How to Remove Stains From Vinyl Siding(Simple & Proven Ways!)

Last Updated on July 23, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

To remove stains from vinyl siding:

• Prepare a cleaning solution with water and mild detergent
• Use a soft-bristle brush or cloth to scrub the stained area gently
• For tough stains, mix water with white vinegar or bleach (diluted) and scrub
• Rinse thoroughly with water after cleaning
• Avoid abrasive materials that may damage the vinyl siding

Simple Steps To Remove Stains From Vinyl Siding

There are several products in the market you can use to remove stains off vinyl siding without damaging it. Most are simple products from our households. For this particular guide, we will use Powered oxygen bleach. 

Here is the step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather the Material Needed

The materials you will need include:

• Powdered oxygen bleach:  You can get it from your nearest supermarket or make your own by mixing hydrogen peroxide with natural soda ash.
• Clean water: Preferably cold water
• Bucket: Any regular bucket or large container
• Stirrer: Use a paint stirrer or wooden spoon to mix any product
• Sprayers:  If possible, get a different spray bottle to mist different cleaning solutions easily onto vinyl. But, if you will use a single sprayer for different cleaners, ensure you clean it thoroughly before pouring in a new cleaner to get rid of any remains of the previous product inside.
• A piece of cloth:  Use clean, soft clothing to avoid scratching your vinyl.
• Scrub brush: Use the one with soft bristles
• Contractor-grade vinyl siding cleaner: You can purchase this from any nearby supermarket. Make sure you read the packaging instruction before using the product.

Step 2: Take Necessary Precautions

Before you start the process of cleaning vinyl siding, take the following precautions to avoid any potential hazards or a bigger mess. For better results, choose the right day, i.e., not so sunny day as to avoid direct sunlight and rainy day. A cloudy day is the best so that the sun doesn’t dry spots too quickly and unevenly, rains will wash away the product, and it might affect your health.

Safety Precaution

Ensure you wear comfortable clothing, rubber gloves, closed-toe shoes, safety goggles to protect your eyes, plus a face mask to prevent breathing in fumes from cleaning chemicals. Remove any outdoor furniture, objects, and toys from the area to avoid getting in your way. For safety purposes, have a friend hold the ladder for you if you’re using one.

Protect Yourself And Others

Ensure you close all the doors plus windows to prevent water from spraying inside your house. Cover all your plants, pots, and landscaping using plastic traps to prevent damage from the cleaning products. Turn off, unplug, and cover lights plus electrical units using a sheet and secure them with duct tape.

Step 3: Prepare An Oxygen Bleaching Solution

Pour one gallon of clean water into a large container or bucket, then add one cup of powdered oxygen bleach. If there is no powered bleach at all, you can make your own by mixing natural soda or natural borax and hydrogen peroxide.

Since oxygen-bleaching materials don’t use chlorine, you can remove stubborn dirt and stains without damaging your vinyl siding.

After adding the oxygen bleach to your bucket of water, stir the content using a paint stirrer or wooden spoon. Then put some of this solution in a sprayer and tighten the top.

Step 4: Soak The Stains Using The Bleaching Solution

Spray the affected areas first with the bleaching solution and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Now, pour clean water into another bucket and dip a soft piece of clean cloth in it. Rub over the affected area using damp clothing and rinse the stains. Repeat the same process in all the affected areas.

Step 5: Scrub The Stain Using Your brush.

If there are still stains visible, spray it once more and wait for 10 minutes. Afterward, dip a brush into the bleaching solution and scrub the area gently. Wipe down the stains with a piece of cloth soaked in clean water and the sliding should be free of stains. 

Step 6: Try a Contractor-Grade Siding cleaner.

Some stains might prove stubborn to remove even after using bleach and a scrub brush. In such a case, we recommend the use of a contractor-grade siding cleaner.   Several contractor-graded siding cleaners are designed to take off stains from the exterior surfaces and can be a great option when nothing else works.

Spray the product over the stained surface and let it sit for the time indicated on the label.  Rinse with a damp rag afterward.

The time it will take you to remove stains from vinyl depends on the type of the stains plus their depth. For several parts, you can get rid of almost any stains using the steps explained above.

Other Products That You Can Use To Remove Stain From Vinyl Siding

White Vinegar And Water

Mixing white vinegar and water solution in a 30/70 ratio is another safer way of cleaning vinyl siding. You can use the mixture to kill mildew, molds, and porous surfaces as it is more effective than any other cleaning method. For tougher stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water in a ratio of 2:1. 

