How to Clean Steel Siding: A Comprehensive Guide

Steel siding is known for its excellent durability and protection for your home’s exterior. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain its appearance and prevent damage from dirt, mould, mildew, and rust.

This guide will walk you through the process of cleaning steel siding safely and effectively.

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, prioritize safety. Wear rubber gloves, goggles, and non-slip shoes to protect yourself from cleaning solutions and slippery surfaces. If you’ll be using a ladder, ensure it is stable and secure. Protecting plants and surrounding areas from cleaning runoff is also recommended.

Necessary Tools and Materials

Gather the following tools and materials:

• Soft brush
• Garden hose
• Bucket
• Cleaning material (mild detergent, laundry detergent, vinegar, specialized metal cleaners)
• Pressure washer (recommended) with low-pressure settings
• Long-handled brush

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Quick inspection

Start by inspecting the steel siding for any damage or areas that may need repair. Remove large debris and loose dirt with a dry brush or broom. Cover plants and other sensitive areas to protect them from the cleaning solution.

Prepare Soapy Water

Start by mixing a mild detergent or laundry detergent with water in a bucket. The ratio of detergent to water should be sufficient to create a bubbly, soapy mixture but not so concentrated that it leaves a residue. A mild detergent ensures that the solution is strong enough to clean dirt and grime but gentle enough to avoid damaging the steel siding’s surface.

How To Clean Steel Siding?

1. Begin Scrubbing

Dip the soft brush into the soapy water. Start scrubbing the metal siding sheet in small sections, working from the bottom and moving upwards. This method helps to control the flow of dirty water and prevents it from running down over areas you haven’t cleaned yet.

2. Manage Soapy Water

Monitor the amount of soapy water on the brush. Re-dip the brush into the soapy water as needed to ensure it remains effective. Make sure each section is thoroughly cleaned before moving on to the next. This approach helps maintain a consistent cleaning quality across the entire surface.

3. Prevent Streaks

Clean each section methodically to prevent streaks. Avoid letting dirty water run down over already cleaned areas. This strategy helps to ensure consistent cleaning results and prevents the formation of unsightly streaks.

4. Rinse with Clean Water

Attach a garden hose with clean water to a water source. Start rinsing each section of the siding from top to bottom. Use even strokes while rinsing to ensure thorough coverage. This method helps to remove all the soap and dirt effectively.

5. Thoroughly Remove Soap Residue

Pay special attention to rinsing to remove all soap residue. Rinse each section until no suds or soap residue remains. Proper rinsing is crucial as soap buildup can attract dirt in the future, negating your cleaning efforts.

6. Maintain Consistent Pressure

Apply consistent pressure while rinsing to avoid water damage. Ensure every part of the siding receives an adequate rinse. This step is important to ensure that the siding is not only clean but also free from potential damage caused by uneven water pressure.

Pressure Washing (Recommended)

Using a power washer can make cleaning steel siding quicker and more efficient. However, it’s crucial to use the machine carefully to prevent any damage to the siding.

Low-Pressure Setting

Start by setting the pressure washer to the lowest setting. Even though steel is a strong metal siding material compared to vinyl or wood, high-pressure settings might dent or strip paint from the siding, so it’s important to begin with the least forceful option. If you find that the dirt isn’t coming off, you can gradually increase the pressure, but always err on the side of caution to avoid causing any damage.

Safe Distance

When using the pressure washer, maintain a safe distance between the nozzle and the siding. Typically, a distance of about 3-4 feet is recommended. This distance helps to ensure that the high-pressure stream does not damage the siding. If you observe any bending or warping of the siding, immediately increase the distance to reduce the impact.

Removing Stubborn Stains

For tough stains like rust, mould, or mildew:

1. Identify Stains: The first step is to identify the type of stain. Different stains require different cleaning solutions. Rust, for example, will need a different treatment than mould or mildew. By knowing what you’re dealing with, you can choose the most effective cleaner and method.
2. Vinegar Solution: For a natural and eco-friendly option, mix equal parts of vinegar and water. This solution is particularly effective for mild stains and is gentle on metal surfaces. Apply the mixture to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a soft brush to scrub the stain gently. This method works well for light rust and mildew.
3. Specialized Cleaners: For more persistent stains, such as heavy rust or deeply embedded mould, you may need to use specialized metal cleaners. These products are formulated to tackle tough stains without damaging the metal. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Apply the cleaner to the stain, let it sit for the recommended time, and then scrub with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any residue.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning is essential to keep your steel siding looking new and lasting longer. By following these steps and maintaining a cleaning routine, you can ensure your siding provides excellent protection and retains its original finish for years to come.

It’s also recommended to clean your gutters and metal roofing periodically for the best home’s exterior appeal.

By keeping up with regular cleaning and easy maintenance steps, your steel siding will continue to protect your home effectively and look great.