As dirt particles collect on a house’s siding, mold or mildew can eventually gain a foothold. When you see the dingy growth accumulate on your home, it’s time to clean the siding. The process is well within the physical abilities of most homeowners. Learn how to clean mold off siding from the siding experts at PJ Fitzpatrick.
Whether you have vinyl or aluminum siding, the job is largely the same. If you use a pressure washer, don’t exceed a medium pressure setting. The spray pattern should be at 40 degrees and the nozzle should be kept at least 12 inches from the siding at all time. These settings will prevent you from damaging your siding with an excessively strong spray.
How to Clean Mold Off Siding Steps
- Spray the siding with the hose or pressure washer. Light accumulations often come off completely with just water.
- Start spraying at the bottom and work your way to the top. While spraying, be sure to avoid aiming the spray under the siding edges. Water could penetrate the seams and cause problems underneath the material.
- Rinse the siding from the top down to the bottom.
- If water spray is insufficient to remove the mold, apply cleaner.
- In the bucket, make the cleaner by adding 1/2 cup bleach OR 1-1/2 cups vinegar to each gallon of water.
- Protect plants with plastic drop cloths to prevent bleach or vinegar water from burning vegetation.
- Apply cleaner with the scrub brush.
- Rinse the cleaner off starting from the top of the siding and working your way to the bottom.
- In stubborn spots, apply cleaner again and spend extra time scrubbing.