Cleaning vinyl siding often involves having to remove unsightly vinyl algae stains from it. Over time, algae can build up on exterior surfaces. and cause a homeowner to need and find the best resource on how to go about removing algae from vinyl siding. In this article, we are going to cover how to remove algae from vinyl siding. We will also talk about how to remove mold from vinyl surfaces outdoors.
How to Remove Algae from Vinyl Siding?
When it comes to the different types of solution and methods of removing green algae from vinyl siding, you have a few options to choose from. One of the most popular ways of removing algae stains is by using bleach on the siding. When it comes to home maintenance, having issues like these removed and cleaned can help in the look of a home and how long vinyl siding lasts before it needs to be replaced. Keeping up with maintenance like this can be the best decision a homeowner makes.
Why Is My Siding Turning Green and Brown?
Vinyl siding is a popular plastic building material for many newer homes. One of its most attractive features is its durability. It doesn’t hurt that vinyl siding is affordable, as well. Most vinyl siding products are advertised as maintenance-free, but that does not mean that you can just ignore your siding.
Dirt, debris and tree sap can accumulate on your vinyl siding over time. This layer provides mold and algae with a source of nutrients. That’s when you start to notice green, brown and black spots forming outside your home.
Some areas of your home exterior are more mold and algae-prone compared to others. Sections of vinyl siding that are not exposed to sunlight can be vulnerable to mold and mildew growth—so are the areas of your home close to trees and plants.
One major cause of mold and algae growth on vinyl siding is excess moisture. This moisture can come from many sources, and you will need to check. Water could be coming in from overflowing gutters. Extra moisture could also be seeping in from a broken water pipe. It’s best to fix these issues before you remove algae from vinyl siding.
Repair and clean gutters to ensure that they are unclogged and working properly. Likewise, find and repair any broken pipes and drains near your exterior walls, as well. You may also need to turn down or adjust your sprinklers if they are close to your home. Lastly, trim back tree branches and plants to let more sunlight reach your vinyl siding.
Can You Use Bleach to Clean Vinyl Siding?
Yes! It’s been found to be an excellent method to clean the vinyl siding on a home. Homeowners who use plain water to clean their siding need to clean more often. It is estimated that they will need to have it cleaned two times per year. They may also need to clean more often than that, using just plain water, to stave off new algae growth.
However, you can get by with less cleaning with the use of bleach. By adding one quart of bleach per every 5 gallons of water, the time between cleanings would be every 9-12 months.
For homeowners who are looking to keep the algae from building up on their home for the most extended period would benefit from using this method.
There are also quite a few different cleaning solutions that can be found in most hardware stores that benefit homeowners in keeping their vinyl siding clean and algae free. However, one of the quickest and most cost-efficient ways is by having the home professionally power washed.
There are many different types of bleaches and strengths of solutions. A professional cleaning company will know about the best products to recommend and use for your home.
Removing Algae from Vinyl Siding
There are different solutions and methods of getting algae removed from vinyl siding. One way to remove algae is by using a mixture of liquid dish detergent and water. The detergent helps to prevent algae from building up by removing dirt and grease from the siding.
The best approach is having a professional look at the home at least once. This way, you can be sure that the appropriate cleaners are used to remove algae from vinyl siding. They may also be able to help you identify gutter leaks, broken pipes, and other trouble spots that you need to fix. You can also get tips on how to fight off any new mold and algae from forming between cleanings, too.
What About Mold and Mildew?
So, maybe you’ve put off cleaning the vinyl siding on your home for a bit longer than you should have, and there is a chance of mold also growing. The main thing to focus on is that you realize there needs to be an adjustment in your cleaning strategy, and that’s the most important thing!
For mold, experts recommend a simple solution of vinegar and water. The vinegar is an effective cleaning agent that gets rid of mold from vinyl siding. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar on your home exterior, however, there are alternatives you can try.
One of the best ways for getting mold off of vinyl siding is to have the siding power washed. Have a power wash to get the mold, algae, and other grime removed. A professional exterior cleaning service can do the job quickly and thoroughly. The result is the home’s siding looking brightly clean and just like new.
Remove Algae from Vinyl Siding with the Help of Experts
Our team here at Washh are expert home exterior cleaners. Their extensive experience helps homeowners get their home siding back to the best condition it can be. We have years of experience and knowledge of the best new products and solutions. As a result, our team continues to amaze our customers not only in having the power washing completed quickly. They also impress with their knowledge of the best cleaners and washing methods for a home.
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