How to Clean Wood Siding | Big Easy Siding

The Ultimate Guide: How to Clean Wood Siding

New Orleans Wood Siding Service - Big Easy Siding

Wood siding is one of the most popular exterior materials for homes and businesses because it’s beautiful and durable. Over time, though, wood siding can become stained or discolored from dirt, mildew, and other environmental elements. If you want to keep your wood siding looking its best, it’s important to clean it on a regular basis.

The good news is that cleaning wood siding is relatively easy as long as you use the right products and techniques. In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean wood siding safely and effectively. With just a little bit of effort, you can keep your wood siding looking like new for years to come.

How to Clean Painted Wood Siding on House

Most homes have wood siding, and while it is a durable material, it does require some upkeep. One of the most important things you can do for your wood siding is to clean it on a regular basis. Not only will this help it to look its best, but it will also prevent dirt and grime from building up and making painting more difficult.

Wood Siding Row Houses

There are a few different ways you can clean wood siding, but one of the simplest is to use a hose and a brush.

  1. First, wet down the area you will be cleaning.
  2. Then, using a soft-bristled brush, scrub the siding in a circular motion. Be sure to focus on any areas that seem particularly dirty or grimy.
  3. Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse off the siding with clean water. Allow the siding to dry completely before proceeding with any further work.

How to Clean Wood Siding by Hand

Wood siding is a classic choice for homes and businesses alike, but it does require some maintenance to keep it looking its best. Over time, dirt, pollen, and other debris can build up on the surface of wood siding, making it look dull and dingy. In addition, wood siding is also susceptible to staining from mold and mildew.

The good news is that wood siding is relatively easy to clean by hand, as long as you have the right supplies and know-how. For general cleaning, you’ll need a soft-bristled brush, a mild detergent, and a garden hose with a spray attachment.

  1. Begin by wetting down the wood siding with the hose, then apply the detergent with the brush.
  2. Be sure to scrub gently to avoid damaging the wood.
  3. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse off the detergent with the hose and allow the wood siding to air dry. For tougher stains, you may need to use a power washer or hire a professional pressure-washing company.

However, if you take care in cleaning your wood siding on a regular basis, you can keep it looking like new for years to come.

Clean Siding with a Garden Hose

Close up of a hose in the garden

Spring cleaning is a tradition for many homeowners, and one important task is cleaning the exterior of the house. Wood siding can accumulate dirt, mildew, and other debris, so it’s important to give it a good cleaning at least once a year.

One simple way to do this is to attach a garden hose to an outdoor spigot and use the water pressure to blast away dirt and grime. Start at the top of the house and work your way down, using a gentle back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to press too hard, as this could damage the wood. Once you’ve finished cleaning, allow the siding to air dry. Your house will look clean and fresh – and it will be ready for the warmer months ahead!

Use a Homemade Wood Siding Cleaner

Wood siding is a beautiful but delicate surface. Harsh chemicals can damage the wood, so it’s important to use a gentle cleaner. You can make your own wood siding cleaner with just a few simple ingredients.

  1. Begin by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a bucket.
  2. Add a squirt of dish soap and mix well.
  3. Use a soft brush or sponge to apply the cleaner to the siding, being careful not to scrub too hard.
  4. Rinse the area with clean water and allow the siding to air dry.

This natural cleaner will remove dirt and grime without damaging your wood siding. For best results, repeat this cleaning process every few months.

Clean Wood Siding with a Bleach Solution for Mold

House cleaning products

Bleach is a common household cleaning product that can also be used to clean wood siding.

  • To clean mold from wood siding, mix one part bleach with three parts water in a bucket.
  • Then, using a soft-bristled brush, scrub the solution onto the affected areas of the siding.
  • Allow the solution to sit for ten minutes before rinsing it off with a hose or power washer.
  • Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling bleach.
  • Once you’re finished cleaning, allow the siding to dry completely before painting or sealing it.

For best results, repeat this process once a month to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Try Siding Cleaner for Grime and Mildew

One area that can often be overlooked is your siding. What’s worse, if you live in a damp or humid climate, you may also start to see patches of mildew.

Siding cleaner is specially formulated to remove tough grime and mildew without damaging your siding. Simply mix it with water according to the instructions, apply it to your siding with a brush or sprayer, and rinse it off. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. So don’t wait any longer, pick up some siding cleaner today and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.

Restore Discolored Wood with a Brightener

Over time, wood siding can become discolored due to a build-up of dirt, grime, and pollution. While this may not affect the performance of the siding, it can certainly affect its appearance. If you’re looking to restore the natural beauty of your wood siding, a brightener is a perfect solution.

Brighteners are specially formulated to remove stains and discoloration, revealing the underlying wood grain. In addition, they help to protect the siding from future staining and fading. For best results, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. With a little elbow grease and a quality brightener, you can restore your wood siding to its original luster.

Try Power Washing with Caution

Power washing, or pressure washing, is a popular way to clean everything from siding and driveways to decks and patios. And while it can be an effective way to remove dirt, grime, and other build-ups, it’s important to use caution when operating a power washer.

Cleaning the vinyl siding wall with a high-pressure

If the water pressure is too high, it can damage the surface you’re cleaning, and if the stream of water is directed too close to someone, it can cause serious injuries. That’s why it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the machine before using it and to follow all safety instructions.

When used properly, a power washer can be a helpful tool for keeping your home clean and maintained. But when used improperly, it can be dangerous. So always use caution when operating a power washer.

There is a chance that cleaning a wood siding on your own can result in damage to the siding. If you are not comfortable or confident in your ability to clean the wood siding, we recommend hiring a professional siding contractor to do the job for you. Contact us today for more information about local siding services.

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