What’s the Best Way to Clean Your Home’s Siding? Tips & Tricks
Your home’s siding is one of the first things people notice. Whether it’s vinyl, brick, stucco, or fiber cement, keeping it clean protects your home’s exterior and boosts curb appeal. But how do you clean siding on a house without damaging the material—or yourself?
While many guides offer basic advice like using a garden hose or vinegar, there are plenty of overlooked techniques, tips, and insider strategies that can make a big difference. If you’re considering a deep clean or you’re unsure how to start, this guide will walk you through the best ways to clean siding—and help you decide whether hiring professionals like ProClean is the right move for your Abbotsford home.
Why Cleaning Siding Matters More Than You Think
Dirty siding doesn’t just look bad—it can be a health hazard and a structural risk. Algae, mold, mildew, and even insect nests thrive in neglected siding. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold can start growing within 24-48 hours in damp conditions, and exposure can lead to respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
A study by the National Association of Realtors found that power-washing a home’s exterior can increase its perceived value by up to 5%. That’s a significant return for a relatively small investment.
And here’s a surprising stat most websites won’t tell you: 75% of siding damage repairs could have been avoided with routine cleanings, based on data from industry repair specialists.
Common Siding Materials and What Makes Them Tricky
Different siding materials require different cleaning strategies. Here’s what most people don’t know:
- Vinyl Siding: This is the most popular siding in Canada. It’s durable but can trap mold in the seams. Avoid high-pressure washing directly under panels—it can force water behind them and cause rot.
- Wood Siding: Gorgeous but delicate. Scrubbing too hard can strip paint or finishes. And wood is particularly prone to mold.
- Fiber Cement: It’s heavy-duty but still porous. Cleaning with bleach can cause discoloration if not diluted properly.
- Aluminum Siding: Known for chalking—a dusty residue that appears over time. Cleaning this too aggressively can scratch the metal.
- Stucco: Textured and often painted. This surface traps dirt deep in its crevices, so soft washing with the right solution is key.
What Most People Miss: Uncommon Tips for Cleaning Siding
1. Always Check the Weather Forecast
Cleaning your siding on a sunny day might sound ideal, but it’s not. Cleaning solutions dry too fast in direct sunlight, leaving streaks and reducing effectiveness. Overcast days are your best friend when it comes to siding maintenance.
2. Inspect for Insect Activity First
Before cleaning, check for wasp nests, spider colonies, or ant trails. Spraying water onto a nest can send insects into attack mode. Removing them professionally first, especially in hard-to-see soffits, is a safer move.
3. Start from the Bottom Up
Contrary to popular advice, some professionals clean from the bottom up. Why? Cleaning downward allows dirty water to flow down already cleaned surfaces. Starting at the bottom lets you better control chemical concentration and spotting.
4. Use a Foaming Nozzle
These nozzles help cleaning solutions stick to vertical siding longer, especially valuable for textured surfaces like stucco or wood grain vinyl. This allows cleaners more time to work their magic, lifting dirt and biofilm efficiently.
5. Add a Mildewcide or Preventative Coating
Even after a good wash, mildew can return quickly. Professionals often apply a preventative solution—something the average homeowner never thinks to do. These coatings can extend the time between cleanings by months or even years.
DIY vs Professional: What Are the Risks?
While cleaning siding might sound easy, it’s not without risk. According to Consumer Reports, improper power washing causes millions in home repair damage annually, from water intrusion behind siding to stripped paint and cracked materials.
Also, safety is a serious concern. More than 164,000 ladder-related injuries occur in North America each year, many from homeowners trying to reach second-story siding.
Hiring a professional team like ProClean ensures the right tools, techniques, and cleaning agents are used safely and effectively. Our house cleaning Abbotsford team specializes in exterior care that protects your investment and gives your home a polished, like-new finish.
How Professionals Like ProClean Do It Differently
We don’t just show up with a pressure washer and call it a day. Here’s what you can expect when you work with ProClean:
- Customized Assessment: We evaluate your siding type, age, and problem areas before choosing a cleaning method.
- Eco-Friendly Products: Our biodegradable solutions are tough on grime but gentle on your plants, pets, and siding materials.
- Soft Washing Technique: For delicate surfaces, we use a low-pressure wash with a foaming agent to safely remove dirt without damage.
- Detailing Around Fixtures: We hand-clean areas around light fixtures, windows, and trims where buildup hides.
- Final Walkthrough: We do a post-cleaning inspection with you to ensure you’re satisfied with every inch.
How Often Should You Clean Your Siding?
Most homes benefit from a thorough siding cleaning once every 12 to 18 months. However, if you live in a shaded or humid area (like many parts of Abbotsford), you might need it more frequently due to mold growth.
Another overlooked factor? Construction zones and high-traffic roads. Dust, soot, and pollutants cling to siding, especially on homes near ongoing builds or highways.
Watch for These Red Flags Between Cleanings
If you see any of the following, it’s time to call in the pros:
- Green or black streaks (algae or mold)
- Cobweb build-up in corners and under eaves
- Pollen buildup, especially in spring
- Discolouration or powdery residue
- Faded siding (often from chalking)
Pro Tips: Tools You Probably Haven’t Tried
Extendable Brush with Water Flow
These brushes attach to your hose and let water flow through the bristles—perfect for second-story sections without climbing a ladder.
Oxygen Bleach
Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) is plant-safe and doesn’t damage siding color. It’s excellent for mold and mildew.
Siding Cleaning Attachments for Pressure Washers
Look for rotating brush heads specifically designed for siding. These reduce direct pressure and clean evenly.
Make the Smart Move for Your Home’s Exterior
Cleaning your home’s siding doesn’t just enhance appearance—it protects your home from long-term damage, improves air quality around your home, and even boosts property value. While DIY options are out there, there’s no substitute for professional results, especially when safety and long-term preservation are your priorities.
That’s where ProClean comes in.
If you’re in Abbotsford and want to keep your home looking fresh, safe, and beautiful, now is the time to take action.
ProClean’s house cleaning Abbotsford services offer expert care for all types of siding, ensuring your home stays in top shape year-round.
Let us handle the grime, the mold, and the ladder work—so you don’t have to. With flexible scheduling, eco-friendly solutions, and a satisfaction guarantee, there’s no reason to wait.
Contact ProClean today and enjoy a home that truly shines—inside and out.
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