Dishwashing Liquid

Good old dish soap can come in handy if you have nothing else to take stains off your vinyl. Mix a few drops of liquid soap with water and apply it to the affected area using a piece of cloth or sponge. Wait for some minutes, and then rinse with clean water. If you are dealing with soft stains, it will come off easily. 

Oil-based Cleaner

The oil-based cleanser is an excellent choice for removing stubborn wood stains. The pumice in the product will particularly remove the stains quickly without damaging the vinyl siding. Apply a small quantity of the cleanser on a soft cloth and massage the soiled area gently to utilize the product.

Deck Stain Remover

A deck stain remover is needed for difficult-to-remove stains as it can easily remove deck stains from the vinyl siding. Spray the remover on the affected surfaces and wait for some minutes for it to dry. Wipe it away using a wet sponge or a piece of cloth.

Pine-Sol 

Pine-Sol is an amazing solution for removing deck stains very fast. Apply this product to the stained area with a gentle cloth. Allow the solution to rest for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing the discolored area using a gentle brush.

Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is useful for removing wood stains, even though it’s not a typical home item. To make a good solution, mix 5 or 6 teaspoons of oxalic acid with a gallon of warm water. Afterward, apply it to the soiled areas and wait 2-5 minutes for it to dry. Wipe the solution away with a sponge or soft cloth to get rei of it.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an incredible ingredient for removing stains. Make a paste by combining baking soda with a few drops of water. Apply the paste to the stained areas and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. Later, use the towel to wipe off the vinyl siding. You can wash and rinse the affected surface after the stains have gone.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is another effective way of removing stains from vinyl siding. But, it would help if you were more careful when cleaning this way. Check your manufacturer recommendation plus warranty information first. Check what can void the warranty before you use the method. 

Make sure you keep the stream at eye level and pointed directly at the siding. Pointing the stream at an angle will make you risk driving water behind the siding. Also, be careful around windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical connection. 

While using pressure washing, avoid bleach, organic solvent, undiluted chlorine, liquid grease remover, and similar ingredients.

How to Remove Stains From Viny?

There are many ways to remove those stains and make your vinyl look new again. The first way is with a home remedy of using lemon juice and an old toothbrush. Simply cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice all over the stain and scrub it with the brush until the stain disappears.

Tips for Removing Stains

Firstly, it is important to identify the type of stain. From there, it is important to use a suitable cleaning agent and then thoroughly soak up any excess that needs to be removed. Next, one should blot the stained area with a dry towel or a clean cloth. Lastly, for difficult stains, it can be helpful to purchase an enzyme cleaner from a home improvement store.

How Often Should One Clean Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its durability and easy maintenance. But how often should one clean it? This list dives into the recommended frequency for cleaning vinyl siding and the reasons behind it.

1. Annual Cleaning Is Recommended

• It’s generally recommended that homeowners should clean their vinyl siding at least once a year.
• This is important as it helps maintain the look and health of the siding.
• Regular cleaning can also help preserve the siding’s color and prevent a build-up of dust, dirt, or mold.

2. More Frequent Cleaning in Humid Climates

• If one resides in a region with high humidity, more frequent cleaning, such as bi-annual cleaning, may be beneficial.
• This is due to the fact that these climates encourage the growth of mildew, mold, and algae, which can cause significant damage to the siding.

3. Areas with High Dust or Pollution Require Extra Care

• In areas of high pollution or dust, quarterly cleaning may be necessary.
• These environmental factors can accumulate on the surface leading to potential damage if left unchecked.

4. Prompt Cleaning After Obvious Dirt Accumulation

• Prompt cleaning should be carried out if any obvious dirt, grime, or stains show up on the siding.
• This prevents the accumulated debris from becoming a more significant issue in the future.

5. Consider Variations in Light Exposure

• Areas that receive more sunlight may require more frequent cleaning than areas that are shaded.
• Sunlight can heighten the rate at which the siding gets dirty.

Here’s a simple table that breaks down the information:

Factor	Cleaning Frequency Recommended
Annual maintenance	Once a year
High humidity regions	Twice a year
High pollution or dust regions	Quarterly
Obvious dirt or grime accumulation	As needed
Varied light exposure	As per condition

Conclusion

Any stains in your vinyl siding are unsightly and will make it look older than it is. Take your time and put more effort into maintaining your vinyl siding to hold up like a new one and enjoy the clean exterior. Follow the steps highlighted in this article and use the recommended products to get rid of any stains or dirt. Remember to always do a quick spot test to make sure that the product doesn’t damage your vinyl siding.

References:

https://www.whatisvinyl.com/how-to-remove-stain-from-vinyl-siding/
https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-clean-vinyl-siding/