How To Remove Mildew From Wood Siding | Big Easy Siding
Removing mildew and mold from wood siding

How To Remove Mildew From Wood Siding

Mildew can be a pesky problem for homeowners. While it is most commonly found on fabric, mildew can also grow on wood siding. If not treated, it can cause the wood to rot, which can lead to more expensive repairs. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove mildew from wood siding. We will provide tips on how to prevent them from growing in the first place. Keep reading to learn more!

How to Tell If It’s Mold or Mildew

Mold and mildew are both types of fungi that can grow in damp, humid environments. However, there are a few key differences between the two. Here are some of the differences between mold and mildew:

Mildew on a siding

  • Mold is usually green, black, or brown, while and has a fuzzy or velvety appearance
  • Mold is typically white or gray, while mildew is powdery.
  • Additionally, mold tends to have a musty smell, while mildew often smells sweet or stale.
  • Mold can cause serious respiratory problems, while mildew is generally not harmful to humans.

If you suspect that you have mold or mildew in your home, it’s important to have it tested by a professional. Once the source of the problem has been identified, you can take steps to remediate the issue and prevent it from happening again in the future.

Cleaning Mildew From Wood Siding

Wood siding is a classic choice for homes and other buildings, but it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. One important task is removing mildew, which can cause the wood to deteriorate and become discolored. There are several benefits to cleaning mildew from wood siding.

House cleaning products

  • First, it helps to prevent further damage to the wood.
  • Second, it restores the wood’s natural beauty.
  • Third, it increases the value of the home or building.
  • It protects the health of those who live or work in the building.
  • It prevents the spread of mildew to other parts of the building.

As you can see, there are many good reasons to keep your wood siding free of mildew.

Surefire Steps to Removing Mildew From Wood Siding

Mildew formed in wood siding If you have wood siding, it’s important to keep it in good condition. Not only does it add curb appeal to your home, but it also protects your home from the elements. One of the things that can damage wood siding is mildew. If you notice mildew on your wood siding, don’t panic. With a little elbow grease, you can get rid of it. Here are a few surefire steps to removing mildew from wood siding.

 

  1. Cover Plants: Before you get started, you’ll want to cover any plants that are near your wood siding. This will protect them from the cleaning solution that you’ll be using. You can use old sheets, drop cloths, or towels.
  2. Protective Gear: You’ll also want to put on some protective gear. This includes gloves, goggles, and a mask. This is to protect you from the cleaning solution as well as any mold spores that might become airborne when you’re scrubbing the mildew off of the wood siding.
  3. Mix Cleaning Solution: The next step is to mix up a cleaning solution. You can use a bleach and water solution or a vinegar and water solution. Whichever one you choose, make sure that the ratio is accurate.
  4. Rinse Your Home: Once you’ve mixed up your cleaning solution, you’ll want to rinse your home with clean water. This will help remove any dirt or debris that might be on your wood siding before you start scrubbing the mildew off.
  5. Apply Cleaning Solution: Now it’s time to apply the cleaning solution to the affected areas of your wood siding. You can do this with a garden hose or a pressure washer. If you’re using a garden hose, make sure that the nozzle is set to “spray”. If you’re using a pressure washer, start with the lowest setting and work your way up if needed. Be sure to avoid any windows or doors while you’re applying the cleaning solution.
  6. Scrub Difficult Mildew Deposits: Once you’ve applied the cleaning solution, let it sit for about 15 minutes so that it can start working on breaking down the mildew deposits. After 15 minutes have passed, start scrubbing the affected areas with a brush or sponge. For really tough deposits, you may need to use a wire brush.
  7. Final Rinse: Once you’ve scrubbed all of the affected areas, it’s time for a final rinse with clean water. This will help remove any leftover cleaning solution as well as any mold spores that might have become airborne during the scrubbing process. Be sure to rinse thoroughly so that no residue is left behind on your wood siding.
  8. Let It Dry Completely: The last step is to let your wood siding dry completely in the sun before applying any type of sealer or paint.

Mildew can damage wood siding if it’s not removed in a timely manner. However, removing mildew from wood siding is not difficult if you know what steps to take.

How Long Does It Take To Remove Mildew From Wood Siding?

Mildew can grow on wood siding very easily if the conditions are right. It is important to remove mildew as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading and causing more damage. The length of time it takes to remove mildew from wood siding will vary depending on the method used, but most methods take only a few minutes to complete.

Methods of Removing Mildew

  • Mildew Free Wood Siding One way to remove mildew from wood siding is with a mixture of bleach and water. To make the mixture, mix one part bleach with nine parts water. Apply the mixture to the mildewed areas with a spray bottle and let it sit for five minutes. Then, scrub the areas with a brush and rinse them with water.
  • Removing mold from wood with vinegar? Yes, it is possible! To make the mixture, mix one part vinegar with four parts water. Apply the mixture to the mildewed areas with a spray bottle and let it sit for five minutes. Then, scrub the areas with a brush and rinse them with water.

Both of these methods are effective at removing mildew from wood siding, but they should not be used on the painted wood siding as they may damage the paint.

Takeaway

In conclusion, if you have noticed some mildew growth on your wood siding, don’t panic! With some time and effort, you can easily remove all of the mildew and prevent further damage to your home. If you have any questions about wood siding, don’t hesitate to reach out to Big Easy Siding for help. Contact us today to learn more.

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