Your home’s siding takes a beating in Kansas. Wind-blown dust, spring storms, hot summers, and freeze-thaw cycles all wear on finishes and caulk lines. The good news: a simple cleaning routine and a few seasonal checks keep siding looking great and performing well for years. This guide shows you the safest ways to clean different siding types, tackle common stains, and know when it’s time to call a pro.
Quick Answer: The Fast, Safe Way to Clean Siding
- Inspect first. Look for loose panels, cracked caulk, peeling paint, or impact marks.
- Protect plants & fixtures. Move furniture, wet landscaping, and cover delicate shrubs.
- Mix a mild cleaner. A few drops of dish soap in warm water works for most grime.
- Pre-rinse walls. Use a garden hose with a wide fan nozzle to knock off dust.
- Work in small sections. Apply cleaner with a pump sprayer or sponge; keep surfaces wet.
- Scrub gently. Use a soft brush on an extension pole; avoid abrasive pads.
- Rinse top-down. Keep spray at eye level or lower—never force water upward into laps, joints, or vents.
- Spot-treat stains. Use oxygen (non-chlorine) bleach for algae/mildew; always test a hidden spot.
- Final walkthrough. Check for missed areas, fresh leaks, or caulk gaps.
- Clean up. Rinse plants and hardscapes; coil hoses; store chemicals safely.
Safety first: Never mix chemicals (especially bleach + ammonia). Keep water away from outlets, light fixtures, and vent penetrations.
Tools & Supplies You’ll Need
- Cleaning tools: Soft-bristle brush (extendable), microfiber pads, sponge, bucket, pump sprayer
- Rinse gear: Garden hose with fan nozzle
- Optional: Pressure washer (low pressure, wide fan tip, used with caution)
- Cleaners:
- Mild dish soap + warm water (universal first step)
- Oxygen (non-chlorine) bleach per label for algae/mildew
- White vinegar + water for mineral spotting/light oxidation
- Manufacturer-approved cleaners for your siding type
- Clean and green homemade cleaners
- Protection: Safety glasses, gloves, plastic sheeting for plants, GFCI awareness
Avoid: Wire brushes, abrasive pads, solvent cleaners, mixing chemicals, and any upward spray angles.
Step-by-Step: Cleaning by Siding Type
Vinyl Siding
- Pre-rinse to remove dust.
- Apply mild soap solution; let it dwell 5–10 minutes (don’t let it dry).
- Gently scrub with a soft brush.
- Rinse from the top down, keeping the spray at or below the panel you’re rinsing.
- Treat algae/mildew with oxygen bleach, then rinse thoroughly.
- Inspect after: Loose laps, cracked J-channels, gaps around penetrations
Fiber Cement (Painted)
- Pre-rinse lightly
- Wash with mild soap and a soft brush; no scouring.
- Rinse gently; avoid high pressure at close range.
- Allow to dry; note paint chips or hairline cracks in caulk.
- Inspect after: Exposed substrate, failing caulk, paint touch-up needs.
Wood Siding
- Light pre-rinse; avoid saturating the wood.
- Use wood-safe detergent; scrub gently with the grain.
- Rinse lightly; let it dry fully (24–48 hours).
- Evaluate stain/paint integrity and reseal or repaint as needed.
- Inspect after: Soft spots, peeling finishes, insect activity.
Metal (Aluminum/Steel)
- Wash with mild soap; wipe with soft cloth or brush.
- Address chalking with a diluted vinegar solution; test first.
- Rinse thoroughly to prevent streaking.
- Inspect after: Dents, exposed metal, failing sealant at seams.
Stucco
- Low-pressure pre-rinse only.
- Apply mild detergent; gently scrub textured areas.
- Rinse carefully—do not drive water into cracks or weep screeds.
- Inspect after: Hairline cracking, staining around windows or fixtures.
Stain Solver: Algae, Mildew, Rust & More
- Algae/Mildew (green/black): Apply oxygen (non-chlorine) bleach per label. Let sit up to 10 minutes, keep wet, scrub lightly, rinse thoroughly.
- Rust streaks: Use a siding-safe rust remover recommended for your material. Spot test in a hidden area, then rinse well.
- Hard-water/irrigation marks: Wipe with diluted white vinegar; rinse immediately to prevent etching.
- Grease/smoke near grills: Use a mild, surface-approved degreaser. Avoid abrasive pads and strong solvents.
Protect landscaping by wetting before and after, and by shielding delicate plants.
Pressure Washing: When It’s Safe and When to Skip It
A garden hose and brush are safest. If you use a pressure washer to clean your siding, keep in mind the following:
- Keep it gentle: Wide fan tip, maintain distance, and use the lowest effective pressure.
- Safer candidates: Vinyl and metal. Painted fiber cement only with caution and from a distance.
- Use extreme caution or avoid: Wood, aging/peeling paint, cracked stucco, loose seams.
- Direction matters: Always spray downward, never into laps, seams, vents, or electrical fixtures.
If you’re unsure, skip the pressure washer. Soft-wash techniques and pro-grade detergents often clean better with less risk.
Preventive Care That Extends Siding Life
- Keep shrubs and mulch away from walls for airflow.
- Maintain gutters; add downspout extensions to move water 4–6 feet from the foundation.
- Re-caulk joints and penetrations with exterior, paintable sealant as needed.
- Repaint or reseal per manufacturer schedules, especially for wood and fiber cement.
- Keep grills and fire pits well clear of siding.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
DIY is usually fine if you have:
- Single-story or easy ladder access
- Light to moderate dirt or algae
- No peeling paint, cracks, or complex stains
For more information on DIY siding, check out our article on “How to Spot Siding Damage.“
Call American Roofing & Construction if you notice:
- Second/third-story areas or steep terrain
- Large algae blooms, rust streaks, or smoke staining
- Loose panels, hail impacts, or moisture behind siding
- Cracked stucco, failing caulk, or recurring leaks
What we do for you: Soft-wash options, plant protection, manufacturer-safe detergents, detailed exterior inspection, and a photo report with repair recommendations—so you know your siding is clean and protected.
Get a Free Siding Inspection in Wichita
Ready for a safer, cleaner exterior? American Roofing & Construction offers gentle, warranty-safe cleaning and full exterior inspections. We’ll protect your landscaping, document our work with photos, and flag any repair issues before they become costly.
Call us today or request your free roof inspection online.