Most homeowners find it challenging to keep the house clean from floor-to-ceiling, but no one forgets to tidy up clutter once the mess starts to pile up. While spring cleaning season puts your organizational skills to the test, rarely do people give a second thought about exterior features such as the wall sidings. 

It can make or mar your neighbor’s first impression and even compromise your home’s value, so the list below should give a rundown of the common elements that make your siding look worn down, along with the steps to mitigate the filthy problem. 

1. Buildup of Dirt

Wind, rain, and cars passing by dusty roads can wear down your exterior siding by trapping dirt, pollen, and other particles. It can give it an old, worn-down look that will dull the color of your exterior walls, making even freshly coated paint lose its luster when left unattended.

Fortunately, cleaning off the buildup of dirt on your exterior siding is relatively simple as all you need is a non-abrasive brush and hose. Follow the siding’s direction if it’s made up of planks, while it’s better to move horizontally if it is made from bricks, stucco, or stone. 

The brush or cloth removes the first layer, while the hose ensures the dirt is not simply transferred from one side to the other. While pressure washers can clean surfaces in seconds, it can be damaging to your exterior siding as it can remove both its paint and sealant.

2. Mold and Mildew 

Rain, humidity, and dirt from trees that accumulate on your siding can develop mold or mildew, both of which can be extremely unsightly and risky to your health. Nothing lower’s your home’s aesthetic value more than the presence of mold, so be sure to give your exterior wall’s a wash every now and then using a water and bleach solution. 

Hosing down your siding routinely can prevent mold growth, especially during the rainy or colder season. Not to mention, pruning your lawn can also help mitigate mildew as it reduces the chances of plant sugars from sticking to the siding. 

3. Buildup of Oil or Grease

Outdoor kitchens and grills next to walls typically splash oil on the siding, which can immediately give your exterior home a soiled look. If you want your home to look fresh inside and out, you can wash off any grease stains by scrubbing the area with warm water, vinegar, and a dish soap solution using a non-abrasive sponge. 

The Bottom Line: Exploring the Dirty Truth About Your Home Siding and How to Keep Them Clean  

Exterior siding – whether wood, vinyl, and other popular materials – can easily get dirty due to its constant exposure from outside elements. Inclement weather, dirt, and an accumulation of debris can take a toll on its appearance, which can compromise your curb appeal in more ways than one. 

Why Choose Us?

If you’re looking for reliable roofing and siding contractors in Edmonton that offers exterior home renovations, MCM Home is the right one to call! Not only can we guarantee quality results, but we can also ensure our installation, repair, and other projects meet your local building codes and regulations. Get in touch with us and see what else we can do to improve your property!