Vinyl siding is a very popular choice amongst homeowners in the US. It’s durable, easy to install and comes in a huge range of colors. Unlike other types of siding, it doesn’t need repainting; it doesn’t rot, crack or chip.
However, vinyl siding can still get dirty, moldy and mildewy. But the plus side is: it’s super easy to clean! We’ll share the best vinyl siding cleaners available for your home. With our buying guide, product recommendations and FAQs — you’ll have the cleanest house on the block.
- Multipurpose
- Safe
- Treats grease & grime
- For multiple surfaces
- Revives & removes stains
- Safe for plants
- Versatile
- Quick results
- Renews vinyl
- Easy and effective
- Versatile
- Applicable
- Eco-friendly
- Versatile
- Cleans well
- Safe on surfaces
- Removes tough stains
- Must-have for mildew
- Oxygenated bleach
- Safe on landscape
- Versatile
What Is a Vinyl Siding Cleaner?
A vinyl siding cleaner is a liquid cleaning product designed to work on vinyl siding, as well as other materials. Different products require different techniques. Some are applicable via a power washer, while others can just be sprayed on.
A vinyl siding cleaner can remove dirt, debris, stains, mold, mildew and generally freshen up the appearance of your home.
How to Choose the Best Vinyl Siding Cleaner
To get the best vinyl siding cleaner for your home, here are some important details to note when shopping.
Ingredients
Don’t use products with organic solvents such as acetone, undiluted bleach, liquid grease remover or furniture cleaners. This can damage the vinyl (1).
Also, look out for assurance that the product won’t damage or kill grass or plants. If you have greenery around, you don’t want your vinyl siding cleaner to ruin them.
Environmental Impact
Look for products with the EPA Safer Choice label — this means it’s a safer choice for you and the environment (2). Noting that a product is biodegradable and labeled as non-toxic are also key qualities to look out for.
Formula
Vinyl siding cleaners are either formulated as ready-to-use or concentrated. Concentrated formulas are more economical since they go a longer way, but they need to be diluted. However, if using in a pressure washer, the machine will do it for you.
Ready-to-use formulas are convenient, but won’t last as long.
Application
You can use your cleaner in a pressure washer — but there are two other application options. Built-in and manual.
Built-in means the product has a spray head or hose end. So you can spray it all over your vinyl siding. Or you can connect it to your outside tap and use it that way, mess-free.
Manual means that you’ll need to pour the solution into a basin or bucket. Then apply it manually with a sponge, brush or cloth. If you have a cleaner that works with a pressure washer, you will likely also have the option of manual application.
Smell
Scent isn’t a huge priority for vinyl siding cleaners since you’re going to be applying it outside anyway. However, some products do have a fragrance so you can opt for those if you enjoy scented cleaners.
Type of Siding
While all of our recommendations work on vinyl siding, some are compatible with other siding types. If you have multiple materials on your house or are offering to help out a neighbor, check out these details. Many cleaners will work on a multitude of surfaces.
Cost
Vinyl siding cleaners come in a range of prices to fit most budgets. Many people opt for vinyl siding because the maintenance costs are low.
Purpose
Different siding cleaners have different purposes.
Some are formulated specifically for removing stains, while others attack mold and mildew. Others are meant to freshen and brighten, while some just do general cleaning. Depending on your needs, note the purpose of the best vinyl siding cleaners so you can find the right one for you.
The Best Vinyl Siding Cleaner of 2020
We’ve spent hours reading product reviews, expert advice as well as applying our own insight. With this information, we have a list of the seven best vinyl siding cleaners to get your house sparkling fresh!
1. Charlie's Soap Indoor & Outdoor Surface Cleaner
If you like to get all-in-one products to save a bit of money and space in the cupboards, you’re not alone!
Our recommendation for the best multipurpose vinyl siding cleaner is the Charlie’s Soap indoor and outdoor surface cleaner.
This product cleans pretty much everything. If you have something that needs to be freshened up or totally restored — choose this product.
Why We Love It
Multipurpose
The tag line on this product is that it “cleans everything from false teeth to diesel engines”. So when we say it’s multipurpose — it’s multipurpose. It can be used on any indoor or outdoor surfaces, including decks, cars, boards, bikes, driveways, siding, walls, engines, furniture, grills and more. Of course, this includes your vinyl siding.
Safe
Charlie’s Soap is an eco-friendly company and this product is no different. It’s non-toxic and biodegradable. It contains no abrasives, lye, phosphates, bleach, dyes, perfume, or fillers.
You don’t even need to wear gloves. It’s made with naturally derived ingredients, proven strong enough to clean your home, but gentle enough to treat the environment kindly.
Treats Grease and Grime
This product was originally intended to cut grease and grime. While it can do more than that now, it still wonderfully cuts through grease and grime. It gently releases these stains inside and outside the home, leaving you with clean results.
