As a homeowner, you always want your property to look clean and well-maintained. However, there are some issues that can obscure the true value of your abode. Vinyl siding oxidation is something that a lot of homeowners have to deal with. Not only can oxidation make your home look worse for wear, but it can also lead to expensive repairs down the line. If you want to boost the appearance of your home, here are different ways to clean oxidized vinyl siding.
Why Should You Clean Oxidized Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is the most popular exterior cladding in the United States. Homeowners love it because it’s a durable, versatile, and affordable material that is easy to install and maintain. Over time, though, you may notice a white chalky substance on the surface of your vinyl siding and trim.
What you’re seeing is fading or oxidation. It’s a natural process that happens when the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material is exposed to oxygen and other natural elements as well as dirt and grime build-up.
It’s important to remove oxidation on vinyl siding. Apart from fading and other aesthetic concerns, oxidation can lead to the degradation or deterioration of your exterior cladding. Regular maintenance ensures that your vinyl siding not only looks good, but it will also last for many years to come.
How to Clean Oxidized Vinyl Siding
There are many ways to clean oxidized vinyl siding — including doing it yourself or hiring a professional pressure washing company. If you opt for a more DIY approach, here’s what you need to do:
1. Check for Signs of Oxidation
It will be easy to spot the white, chalky substance on darker-colored vinyl siding. If you have pastel or lighter-colored vinyl siding, you can check for oxidation by running a finger across the vinyl siding surface.
2. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Common household ingredients or products such as vinegar, dish soap, and bleach can be used for vinyl siding oxidation removal.
- To create a vinegar cleaning solution: mix 5 cups of vinegar with 1 gallon of water.
- For a more potent bleach solution: mix 1/3 cup laundry detergent, 2/3 cup household cleaner, 4 cups household bleach, and 1 gallon of water.
- Pour the cleaning mixture in a plastic spray bottle.
3. Rinse Vinyl Siding
Use a garden hose to rinse your vinyl siding. This is to soften dirt, grime, mold, and other contaminants that may have accumulated on your vinyl siding.
4. Wear Protective Gear
Make sure you’re wearing protective eyewear and gloves before dealing with oxidized or faded vinyl siding. You should also wear clothes that will limit skin exposure. PVC may emit volatile organic compounds that can irritate your eyes or skin. Also, practice caution if you’re using a ladder. You won’t want to injure yourself during this time.
5. Apply Cleaning Solution to Vinyl Siding
Spray the cleaning solution to your vinyl siding. Make sure to work in small sections to prevent the cleaning solution from quickly drying out. Use a non-abrasive sponge or a soft-bristled brush to scrub the vinyl siding. Start from the bottom then work your way up to prevent blotchy marks.
6. Rinse Cleaning Solution
Use the garden hose to rinse the cleaning solution. Make sure the water flows down to effectively remove debris as well as to avoid streaking. Then, allow the vinyl siding to dry.
7. Regular Maintenance
Regularly inspect your vinyl siding for signs of oxidation. Large-scale oxidation will be harder to clean and may require more maintenance or repair.
This DIY cleaning method is a cheap and easy way of dealing with vinyl siding oxidation. However, there are downsides as well. It’s a very tedious and time-consuming process. There’s also a chance that you might not achieve the results you want on the first try.
Home solutions usually entail trial-and-error to see which products are most effective in cleaning oxidation on vinyl siding trims and surfaces. Another thing to consider is that vinyl siding oxidation is a common occurrence. You will have to repeat this process several times a year.
When to Use Professional Pressure Washing for Vinyl Siding Oxidation?
Pressure washing might have higher costs than home solutions, but it also comes with many advantages. A professional pressure washing company will know how to efficiently and effectively clean oxidized vinyl siding. They will also be able to adjust their vinyl siding pressure washing techniques depending on the amount of oxidation.
Pressure washing may also be cheaper in the long run. You simply schedule an appointment and allow the professionals to do all the work. They will use the best tools and solutions to restore your vinyl siding and have it back to like-new condition.
This will save you not only save you money but also valuable time. You won’t have to deal with renting equipment, purchasing cleaning supplies, and other related expenses. You also don’t have to deal with the stress and headache of doing the cleaning yourself.
There are many pressure washing services to choose from. Each company will use their own techniques and cleaning solutions. It’s important to consult with a few companies to find out what methods they will use to clean you oxidized vinyl siding as well as pressure washing costs. Ensuring they know the best pressure washing practices and techniques is crucial.
Should You Clean Oxidized Vinyl Siding Yourself or Hire a Professional Service?
Before deciding whether to use a DIY cleaning method or a professional pressure washing service to clean oxidized vinyl siding, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option. A home solution may be cheaper but it’s very time-consuming. There’s also a chance that you might end up with more damage than when you started. Professional pressure washing will cost more money. However, they have the experience and expertise to get the job done quickly.
If you have any questions about cleaning oxidized vinyl siding, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can set up a time for a consultation so you know exactly what needs to be done, and the time it will take to be completed.
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