Savvy homeowners have invested in siding that needs little maintenance to retain its attractive appearance, but that doesn’t mean it won’t require some basic cleaning every year. No matter what type of siding you have, most manufacturers recommend spraying it with the garden hose once or twice a year to remove dirt. In the Kansas City area, homeowners with house siding also have to contend with mildew and pollen buildup, bird droppings, and grease from lawn care equipment or the outdoor grill.
In many cases, you can get the sparkling-new look you want for your home’s exterior simply by rinsing your siding with the hose and using a soft wet cloth to wipe it gently from side to side or in the direction of the simulated woodgrain texturing. If you need to use a cleaning solution to remove stubborn buildup or stains, you’ll want to take care to follow your siding manufacturer’s instructions. Some commonly used cleaners can damage the finish of some types of siding and potentially void the manufacturer’s warranty.
How to Clean James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding
This brand is the nation’s most popular choice for replacement siding, largely because of its reputation for enduring beauty and minimal upkeep requirements. The experts at James Hardie recommend using a soft brush to remove surface dust, then spraying the siding with a garden hose and using a soft wet cloth to wipe the siding clean. For grease stains, you can apply a mild dishwashing soap, making sure the siding is wet before you add the soap. The manufacturer recommends use of a mildew-specific cleaner to remove mold or mildew.
Best Practices for Cleaning Vinyl Siding
Many homeowners with vinyl siding pressure wash their homes at least once a year to remove grime and mildew buildup. Some vinyl siding manufacturers find this practice to be acceptable but offer guidelines for the amount of pressure and the cleaners that can be used. For stubborn mildew buildups, using a quart of liquid laundry bleach mixed with a gallon of water may be acceptable, but it’s advisable to check with your siding manufacturer for specific instructions.
If you’re planning to replace the siding on your home in the Kansas City area, you can turn to Johnson County Siding & Window Co. for expert advice on choosing low-maintenance, weather-resistant cladding. We offer several types of siding, including James Hardie fiber cement siding and Mastic® vinyl siding, as well as acrylic stucco and stone veneer siding. No matter which is right for your Kansas City home, we’ll be happy to provide you with tips for keeping it clean and in like-new condition. Contact us today for more information.