Keep In Mind
Requires Scrubbing and Rinsing
Charlie’s Soap indoor and outdoor cleaner isn’t the easiest to apply and remove. First, it requires scrubbing. Not a lot, but do keep this in mind. Secondly, it can be quite difficult to rinse it away thoroughly. Some customers note there is a residue left behind and it needs a few rinses.
Additional Specs
| Formula | Concentrated, but can also use at full strength |
| Application | Apply with a pressure washer, mop, cloth, or spray bottle |
| Type of Siding | Any |
| Purpose | Cleans, eliminates grease and grime |
| Size | One gallon |
2. Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner
On a budget but still need to get that vinyl siding spick and span? Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner offers two bottles for less than $30.
Plus, the formula is concentrated. So in total, it makes up to 20 gallons of siding cleaner which should last a seriously long time.
It is designed to be used in a pressure washer, but of course, you can also use it manually.
Why We Love It
For Multiple Surfaces
This cleaner can be used on vinyl, of course. But it’s also good for aluminum and wood siding. Finally, it can also be used for cleaning gutters, brick, cement and hard coat stucco. Do not use this on deteriorated surfaces.
Revives and Removes Stains
The Zep House cleaner revives your siding so that you can have a super clean exterior once again. It also removes stains of dirt and mildew. So your house can go from looking dull and dingy to looking bright and clean.
Safe for Plants
The Zep House cleaner will not cause damage to your plants. Of course, make sure to dilute it first if not using it in a pressure washer.
The only thing to note about this product is that it might cause eye irritation, so wear goggles for extra safety (3). Also — keep away from children and pets.
Keep In Mind
Timing Is Important
We recommend not using this product on a sunny day. If it dries before you’ve rinsed it, you can end up with streaky lines on your siding which are difficult to remove. The sun can flash dry the product.
Additional Specs
| Formula | Concentrated — up to 20 gallons |
| Application | Manual or pressure washer |
| Type of Siding | Vinyl, wood, aluminum, brick, hard coat stucco, cement |
| Purpose | Removes dirt and mildew, and brightens |
| Size | One gallon (two bottles) |
3. Simple Green Pro HD
The Simple Green Pro HD is a good option for power washing. It can be used in any pressure of power washer.
But it can also be diluted with water and applied to siding with a mop, cloth or sponge.
The Simple Green Pro HD is a professional grade product, so you can use it at home or at your residential building, too.
Why We Love It
Versatile
This cleaner can be used on a multitude of surfaces. It can be used in the kitchen or bathroom for cleaning. You can also use it on floors, walls, industrial equipment, and appliances. Also — try it out on automotive or recreational vehicle cleaning and degreasing.
Quick Results
If your vinyl siding is looking a little worn, this will do the trick. It removes tough grease, grime and stains super quickly. Plus, it deodorizes! So if your home area has been stinky lately, this can solve the issue.
Renews Vinyl
If your house is aging, and your vinyl has been through a lot — this product can renew it. You don’t need to use a lot of elbow grease either. A light scrub or using the pressure wash can make your vinyl look brand new again.
Keep In Mind
Costly
For what it is, it’s a little costly. Customers find it works just as well as dish soap — so it might not be worth the pennies for you. However, it does make up to 14 gallons, unlike a bottle of dish soap!
Additional Specs
| Formula | Concentrated — makes 14 gallons |
| Application | Apply with pressure washer, mop or cloth |
| Type of Siding | Vinyl, wood, metal and more |
| Purpose | Cleans, eliminates grease and grime |
| Size | One gallon |
4. Mold Armor FG503 E-Z House Wash
Mold and mildew up the side of your house is never a pretty sight. The Mold Armor House Wash is our top pick for cleaning away the mold and mildew.
It can also clean stains from mold and mildew. All with no scrubbing! You just need to spray this onto your siding, wait for five minutes, then rinse it off.
Note, though, that this is not intended to be used with a high power pressure washer.
Why We Love It
Easy and Effective
This no-scrub product is easy to use, yet effective — removing mold, mildew, algae and its accompanying stains. Simply spray on, wait five minutes, then rinse off! Whether they’re tough or light, this product can remove them.
Versatile
You can use the Mold Armor House Wash on many different types of siding. It works on vinyl, aluminum and wood siding, brick stucco, concrete, trim, painted decks, fences and more.
Applicable
You can apply this product a few different ways — all being very easy. First, you could use a power washer, as long as it’s not high pressured. But you can also apply this with a sprayer, roller or sponge. So whatever you have in the house, it will probably work.
Keep In Mind
Contains Bleach
Note that this product contains bleach. So if you want something more eco-friendly, choose a different option. Because it contains bleach, wear protective gloves, eyewear and old clothes. Also, make sure to follow directions properly to protect your plants. Keep away from pets and children. Also — many pressure washers are not compatible with bleach products. So check the manufacturer instructions there, too.
