Tips On Cleaning Wood Siding

By Robert Robillard on Home Maintenance

How To Clean Wood Siding

A common problem with all types of house siding is dirt and mold.

Sometimes siding that looks like it needs a new coat of paint, really only need a good scrubbing this article will provide you with time saving tips on cleaning wood siding.

The most time-consuming—but thorough—way to wash siding is the old-fashioned way: with a bucket of sudsy water, a nozzle hose, and a stiff-bristle nylon scrub brush screwed onto the end of a pole.

Pressure washers make this job go by faster but not as thorough and can damage the siding and finish.  If you go this route learn how to use a pressure washer.

If mildew is present, use a solution of 1 quart of bleach, ¾ gallons of water and a small amount of soap detergent. I use tr-isodium phosphate detergent [TSP].

TIPS:

  • Scrub the areas with a soft-bristled, long-handled brush. Paint dealers also sell mildewcide that can be used to clean wood siding.
  • Turn off all power to the outside lights that may get wet.
  • Remove any items that may get in the way.
  • Close windows, vents and spray in a direction away from doors and windows.
  • If you have shrubbery or flowers below, make sure you cover them with plastic so no cleaning solution drips on them.
  • Start at the top and work your way down, this allows the dirt to wash down and avoids staining of the bleach.
  • Be sure to wet the siding first and then rinse your cleaning solution off the siding before it dries.
  • Work small sections at a time.
  • Wear goggles and use care on the ladder.

~ stay safe

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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