What causes rust stains on vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is a very durable and low-maintenance material. However, when exposed to hard water — possibly from a leaky HVAC unit or water pipe — it can develop rust stains. These stains are not only an eyesore, but they can also damage the finish of your exterior cladding.

What causes orange stains on vinyl siding?

And the orange stain on your vinyl indicates the presence of rust. Chemically speaking, rust is iron oxide. It forms when iron, water, and oxygen mix. With moisture and the Florida groundwater, these are ideal conditions for rust to appear on the surface and side of a house.

What causes brown stains on vinyl siding?

Smoke and Dirt Build-Up

Over time, smoke and dirt can build up on parts of your exterior, namely your doors and siding, causing brown and black stains that can dull their aesthetic appeal. Like algae and fungi, the streaks can be easily removed with a good scrubbing.

Can I use CLR on vinyl siding?

Yes. You can use CLR Brilliant Bath on vinyl siding as long as it is diluted and is thoroughly rinsed off of the surface in under two minutes. Studies have shown that the top coating of the siding will be affected if full strength CLR Brilliant Bath is left on the surface for five minutes or longer.

What stains vinyl siding?

Stains on Vinyl Siding: Algae, Fungus ("Mildew"), Artillery Fungus, Smoke, Dirt, Leaks.

How to Remove Rust Stains off Vinyl Siding and More | This Chemical works Great! |

How do you remove rust from vinyl siding?

White vinegar and lemon juice — which contain acetic acid and citric acid, respectively — can help remove rust from vinyl siding. Since they're natural ingredients, they're also safe to use. For your cleaning solution, mix ½ cup white vinegar (or lemon juice) with ¼ cup baking soda and 1 gallon of warm water.

Can you use Dawn to clean vinyl siding?

Yes, when diluted with warm water, an all-purpose cleaner such as Dawn creates a soapy mixture that is gentle on the vinyl siding, yet effective at removing dirt, grease, and other imperfections.

What is the best cleaning solution for vinyl siding?

70% water, 30% white vinegar makes a great all-purpose vinyl siding cleaner that removes light mold and mildew stains. For a stronger solution, mix together one-third cup powdered laundry detergent, two-thirds cup powdered household cleaner, one quart liquid laundry bleach and one gallon of water.

Is it OK to power wash vinyl siding?

A pressure washer can quickly ruin vinyl siding by cracking it with the high-pressure stream of water, so it's necessary to know which pressure-level and nozzle to use. Starting low and gently working your way up is the safest bet. Never start off on the highest pressure setting.

What are the brown spots on my siding?

Stains are brown spots on your siding that look like dirty water has dripped down your house. This is a sign of poor installation up by your rooftop. If not properly sealed, siding can allow rainwater in behind the siding, causing rot and staining issues.

Why is my siding sweating?

When siding stains appear in random areas during the winter, it's the result of moisture migrating through the walls during very cold weather, condensing as frost, then melting again once the outdoor temperature warms up.

What causes yellow stains on white vinyl siding?

Restoration. A major cause of vinyl discoloration is the oxidation of the chemicals in the vinyl over time due to exposure to sunlight and acid rain.

What does bleach do to vinyl siding?

Removing Mold and Mildew

You can also use bleach to kill mold and mildew on your vinyl siding, but make sure you water it down to the right concentration. One quart of household bleach to one gallon of water is ideal – but you should weaken it even more if possible.

Why you should not pressure wash your house?

Your house is built to withstand rain and other moisture, and it can even withstand a low PSI with a pressure washer, but when pressure washers are used at full capacity, you may end up with soggy carpet, wet attics, and mold. When done incorrectly, a pressure washer can damage siding, even knocking it loose.

Will Clorox hurt vinyl siding?

Although vinyl siding can also be cleaned with detergents, Clorox is much more effective for removing stubborn baked-on dirt, soot, stains, mold and mildew. Clorox bleach will not harm vinyl siding as long as it is properly diluted and thoroughly rinsed from the surface.

Can you use Murphy's Oil soap on vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is usually rather easy to clean. Use a soft-bristled brush with a long handle. Cleaners recommended by the Vinyl Siding Institute for general cleaning include Fantastik and Murphy's Oil Soap.

Will vinegar hurt vinyl siding?

Although there are plenty of products on the market for cleaning vinyl siding, you likely have all you need right at home: white vinegar. A natural and eco-friendly vinyl siding cleaner, vinegar will remove tough stains and leave your siding squeaky clean.

Can you use magic eraser on vinyl siding?

Use a Magic Eraser to Clean Vinyl Siding

No need to rent or buy an expensive pressure washer, clean the vinyl siding of your house with a Magic Eraser. Just wet, squeeze and erase! The eraser will remove pollen, dirt, water marks and other grime. Your house will look like new, and it's all thanks to one little sponge!

Can you use Simple Green to clean vinyl siding?

Simple Green House and Siding Cleaner is specially formulated to remove environmental pollution, dirt and grime from vinyl and aluminum siding, stucco, terra cotta roof tiles, and painted wood.

Does wet and forget work on rust stains?

A: Unfortunately, Spray & Forget will not work on rust stains. You might try a product called Wood Bleach that contains oxalic acid and a small brush. Always consult with your local hardware store first and test on a small area.

Can a pressure washer remove rust?

Pressure washing is the easiest and most effective method of rust removal. The pressure from a power washer is powerful enough to chip rust away without having to sand or scrape metal surfaces.