Siding can add a certain charm to your home. But like all outdoor surfaces, it can accumulate a host of dirt, stains, grime, mold, and mildew over time, causing your home’s exterior to look old, grimy, and worn out. The good news is that most siding materials are easy to clean. You’ll only need a little time, effort, and cleaning supplies – most of which you already have in your home.
But how should you clean your siding – bottom-up or top-down? Simple answer, bottom up. Read on to find out why.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Siding
Eliminates Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can make your home look old and poorly maintained. If left untreated, this growth can cause damage and discoloration to your siding. Cleaning your siding at least once a year can help maintain your surfaces and prevent health problems.
Protect Your Health
Regular siding cleaning protects the health of your family by getting rid of dirt, dust, pollen, mold, and other allergens that can cause respiratory and skin problems.
Save You Money Over the Long Run
Dirt can sometimes mask issues on your home’s siding. Cleaning gives you an opportunity to look for loose boards, small gaps or holes, and even nesting insects. Addressing issues before they get out of hand can save you thousands of dollars later.
Enhances Curb Appeal
A quick clean can eliminate mold, dirt, grime, and other debris. This can go a long way in attaining a clean home with a stunning exterior. Enhanced curb appeal can uplift the tone of your street and add value to your home. This is particularly important if you’re planning to sell your home.
Extends the Lifespan of Your Siding
Cleaning your siding can also help it last longer. Some pollutants may stick to the surface of your home’s siding like glue. Over time, they may eat up the siding, leading to discoloration, cracks, and breakages. Routine cleaning will get rid of contaminants before they degrade the siding material.
What You Need to Clean Siding
You don’t want to use any abrasive tools or cleaning products as they can quickly damage the surface of your home’s siding. Products you’ll need to clean your siding include:
- Soft-bristled brush or long-handled broom. The bristles should be fine enough to effectively get dirt from the siding without scratching or chipping the surface.
- Soft microfiber cloth
- General purpose cleaner or mild home-made cleaner
- Bucket
- Garden hose
Why Clean Siding from the Bottom Up
The best way to clean your home’s siding is to begin at the bottom and work your way up.
Cleaning your siding is a two-way process of washing with soap or another cleaning product followed by a rinse.
Starting at the bottom keeps the areas already washed wet until it’s time for the rinse. If the washed areas are allowed to dry in the process, it’ll be difficult to completely remove the dried-on soap and dirt. This can lead to residue accumulation and streaking.
Also, working your way toward the top gives the detergent solution a chance to spend time on the surface, tackling residue before it’s rinsed off.
You want to start at the bottom and move the entire length along. Don’t clean more than 10 feet at a time without rinsing to prevent the soap from drying on the siding.
At Moss Roofing, we are a leading roofing and siding contractor in Indianapolis. Whether you want your siding replaced, repaired, or cleaned, we can help you achieve the seamless and sophisticated look you desire. Contact us today to request an estimate on your next siding job.
