How To Remove Mildew From Aluminum Siding

While a pressure washer is a fast way to remove dirt it is not recommended for use on all siding types or for a light cleaning.

How to remove mildew from aluminum siding.

The main types of siding are aluminum wood brick stucco and the most popular siding vinyl. Check your siding first for signs of mildew chalking and needed repairs. Mold removal usually requires some scrubbing and the best tool to use is a stiff bristle natural fiber scrub brush avoid metal fiber brushes they can damage the siding. Remove the mold as soon as you notice it to prevent it from spreading and keep in mind that removing mold from aluminum siding may require more than one attempt.

To test whether a stain is grime or mildew try washing the stain away with water and a detergent like spic and span. Choose your cleaning solution. Trisodium phosphate is powerful so be cautious. Scrub with moderate pressure being careful not to push too hard against the flexible vinyl which can break using a scrub brush on the end of a long pole will help you avoid the need to climb to the top of the ladder to.

To clean aluminum siding having mildew use a solution of one part bleach and four parts water. Mold is a fungus that attaches itself to surfaces and can be a health hazard. When mildew gains a foothold homeowners often turn to diluted chlorine bleach sodium hypochlorite a k a. If the stain doesn t wash away with water and detergent it s probably mildew.

Removing mold from aluminum siding may require multiple attempts. If mold or mildew is the culprit spraying with a bleach solution will remove it. Banish light mildew mold and chalky build up from aluminum siding by cleaning with trisodium phosphate or borax. All types of siding can develop mildew and mold but wood and wood fiber siding can see the worst damage and may be subject to rot and decay if the mildew isn t removed.

Spray this mixture on remaining spots. Your standard household whitener it appears to make mildew vanish but on porous surfaces such as wood or vinyl siding chlorine evaporates too quickly to get to the fungi s roots guaranteeing regrowth. Watch as lou manfredini ace s home expert shows you an easy and affordable way. Like using homemade deck cleaner with borax there are eco friendly alternatives for cleaning without bleach or store bought chemicals.

Once you ve determined what cleaning method to use try to work in the shade as much as possible. A brown gray or black stain on siding or trim may be simple grime or it may be mildew. There may be stains that are caused by mold and mildew. To clean your aluminum siding choose a dry windless day.