Is your aluminum siding looking hazy or chalky? If this is happening, then you have something called oxidation. Watch my video below on how to clean aluminum siding, with the correct pressure washing techniques.
How to Clean Aluminum Siding
So if your aluminum siding appears chalky, then oxidation is happening. Oxidation means that the paint on the siding is breaking down. Let’s cover the way to get the aluminum siding cleaned properly.
First, let’s get a cleaning agent/product at the hardware store with oxalic acid in it. I like to use Simple Green.
Then you will need to have a pressure washer. I tend to prefer the gas-driven pressure washer. Make sure you use a pressure washer with 2,500-3,000 psi and a wide fan tip.
Take your pressure washing wand and move it constantly back and forward or up and down. The main point is to make sure you use a consistent flow pattern. You do not want to apply too hard pressure on the house because you will see the cleaning patterns in the siding.
Also, make sure your consistent flow pattern for cleaning is done at a 15-degree angle downward. You don’t want to pressure the water up under the lap siding boards or between the seams. The goal is that you don’t force water behind the siding.
Keep in mind, ideally, you will want to clean your home at least once a year. Twice a year is ideal. What are you trying to clean off? Let’s look:
- bird poop
- bird nests near the gutters & siding area
- spider webs
- dirt in the air
- dirt if you live near a metropolitan area
Related Videos and Blogs
Painting Aluminum Siding Video
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Final recap – make sure you are cleaning your aluminum siding at least once a year. If you can afford it, clean it at the beginning of the season, right after winter, and then again at the end of the fall season. This twice a year maintenance of your aluminum siding will keep your home looking spic and span, but you will also notice anything going wrong with your home that needs a little bit of maintenance.
Don’t forget, if you need an estimate on getting the aluminum siding of your home pressure washed, give me a call. My team and I have been serving the St. Charles, Warrenville, Wheaton, Winfield, Geneva, Batavia, and all of the Chicago area for 30+ years.
