Siding is the protective and decorative face of your home, and over time, it can accumulate dirt, grime, and various stains. Proper maintenance is essential to keep it looking fresh and new. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean stains from your siding without causing damage or voiding your warranty.
Normal Routine Maintenance
For regular cleaning and maintenance:
- Use a Soft Bristle Brush: Always opt for a soft bristle brush. This ensures that you don’t smear the stain further into the grooves of the siding’s texture. Hard brushes can also cause surface abrasion, which can damage the siding.
- Gentle Cleaning: Apply gentle pressure when cleaning to avoid any surface abrasion.
- Rinsing: After cleaning a particular area, make sure to rinse it with water. This helps in removing any residual cleaning agent and prevents further staining.
- Washing an Entire House: If you’re planning to wash the entire exterior, start at the bottom and work your way up. Once you’ve reached the top, rinse from the top down. This method ensures that you prevent any streaking on the siding.
Dealing with Tough Stains
For stubborn stains like top soil, motor oil, lithium grease, crayon, felt-tip pen, caulking, lipstick, grass, bubble gum, mold, and mildew:
- Household Cleaners: Most of these stains can be tackled with readily available household cleaners. However, always check the label to ensure they don’t contain any harmful solvents.
- Avoid Certain Cleaners: Cleaners that contain organic solvents or other aggressive ingredients can damage the siding and void its warranty. Some examples of these cleaners include:
- Chlorine bleach
- Liquid grease remover
- Strong soaps and detergents with organic solvents
- Nail polish remover
- Paint remover
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Furniture polish/cleaners
- Mild Abrasive Cleaners: For stains like pencil, paint, oil, and tar, you might consider using a mild abrasive cleaner like Soft Scrub®, Ajax®, or Bon Ami®. However, be cautious. Using any abrasive material can affect the siding’s surface appearance and potentially void the warranty. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first.
Cleaner For Stain Removal on Everlast® Products
| Stain | Recommended Cleaners |
|---|---|
| Bubble Gum | Fantastic®, Murphy’s Oil Soap®, 30% Vinegar & 70% Water, Windex® |
| Crayon | Lestoil® |
| Oil-Based Caulk | Fantastic® |
| Felt-tip Pen | Fantastic®, Water-based cleaners |
| Grass | Fantastic®, Lysol®, Murphy’s Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Lipstick | Fantastic®, Murphy’s Oil Soap® |
| Lithium Grease | Fantastic®, Lestoil®, Murphy’s Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Mold & Mildew | Fantastic®, 30% Vinegar & 70% Water, Windex® |
| Motor Oil | Fantastic®, Lysol®, Murphy’s Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Oil | Soft Scrub® |
| Paint | Soft Scrub® |
| Pencil | Soft Scrub® |
| Rust | Fantastic®, Murphy’s Oil Soap®, Windex® |
| Tar | Soft Scrub® |
| Top Soil | Fantastic®, Lestoil®, Murphy’s Oil Soap® |
NOTE: The chemical agents referenced may be hazardous to the user or to the environment. Please follow all precautions and warnings on the product label, particularly those which may be necessary to prevent personal injury. Always dispose of these chemical agents in a manner prescribed by the manufacturer. If you are unsure how to use or how to properly dispose of these chemical agents, please contact the manufacturer of these products for instructions
Final Thoughts
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your siding and keep it looking its best. Always prioritize gentle cleaning methods and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your home remains beautiful and protected for years to come.