How to Clean Aluminum Siding
Cleaning aluminum siding all by yourself as a homeowner can be a long and tedious process. Fortunately, local box stores will sell products that can help cut down the work time and effort immensely. I won’t be endorsing any products in this article because I’m not getting paid, but if you go to your local stores, they’ll have what you’re looking for.
Cleaning the aluminum siding:
When cleaning aluminum siding, there are several ways to do it. Some people choose to wash it by hand or with brushes. Many people choose to use a pressure washer for washing aluminum siding since it makes the job easier and generally cuts down the time required for the job.
Power washing aluminum siding is the best way for most cleaning projects. If you notice any loose or damaged pieces of siding or other issues, it is best to have repairs made before starting. Once repairs are made, if any were needed, ensure you have read all the instructions to use your pressure washer to include understanding which tips to use during the washing process. Most likely, your pressure washer has some sort of cleaner reservoir. This is where purchasing that product from that big box store comes into play. He will add the product into the reservoir, and then you will attach the soap tip that was provided to you when purchasing the pressure washer. Aluminum siding and vinyl siding a like oxidize overtime from extreme exposure to the sun and the elements. To not disrupt the oxidation on the siding, you should stand at the furthest distance away from the home or object you’re cleaning you can while applying the product. After the product is applied, you will let it dwell or sit on the siding or whatever the manufacturer recommended on the product container. Next, you want to rinse thoroughly. You will need to do so by changing your tip to a rinse tip, which is generally anything other than the soap tip. Remember, you’re just rinsing; you don’t want to be applying too much pressure to the siding. Remember, we don’t want to disrupt that oxidation. If there is any will end up leaving lines all over your house hence the reference did Zorro come to clean your place. It is always best to work in small sections. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself because you don’t want to let any product you apply to your home sit too long or dry.
How to clean rust from aluminum siding:
If you attempt to remove more intense, set-in rust stains, you can use a hands-on treatment to target the dingy areas. Mix your rust cleaning solution in a bucket and use a soft brush or cloth to apply a liberal amount to the stained area, let it dwell, and scrub gently until the spot has faded. Remember always to wear eye protection and gloves if you have to physically handle the cleaning products and rust removers. Then, follow up with a pressure washing treatment and repeat as needed.
When looking at how to clean painted aluminum siding, you have to use a gentler method to prevent the paint from chipping or peeling if there are damaged areas on the painted surface. If there are areas where the paint is peeling, it is a good idea to remedy that issue before power washing or scrubbing to prevent further damage unless you are planning on repainting anyway. Remember to keep a safe distance away from the cleaning service and most likely reduce the dwell time you leave the product on the painted surface. My recommendation would be to cut the time in half and reapply as needed.
How to clean mold and algae from aluminum siding:
Treating mold/algae on aluminum siding can be trickier than just removing the spot with a cleaner. To kill off the mold source, mix up a solution of one-part bleach to four parts water. Apply it with your pressure washer as stated above, or use a pump sprayer to apply to the dirty area. This should kill it at its source and help prevent the spot from reforming for a greater period of time.
Mildew and algae on siding are much more difficult, as they tend to reoccur more frequently and easily. They lurk in cracks and areas that do not see much sunlight, making it hard to notice until it has already spread. The treatment is similar but may have to be repeated more often since it regrows more easily. The best practice is to clean the entire house with the above solution, not just the spots that appear to be dirty at the moment.
Supreme Wash Pressure & Soft Washing Safety Tip:
Pressure washing or power washing requires precautions. You should wear appropriate safety gear, as directed in your instruction manual, and you should always ensure others stay clear, as the high-pressure stream of water from a pressure washer can break the skin and cause serious injury to humans and animals. Refrain from mixing chemicals and/or cleaners unless the directions specifically tell you to do so. It is always best to have another hose nearby that you could quickly use to rinse yourself if need be.
