- Clean your home’s siding once or twice a year to keep it sparkling and well-maintained.
- Use a low-pressure hose and a soft, medium-bristle nonmetal brush instead of a high-pressure power washer on James Hardie® siding and trim.
- Tackle plain dirt with water and a soft brush or cloth, working from the top down in small sections to avoid streaking.
- Remove oil, grease, and organic stains with mild liquid dishwashing soap and water, rinsing continuously so soap never dries on the surface.
- Treat mold and mildew with a mildew-specific cleaner, scrubbing gently and following the product instructions to protect the siding’s finish.
There’s nothing like the look and feel of clean. Whether it’s your kitchen tile floor, your car, or your home’s siding and trim. When something is so clean it sparkles, you feel accomplished, and it looks its best.
You can achieve that same sparkle on your home’s siding by cleaning it once or twice a year. It is recommended to use a low-pressure hose and a soft medium bristle (nonmetal) brush instead of a high-pressure power washer to remove dirt and debris from James Hardie® siding and trim.
In this article, we will guide you on how to clean your siding effectively, providing you with the necessary tools, solutions, and methods to keep your siding clean and well-maintained.
How to Clean Siding: Removing Dirt, Grease, and Mildew
Below are the major culprits behind dirty siding and the best cleaning methods to restore your home’s appearance.
The Culprit: Dirt
Tools:
- Soft cloth
- Soft brush (e.g., All Paint poly brush, chip brush, horsehair bench brush)
- Garden hose
Solution: Water
Method:
- If using a brush, gently brush off the surface dust or dirt from the siding.
- Rinse the area with a garden hose.
- If using a soft cloth, wet it and wipe the area in a side-to-side motion following the direction of the plank, shingle, or panel siding until clean.
- Rinse the area with clean water.
Pro tip: Start from the top and work your way down, tackling small sections at a time to prevent dripping or streaking onto the cleaned area.
The Culprit: Oil, Grease, or Other Organic Contaminants
Tools:
- Soft cloth
- Garden hose
Solution: Mild liquid dishwashing soap and water
Method:
- Saturate the soft cloth with soapy water.
- Clean the stained siding, rinsing the cloth frequently.
- Use a garden hose to rinse the area once the siding is completely sudsed up.
Pro tip: Avoid allowing soap or cleaners to dry on the siding. Continually rinse the area until all the soap has washed off.
The Culprit: Mold and Mildew
Tools:
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Garden hose
Solution: Mildew-specific cleaner and water
Method:
- Lightly scrub the areas showing signs of mildew using a soft cloth or sponge.
- Follow the instructions on the mildew cleaner carefully.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with a garden hose.
Pro tip: Exercise caution when using stronger chemicals, as they can damage the siding’s finish. Read and follow the instructions provided.
By following these cleaning methods, you can maintain the cleanliness and visual appeal of your home’s siding. Regular cleaning, using the appropriate tools and solutions, will keep your siding looking pristine throughout the year. Remember to clean your siding at least once or twice a year to achieve that sparkling, well-maintained appearance.
Investing time in proper siding maintenance not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also prolongs the lifespan of your siding materials. Keep your home looking its absolute best with regular cleaning and care.
Disclaimer: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for specific cleaning guidelines based on the type of siding you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my home’s siding?
Heritage Exteriors recommends cleaning your siding at least once or twice a year. Regular cleaning keeps it looking pristine, enhances curb appeal, and helps prolong the lifespan of your siding materials. In dusty or tree-heavy Northern California neighborhoods, you may find twice a year works best.
Can I use a pressure washer on my siding?
For James Hardie® siding and trim, it is best to avoid a high-pressure power washer. Instead, use a low-pressure garden hose along with a soft, medium-bristle nonmetal brush to remove dirt and debris. High pressure can force water behind the siding or damage the finish.
What is the best way to remove plain dirt and dust from siding?
Gently brush the surface with a soft brush, such as a poly, chip, or horsehair brush, then rinse with a garden hose. Alternatively, wet a soft cloth and wipe in a side-to-side motion following the direction of the plank, shingle, or panel until clean, then rinse with clean water. Start at the top and work down in small sections to prevent dripping and streaking.
How do I clean oil or grease stains off my siding?
Mix mild liquid dishwashing soap with water and saturate a soft cloth. Clean the stained area, rinsing the cloth frequently, then rinse the whole section with a garden hose once it is fully sudsed. Never let the soap dry on the siding—keep rinsing until all of it has washed away.
What should I use to get rid of mold and mildew on siding?
Use a mildew-specific cleaner with water and lightly scrub the affected areas with a soft cloth or sponge. Follow the cleaner’s instructions carefully, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. Be cautious with stronger chemicals, as they can damage the siding’s finish.
Why should I start cleaning from the top and work down?
Working from the top down and tackling small sections at a time prevents dirty water, drips, and streaks from running onto areas you have already cleaned. This keeps your results even and avoids leaving marks. It is a simple technique that makes the whole job faster and cleaner.
Does cleaning my siding do more than improve its appearance?
Yes. Beyond restoring that sparkling, well-maintained look, regular cleaning helps prolong the lifespan of your siding materials by removing dirt, grease, and mildew before they build up. It is a small investment of time that protects your home’s exterior and boosts curb appeal. Heritage Exteriors is happy to advise Sacramento and Bay Area homeowners on caring for their siding.
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