Cleaning Mildew From Vinyl Siding?

[cold1313]

I've neglected my vinyl siding above the house (I have a brick ranch with vinyl up to the roof). I have mildew on there pretty good. I've trimmed back and removed some trees last fall to hopefully reduce that going forward.

What do you recommend to remove the mildew? My brother has a power washer I can borrow.

My concerns are something that won't effect the brick on the house - the brick is fine and doesn't need cleaned.

Also, we have three, tiny 5 pound dogs - so I need something that is safe around them and my 2 kids. I looked at whatever Home Depot had last fall and the entire label warned about how terrible it is for pets, other plants, shrubs, trees, etc.



I was hoping to get some first hand experience from some people on here.

 

[Peter 315]

I use this stuff from home cheapo.......https://www.homedepot.com/p/Mold-Armor-1-gal-E-Z-House-Wash-FG503/100625649

 

[dlctcg]

last year I used Simple Green Oxy Solve House and Siding Cleaner on my father in-laws place it work well... we chose it because it was non-toxic / biodegradable & safe for landscape / animals.... It worked better than we expected being every other product we looked at had all sorts of warnings all over them & this didn't

Here is the description:

Simple Green Oxy Solve House and Siding Cleaner removes dirt, pollution and stains from mold, mildew, moss and algae. The pressure washer concentrate is ideal for cleaning vinyl, aluminum, stucco, wood, brick and other types of siding. The fast-acting foam cleans using the power of peroxide. The safer, non-toxic and biodegradable formula meets the rigorous criteria of the U.S. EPA's Safer Choice Program and will not harm surrounding plants, lawns, pets or wildlife. Brighten and renew surfaces without harmful bleach while removing black streaks and lifting tree sap, ash and soot off of siding and trim.

It is available at Lowes or Amazon:

Amazon.com: Oxy Solve House and Siding Pressure Washer Cleaner - Removes Stains from Mold & Mildew on Vinyl, Aluminum, Wood, Brick, Stucco - Concentrate 1 Gal.: Garden & Outdoor

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have to clean my white steel gutters. I don't care what anyone says, I think some scrubbing is essential. I have a commercial pressure washer and a hot water unit in the making but really, spraying it down with some good cleaner, wiping it with a soft brush on a pole and hosing it off with a garden hose is probably all that is called for.

I have a (Fun) foam cannon too and it makes a vehicle look clean after you pressure wash it, but there is often still a film on the vehicle. For the fun of playing with the foam and not having to scrub, it's good enough.

 

[tallyho8]

Vinyl siding manufacturers recommend that you do NOT use a pressure washer to clean vinyl siding. It has many small drain holes on the bottoms and a pressure washer has so much power it gets water in these holes and behind the vinyl siding where it can do damage.

I have always sprayed on a solution of 50/50 water and full power bleach. Let it sit and 90% of the mildew disappears. Then I spray what is left, wipe it with a broom or car brush and hose it off. This works for me and the bleach is so diluted after you finish that it never harms anything of mine.

 

[newbury]

Lot's of people say do not use pressure washers. To me the key is to only use them so the water is falling down. I've a fair amount of siding. I'll get above some of it and spray down. One side of one house reaches about 35' above ground, that side I spray so it falls in an arc. Takes longer but works.
There are a couple of products like wet and forget that are ok for pets after they dry.

 

[TractorGuy]

I go back and forth between using a pressure washer or the 50/50 bleach water method. Bleach and water is the best way. Especially when the mildew is heavy. Sometimes it takes two applications.

I mix it in a garden sprayer to apply. Get a ladder to hit the high areas. Let it sit a while but don't let it dry before rinsing.

Too strong on the bleach will take the finish off aluminum window frames so don't go any stronger than 50%>

 

[Birdhunter1]

I use a bleach and automotive soap mixed together, I wet the siding then use the same brush I use on my vehicles on a handle 6' long. Then I pressure wash it off.

 

[Motorboatin]

 

[BoylermanCT]

I go back and forth between using a pressure washer or the 50/50 bleach water method. Bleach and water is the best way. Especially when the mildew is heavy. Sometimes it takes two applications.

I mix it in a garden sprayer to apply. Get a ladder to hit the high areas. Let it sit a while but don't let it dry before rinsing.

Too strong on the bleach will take the finish off aluminum window frames so don't go any stronger than 50%>

Been cleaning my parent's house this way for years. Spray on the bleach solution with a pump sprayer, leave it on for a while but don't let it dry and the rinse with a garden hose sprayer nozzle.