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CertainTeed Vinyl Siding Installation Guide
141
Section 13 — Miscellaneous
Cleaning Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding resists most common household stains, but it will
become dirty like any product exposed to atmospheric conditions.
In areas not exposed to direct sun and rain, periodic washing with
a soft bristle brush and clean water from a garden hose may be
necessary to remove surface dirt. Chalk may also accumulate on
the surface. This is a normal condition for pigmented materials
exposed to the elements.
For the best appearance, clean vinyl siding at least once a year.
To remove soil, grime and chalk from siding, use a garden hose, a
soft bristle brush, and a bucket of soapy water. (You can also use
the solution described below in the section about mildew.)
To minimize streaking, wash the house from the bottom up.
Thoroughly rinse the siding with clean water from a garden hose.
Avoid prolonged or high pressure rinsing of open ventilated areas.
Keep cleaning solution off surrounding fixtures and surfaces not
scheduled for washing.
NOTE: We do not recommend power washing vinyl or
polymer siding as it can cause moisture intrusion,
damage, and/or discoloration.
Stubborn stains
If you can’t remove especially stubborn stains using normal
household detergents, request a cleaner from your siding
contractor or your local building materials retailer. Always test
any cleaner on an inconspicuous area before full use.
Mildew
Mildew may be a problem in some areas, especially warmer
climates with consistently high humidity. Mildew appears as black
spots on surface dirt and is usually detected in areas not subjected
to rainfall, such as under eaves and porch enclosures. To remove
mildew, prepare a solution as follows:
1/2 cup detergent (Tide, for example)
2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (Soilax, for example)
1 quart 5% sodium hypochlorite (Clorox, for example)
3 quarts water
CAUTION: Greater concentration may cause damage to the
siding and soffit.
If the above solution does not readily remove mildew spots, ask
your siding contractor or your local building materials retailer for a
mildew cleaner.