightly shut. If there are any outdoor electrical outlets nearby, ensure you turn them off.

Prepare the Area to be Cleaned

Inspect your siding for cracks, any loose panels, or gaps. You should fix these before cleaning to prevent water from seeping behind the surface. Additionally, give the area around your home’s foundation a good soaking with the garden hose. This will dilute any cleaning solution that drips down while protecting your plants and lawn.

Apply Your Cleaning Solution

If you are using an oxygen bleach solution, follow the directions on the container. Using a sprayer or sponge, apply your chosen cleaner starting from the bottom up to prevent streaking. Starting from the top creates uneven streaks that leave behind drip marks. Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes. The single biggest mistake is rinsing or scrubbing too soon. You should see the stains beginning to lighten and fade on their own. You shouldn’t let it dry completely, though.

Gently Scrub Affected Areas

Using your soft brush, gently scrub away mold and mildew spots in circular motions. The goal is not to scour the vinyl siding, but to help loosen the dead spores. Pay particular attention to shaded or north-facing areas where moisture lingers longer.

Rinse Thoroughly

While you apply your cleaning solution from bottom to top, you should rinse from top to bottom with a garden hose. If you happen to have a pressure washer, keep it under 1,500 PSI and maintain a safe distance to avoid cracking or warping the siding panels. The distance should be at least three feet away.

Allow to Dry

Allow the siding to air dry naturally. On a sunny day, it usually takes about an hour or two. After this, you should take measures to prevent another mold and mildew comeback or buildup.

Expert Tips for Keeping Mold and Mildew Away

Build a long-term defense strategy against mold and mildew by adopting these habits that keep your siding cleaner for longer:

Trim back vegetation. Bushes and vines hold moisture and block airflow.
Clean your gutters, as overflowing ones can cause constant water runoff down your siding.
Inspect your vinyl siding after heavy rain for early detection of dark or damp patches.
Give your siding a light rinse every few months to remove dirt before it becomes a source for mold.

Endnote

Keeping mold and mildew off your vinyl siding safeguards your investment and also protects your health. The key is regular maintenance and a bit of preventive care. However, if they have already attacked, you should adopt safe cleaning practices. By following these steps, your home will look cleaner with better color retention and last longer for years to come.