One of the best reasons to choose quality vinyl siding is what you will not be doing: no scraping, painting, staining, caulking or re-pointing mortar. What it does want is an occasional wash, because pollen, dust, cottonwood fluff and mildew in shady spots can make even new siding look tired.
How to Wash Vinyl Siding
- Rinse the wall from top to bottom with a garden hose to knock off loose dirt.
- Mix a mild soap (a gentle household detergent) in a bucket of water.
- Scrub with a soft brush or cloth on an extension pole, working from the bottom up to avoid streaks.
- Rinse thoroughly from the top down before the soap dries.
What to Avoid
- Harsh solvents, abrasive cleaners and stiff wire brushes, which can scuff the finish.
- Pressure washers aimed upward under the laps. That forces water behind the siding. If you use one, keep it on low and spray level or downward.
- Grills, fire pits and reflective low-E window glare close to the wall, which can overheat vinyl.
A Simple Yearly Checklist
- Look for loose, cracked or hail-dented panels, especially on the west and north walls after spring storms.
- Keep sprinklers, mulch and soil from piling against the bottom course.
- Clear the gutters. Overflowing gutters dump water down the siding and behind it.
- Check that soffit vents are not blocked.
When to Call Us
Hail spatter marks, cracked or holed panels, sections blown loose by wind, or warping are worth a professional look. Storm damage to siding is often covered by homeowners insurance, and we document it the same way we document roof damage.
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Vinyl Siding Cleaning & Maintenance Questions
Can I pressure wash vinyl siding?
Gently, if at all: low pressure, spraying level or downward, never up under the laps. A hose and soft brush do the job safely.
What removes mildew from vinyl siding?
A mild soap solution and a soft brush handle most mildew. Shady north walls may need cleaning more often.
Do I ever need to paint vinyl siding?
No. The color goes all the way through the panel and ProVia’s pigments are designed to hold it.
Is hail damage to siding covered by insurance?
Often, yes. We inspect, photograph and document siding damage along with the roof and can help with the claim.
Ready to price new siding?
John Beal Roofing is a family-owned exterior contractor serving St. Louis, Kansas City and the Midwest. We measure your walls, bring real ProVia samples to your house and give you a written siding price. Hail or wind damage? We help with the insurance claim, too.
Get a Siding PriceBrowse All Siding ColorsCall 1-800-564-6232