Nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of a pristine surface, whether it’s the gleam of your kitchen tiles, the sheen of your car, or the immaculate appearance of your home’s siding and trim. Achieving that sparkling cleanliness not only brings a sense of accomplishment but also enhances the overall look of your property. To maintain the brilliance of your home’s siding, it’s advisable to perform a thorough cleaning once or twice a year. Rather than resorting to high-pressure power washing, which can be harsh on surfaces like James Hardie siding and trim, a gentler approach using a low-pressure hose and a soft cloth or non-metallic brush is recommended.
Whether you’re tackling dirt, grease, or mildew on your Fiber Cement siding, we’ve compiled the necessary tools, solutions, and techniques to ensure your siding remains spotless.
DIRT:
Culprit: Dust and dirt stirred up by storms and wind can cling to your home’s siding. We have experienced some incredible storms this season, now let’s clean off that siding to get it ready for the summer sunshine.
Tools: Soft cloth, soft brush (such as All Paint poly brush or horsehair bench brush), garden hose.
Solution: Water.
Method: Use a brush to remove surface dust and dirt, then rinse with a garden hose. Alternatively, dampen a soft cloth and wipe the area in the direction of the siding until clean, then rinse with water.
Pro tip: Work from top to bottom to prevent dripping or streaking onto the cleaned area.
OIL, GREASE, OR ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS:
Culprit: Oil, grease, or organic substances from hands or fingers can stain siding. BBQ’s often leave residue from smoke and grease after many delicious meals that have been cooked.
Tools: Soft cloth, garden hose.
Solution: Mild liquid dishwashing soap and water.
Method: Saturate a soft cloth with soapy water and clean the stained siding, rinsing the cloth frequently. Rinse the area thoroughly with a garden hose.
Pro tip: Ensure the siding remains wet throughout the cleaning process to prevent soap or cleaners from drying on the surface.
MOLD AND MILDEW:
Culprit: Mildew can sometimes resemble dirt, so it’s essential to inspect siding for signs of mold. If you find severe mold please reach out to a mold specialist.
Tools: Soft cloth or sponge, garden hose.
Solution: Mildew-specific cleaner and water.
Method: Gently scrub areas with mildew, following the cleaner’s instructions carefully. Rinse the area thoroughly with a garden hose afterward.
Pro tip: Exercise caution when using stronger chemicals, as they may damage the siding’s finish. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
By employing these cleaning techniques and using the appropriate tools and solutions, you can keep your siding looking its best year-round.
Schultz, Jamie. “Tips for Cleaning Your Siding.” James Hardie, 9 June 2023, https://www.jameshardie.com/blog/tips-for-cleaning-your-siding.