Vinyl siding is often promoted as dirt-resilient. However, stains do start to build on it after a while; for example, rust, mold, iron or copper stain, and tree sap. Removing the stains requires caution to avoid damage to the vinyl’s finish.
Fortunately, only some basic tools and materials are needed. The tools you will need to remove the stain include a soft cloth or brush and some solvents. When you are cleaning, it is advisable to start from the bottom to the top and rinse it immediately after that.
Here are some tips for the different types of stain. For the usual dirt, mix some household detergent with laundry blench in hot water. Spray them on the vinyl siding and wash it off after a few minutes. For rust stain, apply a mixture of pumice and warm water on your vinyl siding and softly brush the stain off using sponge. You may also drench the sponge with lemon juice and salt to have a better effect. For copper strain, apply oxalic acid with water on the siding to remove it. Repeat this steps for a few times for more adamant stain. For tree sap, apply lubricant or other oils including peanut butter to the stain and wipe it off after a few minutes. The tree sap will then be removed easily. For mold, apply a mixture of vinegar and water on the siding, and wash it off thoroughly after that.
Moreover, remember not to use any strong chemicals or rough tools to avoid any burning or scratches on the surface of the siding, which will be worse compared to the stain. Some specific solvents to be avoided are undiluted bleach, nail polish remover and furniture polish. Besides, rinse the vinyl siding thoroughly to remove any leftover chemicals.
Finally, make sure that you remove the stains once in a while to make your vinyl siding looks like a brand new one. It is that simple to maintain your pvc or plastic siding on your property.
