Clean your vinyl siding to keep your house squeaky clean
KEVIN MCCLINTOCK GateHouse Plus

Many first-time homeowners rejoice when they purchase a new home topped off with vinyl siding, mainly because they can now safely throw out those multiple cans of paint.

But this certainly doesn't mean the house should be ignored. Wind-blown dust, wear and tear of the summer and winter sun and dirty pet paws can easily scar and dirty the siding, to the point that you cringe each time you see your house from a distance.

The summer months are always a good time to clean your home's siding due to the warm weather and long hours of sunlight.

Mark Benson, who sells vinyl siding, said siding could easily be cleaned in a number of ways.

"The most popular way is probably by a power washer. You just spray the soap on the vinyl and the jet force cleans off the dirt," Benson said.

Others opt for specific vinyl cleaning solutions (or home washing kits) sold at any hardware store. These bottles of solution are linked with the hose and - using the force of the faucet - can be sprayed directly onto the vinyl siding. While this may be the easiest way to clean a home's siding, it's recommended to wear eye protection and to cover exposed skin - including thick gloves - because the solution can irritate the eyes and skin. It's also recommended to keep pets away from the solution, at least until it is washed off.

The final way is the tried-andtrue way, Benson said, and "that's using a bucket of soap, a scrub brush and muscle."

Many homeowners, Benson said, prefer to get on hands and knees to scrub away at each vinyl strip, hosing off the sudsy water once the scrubbing is complete.

While it may break the back, scrubbing it by hand will produce the best results, and it allows homeowners to get at the places the bottled solution or a power washer may not be able to reach, "such as around windows or beneath awnings," Benson said.

• How do I wash Vinyl siding?

Wash siding with a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled, soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, us e only a soft bristle brush to avoid smearing stains into the grooves of the texture. To avoid "streaking," start from the bottom and work your way up to the top.

• Can I use a power washer?

Yes, though you should read the instructions before use. When cleaning, hold the power washer straight at eye level.

Do not aim the washer upward, as the water may collect behind the siding, leak later and produce streaks that could cause decay

• How do I protect vinyl sidi discoloration?

Cover the siding when using stains, sealants and wet concrete as part of any home renovation project.

• How does heat affect vinyl siding?

Siding is made from organic materials and will melt or burn when exposed to a significant heat source.

Home and building owners should always take precautions to keep fire sources and combustible materials away from the siding.

• How does vinyl handle heat?

The typical heat distortion temperature of vinyl siding is 160-165 degrees.