How to Clean Vinyl Siding and Keep Your Home's Exterior Looking Like New

Vinyl siding is popular for a reason. In some areas of the U.S., it’s featured on almost three-quarters of homes! And we get. It’s durable, affordable, and low-maintenance. But even the easiest materials need occasional upkeep. Over time, vinyl siding can collect dirt, mildew, pollen, and grime, dulling your home's curb appeal and leaving your home's exterior in need of a thorough cleaning. 

We consulted with home maintenance experts to detail a safe and effective approach to cleaning vinyl siding. Follow their pro tips to effectively remove buildup, sans damage or superfluous elbow grease.

How to Clean Vinyl Siding, Step-by-Step

The key to cleaning vinyl siding safely is gentle scrubbing and thorough rinsing. Sure, vinyl is durable, but abrasive tools and power washers can cause cracking, warping, or water intrusion behind panels.

Taking your time and working in small sections can also help prevent streaks and missed spots. (Plus, it'll give you that satisfaction of watching a transformation in real time.)

Materials Needed:

• Garden hose with spray nozzle
• Soft-bristled cleaning brush, or long-handled siding brush
• Bucket
• Mild dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Ladder (for hard-to-reach areas)
• Gloves and protective eyewear (recommended)

Instructions:

1. Rinse Away Loose Debris: According to Scott C. and Paul D., owners of The Punchlist Boys, a veteran-owned home repair and handyman service based in Gallatin, TN, a quick rinse is the first step toward a clean home. Start by spraying your siding down with a garden hose to remove loose dirt, dust, spiderwebs, and pollen. This initial rinse will make later scrubbing more effective and prevent scratching the surface with gritty buildup.
2. Mix a Gentle Cleaning Solution: "For customers, we use a siding-specific cleaning solution we purchase in bulk for the job," explains Scott. "But, on my own home, I use regular Dawn dish soap." In a large bucket, combine warm water with a squirt of mild dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner labeled safe for siding. If you’re tackling mildew or algae, add a cup of white vinegar per gallon of water to help break down organics without damaging surfaces.
3. Scrub Gently: Dip your scrub brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the siding, working from bottom to top to avoid streaks. “A long-handled brush mop with soft synthetic bristles is the best tool for the job,” says Paul. 
4. Rinse as You Go: After scrubbing each section, immediately rinse it from top to bottom with the hose. This helps wash away dirt and residue before it dries and prevents your cleaning agent from leaving streaks or film behind.
5. Spot-Treat Stubborn Stains: If any areas still look dingy, try a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply it directly to the stain with a cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly. For mildew that won’t budge, reapply the vinegar solution and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again. "We also use a mild bleach wash for extremely stubborn stains. A 1:4 ratio works great," shares Scott. "We reserve this for yearly deep cleans and give it a rinse when it’s done its job."
6. Tackle High Sections With Caution—or Hire Help: Use a sturdy ladder and be extremely careful when cleaning upper siding panels. Always maintain three points of contact while on the ladder, and avoid overreaching. If you’d rather stay grounded, siding brush extension poles are widely available and can help you clean safely from below.

How to Maintain Vinyl Siding

To keep your siding looking great, aim to wash it once or twice a year—especially after pollen-heavy seasons or long dry spells. Trim nearby trees and shrubs to reduce organic buildup, and inspect for cracks or loose panels during cleaning to catch minor issues before they become costly repairs.

"Just rinsing with the high-pressure nozzle on your hose during warm weather goes a long way in keeping the house looking great," says Paul "Skip the power washer though; it can push too much water behind the siding and compromise the integrity of your home’s exterior."