If you own a mobile home, you know how easy it is to get siding mildew. This green colored substance likes to form on your siding and if left untreated it can really make your home look bad. In this article we will discuss ways to clean up your mobile home siding and make it look fresh and clean.
Siding Mildew and How to Remove It
Remove Siding Mildew from Vinyl Siding
To remove mildew from your vinyl siding one of the easiest things to do is to mix a solution of one part bleach together with 3 parts water. Apply the solution to the affected area and then use a soft bristle brush to scrub the area. You can also get a spray bottle and treat the area then let it set for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Then again scrub the area with the brush. Once you feel you are removing the mildew get a bucket of clean fresh water and dump it on the siding. This should wash off any residue left by the mildew. Be sure to continue to repeat the process down the siding until you have scrubbed away all areas of mildew.
This should leave your mobile home siding looking fresh and brand new. If you find a stubborn area just let the bleach set a bit longer on the siding.
TIP: Be sure to test the bleach solution in an area that is not so obvious before you treat all the siding. All siding is different, and you don’t want it to wash away any color on your siding.
Another quick way to get rid of mildew on siding is if you have a power washer available. If you do not have one available you can rent one from your local rental store. These handy little units are great for removing mildew. Just be sure you don’t set the settings on your power washer too high and damage the siding. Using your scrub brush and power washer in combination could do wonders for your vinyl siding.
How to Remove Siding Mildew from Wood Siding
When you find mildew on your wood siding you should take precautions to be sure you don’t damage the siding. Unlike vinyl siding, wood siding is very difficult to replace and can be quite costly.
Start by mixing a solution of 1 cup of bleach, 1 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) and 1 gallon of water. Apply the solution to the affected area. Always start with a small area to see how the siding responds to the solution. You will want to make sure that the solution does not do damage to the siding. Once the solution is applied you can then gently begin to scrub the area with a soft bristle brush. This should remove the mildew. Be sure to take a bucket of water and rinse the area where the bleach was applied. Keep working on each area until the whole home is removed from the debris.
Mildew Siding Cleaner
Many brands of mildew cleaner can be ordered online and shipped directly to your doorstep. You can also find quite a few of these brands at your local hardware box store. Be sure to ask an associate for help. Tell them you are looking to remove mildew from your siding, and they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Best Vinyl Siding Cleaner for Mold and Mildew
There are several commercial mildew cleaners available. Almost all mildew cleaners will be effective in cleaning your vinyl / wood siding on your mobile home. Some of the most popular brands of cleaner are: Jomax, Zep and Moldex. If you are looking to get the job done quickly and effectively, I would recommend using a mildew cleaner.
There are some mildew removers that will hook up to your garden hose. This is a handy way to get the job done quickly as well. Simply hooking your garden hose up and turning on the water you can spray down your siding. Then let is sit on the home for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing the home down with a brush. Unhook the bottle of treatment and spray the home down with clean clear water. This should do the trick to keep your home looking great.
Whether you are cleaning vinyl, aluminum or wood siding there is a treatment process for each one. Just be sure to read the instructions on the back of the bottle and follow the manufacturers instructions. This should get you on the path to making your home look new again.
Siding Mildew Resistant Siding
Some cleaners may help to prevent future outbreaks of mildew on your siding. Treating the siding with a special chemical cleaner can also be helpful.
If you find that the mildew comes back each year you may find a chemical at your local hardware store that treats the area so that it does not reappear. Many homes sit in shaded area, and it makes it a perfect location for mildew and mold to appear.
TIP: A simple solution of water and vinegar is also a great way to prevent mildew on your home siding. It’s a super cheap way to treat your home as well. Vinegar can be purchased for just a few dollars, and it is very effective in keeping mold and mildew off from siding.
If you have mold on your mobile home roof you may want to check out our article Mold Roof. This has helped hundreds of people get rid of these types of mold issues.
Siding Mildew Conclusion
In conclusion, siding mildew can be difficult to remove from your home. It can take a couple days to treat the areas and get it removed from your home. Once you have accomplished removing the debris from your home be sure to treat it each year so that you can stay ahead of the problem. Mildew can make your home look old and weathered and curb appeal is everything when it comes to real estate. Keep your home looking fantastic with these tips. odium phosphate.
FAQ’s: Siding Mildew
How do you treat mildew on siding?
To treat mildew on siding, you can mix a solution of water and white vinegar or use a commercial mildew cleaner. Scrub the affected areas with a brush or sponge, then rinse thoroughly with water to remove the mildew.
What is the best mildew remover for vinyl siding?
One of the effective mildew removers for vinyl siding is a mixture of water, white vinegar, and a small amount of dish soap. Alternatively, you can use specialized vinyl siding cleaners available in the market.
What causes mildew on siding?
Mildew on siding is typically caused by moisture, lack of sunlight, and organic matter like dirt or debris that provides a suitable environment for mildew to grow.
Can you power wash mold off siding?
Power washing can remove mold from siding, but it should be done with caution as excessive pressure or incorrect technique can damage the siding. It’s advisable to use a low-pressure setting and an appropriate cleaning solution to effectively and safely remove mold.