Additional Specs
| Formula | Can be diluted or used at full strength |
| Application | Manual or pressure washer |
| Type of Siding | Vinyl, aluminum and wood siding, brick stucco, concrete, trim, painted decks, fences and more |
| Purpose | Kills mold and mildew and removes the stains |
| Size | One gallon |
5. Simple Green Oxy Solve Outdoor Cleaner
It’s important to be kind to the environment. For an eco-friendly vinyl siding cleaner, we recommend the Simple Green Oxy Solve Outdoor Cleaner.
It’s a safe, orally non-toxic formula. It uses peroxide to clean siding without the use of other harsh chemicals.
It’s biodegradable and approved by the EPA. So you can clean your vinyl siding with a clear conscience when you choose Simple Green.
Why We Love It
Eco
As mentioned, this is an eco-friendly choice. It’s kind on your home, skin and garden. It won’t kill your lovely plants. The environment will thank you when you choose this product!
Versatile
You can use the Simple Green outdoor cleaner on a multitude of surfaces. It works on vinyl as well as wood, composite, metal, fabric, plastic, wicker, concrete, stone, brick and asphalt. So this product will come in handy a lot!
Cleans Well
This cleaner tackles dirt and grime but also stains from mold, mildew, moss and algae. So if that’s what’s dampening your vinyl siding, Simple Green can help.
Keep In Mind
Not for Harsh Stains
Simple Green is best for light and new stains. If you have an old, big stain — this product might not do the trick. Or, you might have to get scrubbing really hard to remove it. If you have stubborn stains, you might want to choose a different product.
Additional Specs
| Formula | Concentrated — up to 21 gallons |
| Application | Manual or pressure washer |
| Type of Siding | Vinyl, wood, composite, metal, fabric, plastic, wicker, concrete, stone, brick and asphalt |
| Purpose | Lifts dirt, grime and stains from mold, mildew, moss and algae |
| Size | One gallon |
6. Goo Gone Patio Furniture Cleaner
If you need to spot treat stains on your vinyl siding, Goo Gone patio furniture cleaner is a top choice!
It can eliminate stains from food, mildew, grease, tree sap, bird droppings, and general dirt.
You can use it on your siding, but also on furniture, too. It’s compatible with resin, wicker, wood, plastic, vinyl, canvas, rattan, metal, and glass.
Why We Love It
Safe on Surfaces
It’s a happy day when you find a stain remover that tackles a variety of surfaces! The Goo Gone outdoor furniture spray works on all sorts of furniture and siding materials. Whether you have a wicker chair, vinyl siding or stains on your glass windows — keep this product nearby.
Removes Tough Stains
This product can handle most tough stains. Grease, grime, tree sap, mildew, food and dirt stains are among the many stains this product can remove.
Must-Have for Mildew
If mildew is a big problem you face, this is a must-have product. Many customers rave about this product, stating that it zapped away years of mildew build-up.
Keep In Mind
Requires Scrubbing
The Goo Gone cleaner requires a bit of scrubbing and elbow grease. Even the most satisfied customers had something to say about the ease of use.
Yes, it’s spray-on so it’s easy to apply. But it takes some effort after that to get rid of stains. A top tip, though, is to let the product sit longer than package instructions. Just don’t let it dry on your siding.
Additional Specs
| Formula | Ready to use |
| Application | Spray on |
| Type of Siding | Wood, plastic, vinyl, metal, and glass |
| Purpose | Remove stains |
| Size | 24 ounces |
7. DEFY 2.25 LBs Cleaner
No one really enjoys scrubbing things clean. With the Defy Cleaner, you can get your vinyl sliding sparkling clean with no scrubbing.
Although this is advertised as a wood cleaner, it works great on vinyl. It’s also compatible with fences, aluminum siding, sidewalk and driveways. So you can get versatile use out of this product.
To use this product, you just need to apply it to the siding with a sprayer, mop or brush. Wait 20 minutes, then rinse off with water.
Why We Love It
Oxygenated Bleach
Oxygen bleach is a safer alternative to chlorine bleach. So this is a great option for eco-cleaning of your vinyl siding! It can brighten, freshen and remove stains from your vinyl.
Safe on Landscape
If you have lots of grass and plants around your house’s siding — this is a pretty safe option. DEFY has stated that it won’t harm grass and most plants. However, generally, oxygen bleach isn’t known for killing plants at all (4).
Versatile
The DEFY cleaner can be used on wood fences, wood siding, vinyl siding, aluminum siding, sidewalks, driveways and more. If you have these materials around the home — this is a top product to choose.
Keep In Mind
Don’t Let It Dry
For the best, most aesthetic, results — don’t let this product dry. It might leave streaky and uneven finishes. Instead, go in small sections at a time, rinsing the product off after 20 minutes max.
