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Glossary

Siding Cleaner

Siding Cleaner

This is a chemical solution you spray onto the outside of your house to remove dirt, mold, and algae. You usually apply it with a garden hose attachment or a pump sprayer, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse it off. It helps restore the original color of your home exterior without needing damaging high pressure water.

Reviewed by Hank AshUpdated July 10, 20263 min read

Origin

Chemical manufacturers formulated these specific exterior detergents in the late 20th century to replace harsh bleach mixtures. They designed them to clean effectively without killing nearby landscaping plants.

How you'll see it used

  • During a spring maintenance quote, the power washing company explained they use a commercial siding cleaner instead of high pressure to safely remove the green algae from my vinyl siding.
  • I bought a 15 dollar bottle of siding cleaner with a hose attachment at the hardware store to wash away the winter dirt before painting my exterior window trim.
  • The home inspector noted heavy mildew on the north side of the house and recommended applying a standard siding cleaner to prevent the buildup from staining the fiber cement boards.

What It Is

Siding cleaner is a chemical wash made specifically for the outside of your house. Over time, your home exterior collects dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and mildew. If you live in a humid area, you might also see green algae or black mold growing on the shady side of your house. Siding cleaner cuts through this grime so you can wash it away easily.

Chemical companies created these specific exterior detergents in the late 20th century. Before that, people often used harsh homemade bleach mixtures. Those old mixtures worked, but they ruined paint and killed the grass around the house. Modern siding cleaners are designed to clean your vinyl, wood, or fiber cement siding effectively without harming your nearby plants. If you want to keep your Exterior: Siding, Garage & Decks looking fresh, this product is a must.

Why It Matters To You

Using a dedicated siding cleaner saves your home from accidental damage. Many homeowners think they need a heavy duty pressure washer to clean their siding. High pressure water is actually very dangerous for your house. It can blast water up under the siding panels. That trapped water leads to hidden mold and wood rot inside your walls.

Siding cleaner does the hard work for you. The chemicals break down the dirt and kill the mold spores. Because the cleaner loosens the mess, you only need the gentle water pressure from a standard garden hose to rinse it all away. This method is called soft washing. It restores the original color of your home and protects your walls from water damage. It's also a very approachable project if you're weighing DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for your spring cleaning chores.

How You Apply It

You can buy siding cleaner in a concentrated jug or a ready to use bottle. The easiest type comes in a bottle that screws directly onto the end of your garden hose. You turn a dial to mix the cleaner with the water as you spray. If you buy a concentrated jug, you'll need to mix it with water in a pump sprayer.

Here are the basic steps you follow:

  • Close all your windows and move patio furniture out of the way.
  • Spray nearby bushes with plain water first so they don't soak up the cleaner and damage your Landscaping, Drainage & Outdoor features.
  • Spray the cleaner onto your siding starting at the bottom and working your way up to prevent streaks.
  • Let the solution sit on the siding for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Rinse the siding thoroughly with plain water from the top down.
Never let siding cleaner dry on your house. If you're washing your house on a hot and sunny day, work in small sections so the chemical stays wet until you rinse it off.

What It Costs

Siding cleaner is an inexpensive maintenance item. You can find it at any local hardware store or home center. A ready to spray bottle with a hose attachment usually costs 15 to 25 dollars. A one gallon jug of concentrated cleaner costs 10 to 30 dollars. One gallon of concentrate is usually enough to clean a standard two story house.

If you don't want to climb a ladder or deal with the chemicals yourself, you can hire a professional exterior cleaning company. A professional soft wash service typically costs 250 to 600 dollars. Keep in mind that these ranges vary based on the size of your home, the height of your roof, and where you live. Whether you do it yourself or hire it out, washing your siding every year or two keeps your property looking great and helps you avoid costly siding repairs.

Frequently asked

Will siding cleaner kill my grass and bushes?

Most modern siding cleaners are safe for landscaping when used correctly. You should always spray your plants with plain water before and after applying the cleaner so they do not absorb the chemicals.

Can I use dish soap instead of siding cleaner?

Dish soap will remove loose dirt, but it will not kill mold or algae spores. Siding cleaner contains specific chemicals that break down organic growth so it does not come right back.

How often should I use siding cleaner on my house?

You should wash your siding every one to two years to keep dirt and mildew from building up. If you live in a heavily shaded or humid area, you might need to wash the north facing side of your house every spring.

Appears in these guides

Exterior: Siding, Garage & Decks

Home Systems

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