A very long-lasting and low-maintenance material is vinyl siding. However, it can get rust stains when exposed to hard water, possibly from a leaky HVAC system or water pipe. These stains can harm the exterior cladding’s finish in addition to being unsightly. Vinyl siding needs to be stripped of rust if you want to keep your home in good shape. This article will show you how to remove rust from vinyl siding.
Steps You Can Take to Remove Rust from Vinyl Siding
Homeowners can choose from a few methods to get rid of rust on vinyl siding. Depending on how much rust you have, each cleaning technique will have a different level of effectiveness. Some solutions are very practical and effective. However, using the incorrect technique can make rust removal a very difficult and time-consuming task.
The 3 Best Techniques to Remove Rust from Vinyl Siding
Utilize homemade cleaning products
Simply using ingredients that are already in your home, you can clean vinyl siding. Rust on vinyl siding can be removed with the aid of white vinegar and lemon juice, which contain the acids acetic acid and citric acid, respectively. They are safe to use because they are made of natural ingredients.
Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar (or lemon juice), 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 gallon of warm water to create your cleaning solution. To wipe the solution off your vinyl siding, use a microfiber cloth. After about an hour, wash the solution off with soapy water.
You can also combine 1/3 cup laundry detergent powder, 2/3 cup home cleaning detergent, 4 cups liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon of water to make a stronger rust remover. This more potent solution can aid in removing stains and other troublesome blemishes from your vinyl siding.
Rust on your vinyl siding can be easily and affordably removed using a homemade cleaning solution. It works well on tiny, light rust stains. It might not be as effective if you have large, difficult rust stains. You might have to go with a stronger cleaning technique.
Commercial Rust Removal Products
Utilizing commercial cleaning supplies is another method for removing rust from vinyl siding. A few products are designed specifically to remove rust stains. Select a rust remover that has oxalic acid in it. This substance eliminates rust stains brought on by iron and water.
Mix 1 cup of rust remover or oxalic acid with 1 gallon of warm water to make your cleaning solution. Apply the mixture to your vinyl siding using a non-abrasive brush or sponge. Until the stains are gone, saturate the affected areas. After that, neutralize the oxalic acid with some vinegar and wash the solution off your vinyl siding with soapy water.
Rust removers work well, but they are made of dangerous chemicals. Therefore, it’s crucial to practice safety when using these kinds of products. Do not combine oxalic acid with other chemicals, wear personal protective equipment, or forget to read product labels. Avoid consuming, inhaling, or touching the chemical with your skin.
Power Washing vs Pressure Washing
Vinyl siding can be pressure washed to remove rust, which is one of the best methods. Your exterior cladding can be cleaned by the force of the water, which can remove stains like rust, dirt, and grime.
Try power washing as well if you want to go a step further. Both of these techniques blast away rust using high pressure water, but the latter is even more efficient because it uses hot water.
When power washing, test a small area first to determine the appropriate PSI. Using too much pressure can harm your vinyl siding, so avoid doing so. A pressure of between 1,000 and 2,000 PSI should be adequate, depending on the severity of the rust stains. In order to clearly see your target, the pressure washer wand should be at eye level. If you power wash at an angle, water may enter your vinyl and cause water damage.
Power washing their vinyl siding causes some homeowners some hesitance. The equipment must be rented, cleaning supplies must be purchased, and other time-consuming tasks must be completed. Additionally, in order to get rid of all the rust stains on your vinyl siding, you must learn how to use the pressure washer properly. If you identify with some of these worries, you may want to think about hiring a reputable pressure washing business to handle the task for you.
Why Use a Professional Pressure Washing Service to Get Rid of Rust?
At first glance, pressure washing for rust removal might seem like an unnecessary expense. Consider all the advantages of working with a reputable pressure washing business, though.
When it comes to removing rust stains from vinyl siding, experienced pressure washing companies have a wealth of knowledge. They have specialized tools and eco-friendly products that can thoroughly clean any surface and restore it to its original condition. They also make it a point to customize their pressure washing techniques according to the unique cleaning requirements of the client.
Homemade cleaning products may be less expensive, but they might not be as efficient as pressure washing. On the other hand, commercial rust removers work well but have numerous health and safety risks. Another choice is to perform your own pressure washing, but if done incorrectly, you risk causing much more property damage than you started with.
Selecting the Most Effective Rust Removal Technique for Vinyl Siding
You are already aware of how to clean vinyl siding of rust stains. Some of the best ways to remove rust from vinyl siding include homemade remedies, chemical solutions, and expert pressure washing. Every one of them has advantages and disadvantages. Your time, money, and safety should all be taken into account when choosing a rust removal technique. Whatever approach you select, keep in mind that routine upkeep and cleaning are essential to preventing further rust stains. Please get in touch with us if you require any additional details regarding rust removal from vinyl siding.
Your Best Option: Nashville Soft Wash Pros
If you are in the Nashville area, are in need of deck cleaning and want a dedicated pressure washing company to help you out, reach out to the team here at Nashville Soft Wash Pros! Pressure washing your home’s exterior might seem simple enough, but if it’s done incorrectly, a lot can go wrong. Make sure you hire a reliable pressure washing company to clean your house the right way. The pros at Nashville Soft Wash Pros can clean your dirty siding and stucco with ease – and without causing damage. We work with the homeowner to make sure that every step of our process is up to their standard of quality, as it is our belief that the homeowner’s best interest is the top priority. Do not hesitate, reach out today!