Lots of homeowners are choosing aluminum siding these days. It offers a lot of practical benefits. Aluminum siding looks great for years without needing to be replaced or repainted, and it requires very little regular maintenance. But it can accumulate dust and grime over time and start to have a dirty or worn appearance. That’s why we recommend cleaning your aluminum siding at least once a year and fall is a great time to do it!

Aluminum exteriors have a number of advantages, such as tough resistance to water damage, insect infestation, heat, and rust, as well as mold, mildew and other contaminants. It doesn’t expand and contract with changing temperatures or high humidity. This type of siding can really stand up to seasonal elements and natural threats. Plus, metal siding can help decrease heating and cooling costs.

Yet, any type of home exterior will get grimy as the months pass. We’ve provided some tips for homeowners on how to care for aluminum siding, best practices for power washing it, and how to manage some of the most common challenges.

Preparation and Safety

Before cleaning aluminum siding, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and effective cleaning process. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Wear protective gear: Safety should always come first. Make sure to wear gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask to protect yourself from harsh chemicals and debris that might be dislodged during the cleaning process.
2. Cover nearby plants: Your garden is precious, so protect nearby plants by covering them with thin plastic sheeting. This will shield them from any chemical residue that might harm them.
3. Remove outdoor furniture: Clear the area by removing outdoor furniture, decorations, and other items that could be damaged by cleaning solutions or water pressure. This will also give you more room to work.
4. Check the weather: Timing is everything. Avoid cleaning aluminum siding during strong winds, heavy rain, or direct sunlight, as these conditions can affect the cleaning process and the effectiveness of the cleaning solutions.
5. Read the manufacturer’s instructions: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for any cleaning solutions or equipment you plan to use. This ensures you’re using the products correctly and safely, which is crucial for effective cleaning.

By following these preparation and safety steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process when cleaning aluminum siding.

How to Maintain Great Looking Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is a smart choice for residential exteriors because it lasts for practically the entire life of a house. To keep it looking new, there are a couple of simple steps to take.

• Clean the siding at least once a year.
• Plan to have the siding repainted about every 12 to 15 years, before the enamel becomes chalky and the finish fades.

How to Clean Aluminum Siding

Built-up mildew, dirt, hard water stains, algae, plant material, and vegetation can be a real eyesore. But this ugly layer can be clean off with the proper equipment and technique. Many homeowners and exterior washing services use power washers for this tough job, but pressure washing can be particularly effective for removing persistent stains. However, we recommend soft pressure washing for best results and care for the siding material.

1. First, rinse the aluminum siding off using a garden hose. Use a medium pressure level and an angled spray nozzle, directing the water in a downward direction. Ensure the water stream follows a downward path to effectively remove dirt and grime. You will want to focus on one side of the house at a time. Make sure to spray from the top to the bottom to avoid water entering through the drain holes.
2. Next, put on the proper safety attire including gloves, glasses, and a mask.
3. Add a detergent solution to the soft or power washer tank. Read the instructions on the cleaner packaging to ensure that the mixture is prepared correctly.
4. Turn on the washer and spray the siding with the detergent. You should stand close to the house and use a low-pressure setting. Using lower pressure is important in this step because it gives the cleaner ample time to work effectively on buildup and stains. High-pressure water would spray it off before it had time to do its job.
5. Allow the cleaner to work. Think of this step as a normal cycle in a dishwasher, allowing the cleaner to work effectively on the buildup and stains. Wait a few minutes before scrubbing or rinsing it off.
6. Then, rinse the area thoroughly from high to low with a high-pressure setting to remove any remaining dirt. Point the sprayer down and keep it about one foot from the surface of the siding. Make sure that all the detergent has been removed before moving on to the next area.
7. Finally, let the siding dry.

Power washing is the go-to tool for the majority of homeowners and cleaning service providers, but it presents a few challenges. Let’s take a closer look at these.

High-Pressure Causes Damage to the Siding

Power washing can be too harsh for some aluminum siding, or other types of exterior siding like vinyl, brick, or stucco. Unfortunately, too much pressure can do more harm than good. Sometimes it damages the material or pushes the aluminum away from the structure of the house. If this is a concern for you, we recommend soft washing. Learn more about this alternative below.

Detergent and High-Pressure Spray Hurt the Landscaping

Bleach agents and other harsh cleaners can damage or kill your grass, flowers, and bushes. Protect them by covering the plants with a tarp or plastic sheet before getting started. You can also choose a water-based, biodegradable washing solution that is more plant-friendly.

Siding Dries Before You’re Able to Clean It

With cleansing detergents, it’s important that the siding is moist. If you’re trying to tackle the wider façade of your house, work in sections. Divide your workspace into areas that are four to five feet wide. This will help you to apply the cleaner before the surface dries.

Tough Debris and Stains Don’t Wash Away

There’s no easy way around it, cleaning the exterior of a home is a dirty job. After going through the regular cleaning steps, you may still see stains and dark patches on the aluminum siding. Stains can be especially tough to remove below the lip of the siding. For these areas, try scrubbing with a soft-bristle brush that attaches to the pressure washer. It can also be helpful to repeat the washing and rinsing steps for a thorough cleaning.

Mold and Mildew Aren’t Budging

You may need to apply a weak bleach mixture to kill mold and mildew growth. Specialized products, like Jomax House Cleaner, can also help with mildew removal. Use this after going through the regular cleaning steps, then rinse it thoroughly off the siding.

Consider Soft Washing

A lot of the challenges that come with power washing aluminum siding can be avoided by simply opting for soft washing. This more delicate spray-cleaning process is perfect for exterior materials including vinyl siding, painted wood, brick, stone, and stucco.

Get more advice on How to Clean Other Home Exteriors: Wood, Vinyl, Brick and Fiber Cement and Prep for Power Washing Services

Alternative Cleaning Methods

While pressure washing is a popular method for cleaning aluminum siding, there are alternative methods that can be effective and gentler on the siding. Here are a few options:

1. Soft washing: Soft washing uses a low-pressure setting and a cleaning solution to clean the siding. This method is gentler on the siding and can be effective for removing dirt and grime without the risk of damage that comes with high-pressure washing.
2. Hand washing: For a more hands-on approach, hand washing involves using a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaning solution to clean the siding. This method is gentle and can be particularly effective for spot cleaning or areas that need a little extra attention.
3. Vinegar and water solution: A simple solution of equal parts vinegar and water can be used to clean aluminum siding. This method is gentle, environmentally friendly, and effective for regular maintenance cleaning.
4. Baking soda and water paste: A paste made from baking soda and water can be used to tackle tougher stains on aluminum siding. This method is gentle, non-toxic, and can be a great alternative for those looking to avoid harsh chemicals.

It’s essential to note that while these alternative cleaning methods may not be as powerful as pressure washing for removing stubborn dirt and grime, they can be excellent options for regular maintenance and for homeowners who prefer to avoid using high-pressure washes. By incorporating these methods, you can keep your aluminum siding looking clean and well-maintained without the risk of damage.

Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal – Call Trotta’s

Is your home exterior looking a little tired and worn? Trotta’s Power Washing can help you spruce it up. With professional and soft washing services fit for virtually any type of surface, we can help you restore curb appeal at your house. Contact Trotta’s today.