A Quick Trick For Cleaning Your Home's Dirty Vinyl Siding

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Though it's popular and easy to install, vinyl siding has a few downsides. One is its tendency to attract dirt, pollen, mildew, and algae, all of which can stain your siding if they stay in place too long. Hiring a pro to take care of the problem is one option, but this may not be feasible if your home maintenance budget is tight. Fortunately, sprucing up this type of siding is a task that's easy to do yourself. While some people use diluted bleach to clean vinyl siding, you may find that a spray bottle of Lysol All Purpose Cleaner provides an even simpler solution for removing tough stains.

Lysol is often used to clean vinyl siding because it can handle stains from a variety of sources, including mud and fertilizer. Plus, as a disinfectant, it's ready to tackle stubborn layers of mold and the pathogens found in bird droppings that have sullied the siding. When scrubbing your siding with Lysol — or anything else, for that matter — avoid abrasive tools such as steel wool, which can scratch. Instead, opt for a sponge and a brush with soft bristles. Also choose a regular hose rather than a pressure washer for rinsing away any residue since the latter may harm your siding.

When using Lysol to remove vinyl siding stains, a soft-bristled scrub brush is your first ally. Spray the cleaning solution onto the brush and gently scrub it into the affected area. Then, do a second pass with a sponge if needed. If you find paint or pen stains on your siding, you might need to use a tool that scrubs a bit deeper — say, a nylon scrubbing pad. You may also need to repeat this process on particularly stubborn spots and areas with heavy buildup; just avoid letting the solution dry on the siding. After each scrubbing session, rinse your siding with a hose.

When cleaning vinyl siding with Lysol, consider wearing protective gear such as goggles and rubber gloves. Though Lysol isn't as harsh as undiluted bleach, it may irritate your skin or eyes if it comes into contact with them. Want to use a gentler product — and possibly get rid of the goggles? Try cleaning your vinyl siding with vinegar. No matter which cleaning product you choose, give your siding a scrub once a year at a minimum.