Additional Specs
| Formula | Powder — makes five gallons |
| Application | Apply with sprayer, mop or brush |
| Type of Siding | Vinyl, wood and aluminum |
| Purpose | Cleans, brightens and removes mildew |
| Size | 36 ounces |
| Product | Best | Formula | Type of Siding | Purpose |
| Charlie’s Soap Indoor & Outdoor Cleaner | Multipurpose | Concentrated | Any | Cleans, eliminates grease & grime |
| Zep House & Siding Pressure Wash | Budget Cleaner | Concentrated | Vinyl, wood, aluminum, brick, hard coat stucco, cement | Removes dirt & mildew, & brightens |
| Simple Green Pro HD | Power Washing | Concentrated | Vinyl, wood, metal & more | Cleans, eliminates grease & grime |
| Mold Armor FG503 E-Z House Wash | Mold and Mildew | Can be diluted or concentrated | Vinyl, aluminum & wood siding, brick stucco, concrete, trim, painted decks, fences & more | Kills mold & mildew & removes the stains |
| Simple Green Oxy Solve Cleaner | Eco-Friendly | Concentrated | Vinyl, wood, composite, metal, fabric, plastic, wicker, concrete, stone, brick & asphalt | Lifts dirt, grime & stains from mold, mildew, moss & algae |
| Goo Gone Patio Furniture Cleaner | Stain Removal | Ready to use | Wood, plastic, vinyl, metal, & glass | Remove stains |
| DEFY 2.25 LBs Cleaner | No-Scrub | Powder | Vinyl, wood & aluminum | Cleans, brightens & removes mildew |
FAQs
Is It Okay to Power Wash Vinyl Siding?
Yes, but be careful. Vinyl siding isn’t as durable as other materials such as metal and brick. Test in a small area of your vinyl siding on a low pressure first to check if the siding responds well.
Is Bleach Bad for Vinyl Siding?
If you use the bleach properly, diluted and rinse it away, it shouldn’t damage your vinyl siding (5). The Mold Armor FG503 E-Z House Wash we recommend contains bleach. But because it is diluted, it’s not going to damage your siding.
How Do You Clean Vinyl Siding Without Scrubbing?
First, you can use the pressure washer. The pressure of the liquid acts as a scrubber to remove dirt from the siding.
But if you choose a good quality formula and let it soak on the vinyl for a decent length of time, you shouldn’t need to do much scrubbing. Simply rinsing it off afterward with a hose or cloth should easily lift and remove the dirt.
How Often Should You Clean Vinyl Siding?
Roughly once a year. However, if you live in a humid or dusty place, it might need to be more often to keep mildew and dirt under control.
Definitely check the vinyl siding every four months to see if it could benefit from a light clean. Prepare for a deeper clean once a year, but if the vinyl looks pretty neat — wait until next year!
Can I Make My Own Vinyl Siding Cleaner Solution?
You definitely can. If you’d like to be eco-friendly and save money, then this is a great option.
One recipe we recommend is this:
- Mix 3.5 cups of distilled white vinegar and ½ gallon of water in a bucket.
- Use a long-handled scrub brush to apply the solution to the siding. Start at the top and work your way down.
- Work in small sections, rinsing the vinegar solution off before its dry.
- Repeat.
How to Use Vinyl Siding Cleaners Safely
- Work from the top down: There are narrow gaps between each piece of vinyl siding. If you go from the bottom up, you risk getting water in those gaps which can cause dampness underneath the siding. Also, the dirty water drips down, so if you clean the bottom first, the dirt from the top will trickle down at the end.
- Shut off the power: Before you start cleaning, shut off the power to the exterior of your home. Water and electricity do not mix!
- Cover lighting and outlets: Use a plastic bag or protective cover to shield outside lights and outlets so that they don’t get wet.
- Use low pressure: If using a pressure washer, use low pressure so that you don’t damage the vinyl.
- Wear gloves and glasses: This is an important tip especially if you’re using a pressure washer since the cleaning solution can spray back at you. It’s best to keep your skin and eyes covered since lots of solutions can irritate your skin and eyes.
Bonus Tip
New Kid on the Block
When you’ve used one of the best vinyl siding cleaners, your neighbors will hardly recognize your house! They’ll be asking, “Who’s the new kid on the block?” Sure enough, they might get you to clean their siding, too.
As a quick review, our top recommendation is Charlie’s Soap Indoor & Outdoor Surface Cleaner. It’s eco-friendly and can be used for pretty much every cleaning job you ever face.
Other great options include the Mold Armor House Wash for removing mold and mildew. Or the Simple Green Oxy Cleaner for being kind to the environment. Lastly, if you’re on a budget, check out the Zep House cleaner.
