How to Clean Vinyl Siding

Family HandymanUpdated: Nov. 14, 2022

Techniques for cleaning tough-to-remove stains on vinyl siding, trim and gutters.

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Introduction

Clean easy-to-remove and tough stains from vinyl siding quickly and easily with these simple techniques.

Tools Required

Bucket
Nylon scrub pad
Soft-bristle brush
Sponge

Materials Required

Ammonia
General purpose cleaner
Non-abrasive bathtub cleaner

Vinyl Siding Wash Cleaning

This is how to clean vinyl siding like a pro — even the worst stains! Read on to learn the best vinyl siding wash to buy, and how to make a homemade vinyl siding cleaner.

Vinyl Siding Cleaner Options:

Krud Kutter Exterior Siding Cleaner Rating: 3.5 stars | Price: $13
Simple Green House and Siding Cleaner Rating: 4 stars | Price: $20
Scrubbing Bubbles Fantastik All-Purpose Cleaner Rating: 4.5 stars | Price: $11
Home Armor E-Z House Wash Rating: 4.5 stars | Price: $19
Rust-Oleum Jomax House Cleaner Rating: 4.5 stars | Price: $24

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Project step-by-step (3)

Step 1

How to Make the Best Homemade Vinyl Cleaner

Vinyl siding usually cleans up easily with nothing more than a homemade cleaner of soap and water, and a yearly scrubbing will keep it looking new. For basic vinyl siding wash cleaning, use general-purpose vinyl siding cleaning solution mixed with warm water. To make your own vinyl cleaner you’ll need:

A general-purpose cleaner like Dawn Dish Soap or Soft Scrub
Bucket full of warm water
Large sponge

Step 2

Basic Vinyl Siding Cleaning

Apply the vinyl siding cleaning solution with a soft-bristle cleaning brush, scrubbing the full length of each lap.
Start at the bottom to avoid streaking, and use your garden hose to rinse off each section before it dries.
- Pro tip: Get the details right when you install vinyl siding and you’ll save yourself hours of frustration later on.

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Step 3

Remove Tough Stains

Clean tough stains off with a nonabrasive cleaner or a homemade vinyl siding cleaner of soap and water that won’t damage the surface of the vinyl.
For tough spots like paint drips, tar, and pencil and pen marks, use a nonabrasive bathtub cleaner or nylon scrub pad.
Use ammonia cleaners or a solution of one part bleach in four parts water to clean mold and mildew stains. (However, never mix ammonia and bleach.)
Rinse thoroughly while the siding is still wet.

Don’t use paint thinner, nail polish remover, spot removers, paint remover, straight chlorine bleach or furniture cleaner on vinyl. These types of cleaners can damage the surface of the siding.