Posted on June 21, 2010.
Neighbours said that cleaner whitewall tires is the best product to clean vinyl siding. Someone tried this? Yikes!
First, the "do nots -
Do not use a pressure washer on vinyl (or aluminum) siding. If you get the nozzle in the wrong direction, you can even put a dent or hole in it. Even if you do not have this kind of problem, you'll force water through the seams behind the siding and fittings. Vinyl and aluminum siding systems are designed to keep water out and do not deal with water trapped behind.
Do not use bleach, unless you have mold growth, and be extremely careful not to let him go behind the siding. These pathways are in place with aluminum or galvanized nails. Neither gets along well with bleach. You might find yourself with black, gray or brown stripes on your face later.
Do not use TSP, at least not in a very high concentration. TSP is a very good degreaser, but at high concentrations can damage the finish of some sidings.
Other things on the "do not do" list - abrasive cleaners (Comet, ****& Span, etc.) and ammonium containing cleaners.
I think whitewall cleaner would be OK for siding, but you really have a lot invested in the project.
Now for the "do". If you need to clean vinyl siding or aluminum, the best thing is to use dishwashing liquid, relatively high concentration in the water. Brush on a soft bristle scrub brush, scrub a little and rinse with a hose, being careful not to spray against the seams or behind the trim. Start at the top and work down.
I have not tried. I use bleach. Spray it on, wait about 5 minutes, hose it off.
Bleach is cheaper than tire cleaner
I've never tried! I usually use a pressure washer with a solution of medium green in it. Works great! Good luck!
It's OK for tires, but it would not likely make any expensive home with her?
tri sodium phosphate (tsp) in any major hardware will .. In most cases bleach solution spray 3-1 works well on it with bug spray .. caught 4 or 5 minutes, then rinse ... 3 parts water 1 part bleach
Most of the cleanest white stripe is a bleach-based product.
Clorox bleach or any other will do the same thing for a lot cheaper. Bleach should be diluted in water and make sure that you get on. Dilute bleach about 1 cup per gallon of water to start. Too much bleach it will ruin the siding. Do not do it to direct sunlight.
Tide works as well as anything, but it takes a little scrubbing with a soft brush and make sure to rinse everything. once again not to do in direct sunlight.
