If you have vinyl cladding on the exterior of your home, you need to make sure that it’s well maintained. This helps to maintain the good condition of the cladding for longer. You may think that the only way you can effectively clean vinyl cladding is by using a pressure washer. This is not the case. It may be easy to use a pressure washer, but it’s not necessarily the best way of cleaning cladding. Using a pressure washer can also be expensive.
Let’s look at two ways in which you can clean vinyl cladding. You should find that both of these methods are equally effective, if you take time to carry them out in the correct manner. It’s worth noting that before you start using either of these methods, you should read the manufacturers guidelines for cleaning the cladding you have in place. You should also start out by cleaning just a small area, and make sure there is no adverse reaction.
Using detergent and bleach with water
If you decide to use this method of cleaning you should act with caution as bleach can be a harsh chemical to handle. You should use the following to make up your cleaning solution, to use in a garden sprayer.
- Laundry detergent powder – one third of a cup.
- Powdered household cleaner – two thirds of a cup.
- Laundry bleach – one quart.
- Water – approximately one gallon.
Before you start to use the spray, make sure that pets and children are away from the area. It’s also a good idea to protect plants that may be affected. When you are spraying it’s a good idea to mask your face so that you are not breathing in any of the spray.
After applying the solution, and leaving it to take effect, you need to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water. This cleaning method is especially effective if there is mold present on your vinyl cladding.
Using a vinegar solution
If you want to remove stains and mildew from the vinyl cladding on your home, you may find a vinegar solution is your best option.
You will need a vinegar solution and a baking soda paste for this method of cleaning. Just mix a solution of 70% water with 30% vinegar; then create the paste using half a cup of baking soda and a quarter of a cup of water.
Starting from the top of the cladding, use a large scrubbing brush to clean with the vinegar solution. You should switch to using the baking soda paste and a smaller scrubbing brush, if you come across any stubborn stains. Once the stain is removed, clean the area with the vinegar solution. If you need to access any small, hard to get to, areas you should try using a toothbrush.
Using either of these methods should help you clean vinyl cladding. Of course, over time the condition of the cladding will start to deteriorate. If you find that cleaning is no longer enough, you may want to speak to experts like peterbracey.com.au to get the cladding replaced.