Steel Siding Cleaning Tips

Steel siding has so many benefits, and one, which is often overlooked, is its ability to clean up well, with little effort. Vinyl siding shows signs of weathering and wear, and it’s difficult to clean, because it’s not the most durable material. Right now, here in Montana, we’re coming out of the winter months into spring, into the months when weather is unpredictable and storms can bring huge wind gusts that feel as if they will shake the house from the foundation. In that weather, not only will steel siding protect your home, but it can also be cleaned easily (consider all that debris—dirt and grime—being tossed against your house in spring winds). Here’s the best way to do it.

Cleaning Steel Siding

Steel Siding is more durable than, say, vinyl, so using a power washer is recommended—considering you have a power washer at the ready. A power washer may put holes in vinyl siding, the pressure may break free the panels from one another. The best part is that there are no chemicals needed (in fact, the chemicals used to clean vinyl or even wood sidings, can damage steel siding) and just a simple solution of warm, soapy water will work best.

Obviously, a power washer works well, because its direct spray can be angled and concentrated on areas. Go over a section of the siding with the power washer, then use a long-handled broom to scrub free the dirt and debris. Once the siding has been scrubbed well, simply turn back on the power washer. Continue to work this way: breaking the entire house into small, manageable sections, and then, once a section is cleaned, you can leave it to air dry.

A few tips for using a power washer

If you have never used a power washer, try it on an area that you won’t damage: concrete on the driveway, for instance. Because power washers live up to their name—power washer—understand that it may be difficult at first to control. Keep practicing, and make sure you feel comfortable using the power washer, before you turn its spray loose on the house.

If you have any questions about a steel siding for your home, call Lynnrich Siding today.