If your siding’s beauty is mucked up by mold and mildew, you can make it shine again with simple, time-tested solutions that work. All you need is a garden hose, some vinegar, and a little elbow grease to get the job done, and your home’s siding will look as good as new again.
Mold can be harmful to your health and cause damage to your home, so it’s vital that you deal with it as soon as you see it.
Read on and learn how to remove mold and mildew from your home’s exterior carefully.
4 Steps to Getting Rid of Unwanted Mold and Mildew Stains on Your Siding Safely
Siding is exposed to dirt and dust, so when it’s not regularly cleaned, mold growth can pop up. If you spot mold or mildew, you’ll want to clean your siding with something strong enough to get rid of the problem, but not so strong that you damage your siding or kill your landscaping in the process.
1. Remove small amounts of mold by simply spraying it off.
If you only have a light case of mold and mildew, it may be removed easily by spraying these areas down. Rinse your siding from top to bottom, then use a medium bristle nylon brush as needed to remove mold, mildew, dust, dirt, and debris. If more intervention is necessary, cover your landscaping with a tarp to protect your plants, and continue with the next step.
2. Apply non-toxic cleaner to stubborn stains.
If stains persist, mix 3 parts white vinegar with 7 parts water and apply it to your exterior with a microfiber cloth or a soft bristle brush. Soft and gentle is the way to go to keep from damaging your siding while cleaning it. If mold and mildew stains don’t come out the first time, apply the solution again and add a little more muscle to the equation.
If the blemishes on your exterior don’t respond to the above, check your siding manufacturer’s guidelines and explore their recommendations for a stronger solution to apply to your siding. Test the solution on a small area of your exterior to make sure it won’t damage your siding. Follow the directions carefully to remove mold and mildew safely.
3. Be careful to avoid creating moisture intrusion while getting rid of mold.
When you wash your siding, keep the hose at eye level and point it straight at your home rather than at an angle. This simple tip will help you avoid the dreaded water infiltration some homeowners experience when water gets behind the seams of their siding panels from incorrect washing. Spraying at a 90-degree angle is key to preventing moisture problems while cleaning off mold.
4. Rinse your siding thoroughly from top to bottom.
Ensure you remove the vinegar solution from your exterior by giving your home a thorough rinse.
Help Prevent Mold and Mildew from Returning
Trim your trees and shrubs away from your home.
Unhealthy mold and mildew grow in dark, damp places. If you want to keep these enemies from returning, trim back your trees, shrubs, and other landscaping so your exterior gets as much sunlight as possible.
Clean your siding each spring and fall.
A home maintenance routine is vital to the long-term high performance of your siding. Twice a year, clean your exterior with a regular garden hose and soft nylon brush. Bypass the possibility of damaging your siding by staying away from pressure washers for cleaning.
By cleaning your siding regularly, you will protect it from being damaged by products that may have splashed onto it—like deck stain, fertilizer, insecticide, or herbicide. While cleaning, take a careful look at your siding’s condition. If small repairs are needed, it’s best to address them promptly so they don’t escalate into more extensive repairs. If mold pops up, deal with it quickly.
Enjoy a Well-Maintained Home Exterior with New Siding
Keeping your home well-maintained prevents problems and gives you more time to do the things you love. At Craftsman Exterior Remodeling our qualified team can take care of your siding problems and bring new life to your home exterior. Now that your siding is coming back to life with the unsightly mold and mildew removed, explore our gallery of projects in the Indy area.
