2007-07-04 00:11:26 · 7 answers · asked by kmm4864990 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Yikes!
First, the "do nots" --
Do not use a pressure washer on vinyl (or aluminum) siding. If you get the nozzle pointed the wrong way, you can dent it or even put a hole in it. Even if you don't have that kind of problem, you will force water through the seams behind the siding and fittings. Vinyl and aluminum siding systems are designed to keep the water out and do not deal well with water trapped behind.
Do not use bleach unless you have mold growth, and then be extremely careful not to let it get behind the siding. These sidings are put up with aluminum or galvanized nails. Neither gets along well with bleach. You could end up with black, gray or brown streaks down your siding later on.
Do not use TSP, at least not in a very high concentration. TSP is a very good degreaser, but in high concentrations can dull the finish of some sidings.
Other things on the "don'ts" list -- abrasive cleaners (Comet, ****&Span,etc) and ammonium containing cleaners.
I would think that whitewall cleaner would be OK for siding, but you really would have a lot invested in the project.
Now for the "do". If you need to clean vinyl or aluminum siding, the best thing to use is dishwashing liquid, fairly heavy concentration in water. Brush on with a soft bristle scrub brush, scrub just a bit and rinse with a hose, being careful not to spray against the seams or behind trim. Start at the top and work down.
2007-07-04 04:16:39 · answer #1 · answered by be_a_lert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most whitewall cleaner is a chlorine bleach based product.
Clorox or any other chlorine bleach will do the same thing for a whole lot cheaper. Bleach will need to be diluted in water and be careful what you get it on. Dilute it by about 1 cup bleach to a gallon of water to start. Too much bleach will ruin the siding. Don't do this in direct sun light.
Tide works as well as anything, but you have to scrub a little with a soft brush and make sure you rinse it all off. once again don't do it in direct sun light.
2007-07-04 05:37:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A power washer is the best and fastest way. Mix a cleaning solution of 1 cup TSP and 1 gallon bleach in a 5 gallon pail topped with water. Use a pump up garden sprayer to apply the cleaner. Apply the cleaner from the bottom working up. Rinse with the power washer from the top and work down. Use a 25 or 40 degree tip and work in a pattern so every square inch gets a direct hit of water. Work in small sections so the cleaner doesn't dry before you rinse it off.
2016-05-17 23:21:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
tri sodium phosphate(tsp) in any major hardware store will do great..In most cases a bleach solution of 3 to 1 works well spray it on with a bug sprayer..let it set 4 or 5 minutes then rinse...3 parts water 1 part bleach
2007-07-04 00:30:21 · answer #4 · answered by pcbeachrat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have not tried this. I use bleach water. Spray it on, wait about 5 minutes, hose it off.
Bleach is cheaper than tire cleaner
2007-07-04 00:16:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never tried that! I usually use a power washer with a solution of Mean green in it. Works great! Good Luck!
2007-07-04 00:16:44 · answer #6 · answered by lady68gtx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's O.K. for tires but, wouldn't it be kind of expensive to do your whole house with it?
2007-07-04 00:28:19 · answer #7 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