Steel siding has many advantages, but its ability to clean up quickly and easily is often forgotten. Because vinyl siding isn’t the most lasting material, it shows signs of weathering and wears, and it’s tough to clean.
Steel siding will not only protect your property in harsh weather, but it will also be easy to clean. Steel siding is extremely durable, and homeowners can expect it to last for more than fifty years or more.
Even though it is generally low maintenance, Periodic cleaning can help extend the life of your siding and keep it looking excellent. Steel siding is quite simple to clean, but it’s crucial to avoid harming the paint or drying some contaminants without being rinsed.
Here are some suggestions for cleaning steel siding. Cleaning steel is different from wood and vinyl. So, choose the method accordingly:
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Steps To Clean The Steel Sidings
Although you may need to rent a few items, washing steel siding every six months to a year will help prevent oxidation and restore the siding to new condition. Steel siding cleaning differs from vinyl or wood siding cleaning. Use these instructions as a guide to learn how to clean your home or building’s steel siding.
1) Remove Dust And Dirt
Cleaning your steel siding using scrub brushes is a great idea. Pick up a soft-bristled brush; nylon, in particular, is a terrific option that won’t scratch your paint or harm your steel siding in any way. Consider using a brush with a detachable handle so you may attach a long handle to reach high places.
Scrub from side to side and up and down to ensure that all dirt is removed. Keep in mind that dirt can stain or even damage steel over time. So, brush your siding often.
2) Use Homemade Cleaning Solution
Steel siding may be cleaned with a variety of soaps, but a laundry detergent is a simple option. In a bucket, combine one-third cup of laundry detergent with six gallons of water, then pour the mixture into your pressure washer.
Set your pressure washer to the lowest setting and use even strokes to spray your siding. Setting the pressure too high will harm your paint, and the lowest setting should be plenty, especially if you clean frequently. Clean your siding before the cold weather arrives, as it might be tough to do so during the winters.
3) Treat Mold
To get rid of green stains on your siding, use a warm water and soap solution first. Small amounts of algae on your siding can often be removed this way. A mixture of water and chlorine bleach may be needed to remove stubborn mold. Scrub green spots with a hard brush, going from side to side.
4) Adjust Power Washer
Set the power washer to the lowest possible setting. Use your pressure washer to reach all of the cracks and crevices that the brush couldn’t reach. Make sure the power washer is set to the lowest setting. Too much pressure might dent or harm the paint on your steel siding. It will remove not only the dirt but also the paint.
5) Rinse Away All The Solution
Any soap or detergent left on your siding can cause corrosion or paint damage, so make sure to use your hose to rinse away any cleaning materials properly.
If you have a lot of steel siding, you might want to take a break now and then rinse off the soapy water before moving on to the next piece. Although pure water should not promote corrosion, cleaning your siding while the sun is still shining will help it dry faster.
Considerations Before Using Power Washer For Steel Siding
Because steel siding is more durable than, say, vinyl, it’s best to clean it with a power washer, assuming you have one. A power washer could rip holes in vinyl siding, and the pressure could separate the panels. The best part is that no chemicals are required, and all that is required is a simple solution of warm, soapy water.
A power washer works well because the direct spray can be aimed and concentrated on specific regions. Use the power washer to clean a portion of the siding, then scrape the dirt and debris away with a long-handled broom. Simply re-start the power washer once the siding has been thoroughly washed.
If you’ve never used a power washer before, start with a non-damaging surface, such as the concrete in your driveway.
Understand that, because power washers live up to their name, they can be difficult to regulate at first. Continue to practice with the power washer until you are confident in its abilities before letting it loose on your home.
Restore The Color And Shine Of Steel Siding
Using a water sprayer, clean the aluminum siding’s surface. After applying, six liters of water and a third of a cup of laundry soap, Scrub the stains with a soft-bristled brush.
To make a paste, combine baking soda and dish soap. Clean a section of your siding with water and a mild detergent like dish soap. When your siding is clean and damp, rinse well and inspect it.
You’ll be able to use your power washer once you’ve completed the initial cleaning. To apply the cleaning solution:
- Use the lowest setting. If you’ve never used one of these devices before, practice on a hard-to-damage surface like your driveway before connecting it to your house.
- Work in portions and use your water hose to rinse the parts that have been cleaned down.
- Make sure the soapy cleaning solution doesn’t dry on your siding.
Final Words
Start at the top and work your way down the steel siding. This will keep the finish from becoming streaked with dirt. Before utilizing the power washer, make sure you close all of the windows. If you don’t, you can end up drenched inside.
Make sure the cleaning solution doesn’t get on your flowers or plants. Before washing steel siding, make sure you cover it with plastic. That’s all from our side. Now, it’s your turn to prepare the cleaning solution and clean the steel siding yourself instead of relying on expensive and professional cleaning methods.
