Vinyl siding is durable, affordable and easy to maintain. How easy are we talking? It’s not no-maintenance, but it’s close, according to Matt Dobson, vice president of the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) with more than 20 years of experience in siding research and advocacy.
A soft brush, some water and regular household cleaners are all you need to get rid of mold, mildew, grass, grease and even crayons. “In some cases, you don’t even have to use a cleaning product; the water itself will take care of it,” Dobson says. “It’s that minimal.” He likens cleaning vinyl siding to washing your car, and in fact, those soft, telescoping car-washing wands are perfect for vinyl siding.
Things to avoid? “The most common thing I’ve seen in the field is people trying to use acetone on vinyl — a big no-no,” says Alex Brand, an operations manager with PEPA who is an expert in installation and maintenance. Acetone eats through vinyl, and “it’s impossible to get out.” Brand says sometimes people try to fix the acetone damage with mineral oil, and that won’t work, either. “Acetone will fade, mineral oil will stain,” he says.
Ahead, Dobson and Brand walk us through how to clean vinyl siding the right way.