Can you pressure wash vinyl siding?

Yes, on a low-to-medium setting and at a slight downward angle. Never aim upward -- water gets behind the siding.

How do you remove green algae from vinyl siding?

Oxygen bleach (OxiClean) mixed with water and scrubbed with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.

No. Vinyl siding is designed to be maintenance-free. It doesn't need paint, stain, or sealant.

Yes, but use a color the same shade or lighter than the original. Darker colors absorb heat and can cause warping.

Household

A clean vinyl siding makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.

1
Rinse the section
Start from the bottom and work up, rinsing with the garden hose. Starting from the bottom prevents dirty water from streaking down dry siding.
2
Apply cleaning solution
Mix Vibes Multi-Surface Cleaner with warm water in a bucket. Apply to one section at a time with a soft bristle brush on an extension pole.
3
Scrub and clean
Scrub each section with the brush, working from bottom to top. For mold or mildew, add oxygen bleach to the solution.
4
Rinse from top down
Once scrubbed, rinse each section from top to bottom with the garden hose to wash all cleaner and loosened grime away.

TIPClean vinyl siding on an overcast day. Direct sun dries cleaner before you can rinse it, leaving streaks.
TIPWork in small sections (4-5 foot wide) so the cleaner doesn't dry on the siding before rinsing.
TIPFor green algae or mold, add a cup of oxygen bleach per gallon of water. Chlorine bleach works but can damage landscaping.

XPressure washing on the highest setting, which forces water behind the siding and causes mold and water damage.
XWorking from top to bottom when applying cleaner, which causes dirty streaks on lower sections.
XUsing chlorine bleach near plants and landscaping without wetting them first and covering with tarps.

At least once a year. North-facing and shaded sides may need twice-yearly cleaning due to algae and mold growth.