Your DIY Guide to Cleaning Aluminum Sidings

Mark Lotz
Mark Lotz
Sep 5, 2018 · 3 min read

If your house was built in the 60’s up to the 90’s you’re probably noticing the dirty and faded condition of your exterior paint. Even if your house is newer, the aluminum siding might look like it needs a makeover. Pressure cleaning your walls is key when you want a clean house or you plan on repainting it. Here are some important techniques to get started.

Your Enemy (The Problem)

What causes your aluminum siding to look old and faded? The answer is oxidation. Have you ever run your fingers over your walls and noticed a white chalkiness on your hand? That is the first sign that you have oxidation that’s damaging your paint. The paint begins to break down from it and results in strange colors or bad conditions. For example, if you have a tan house and now it looks almost red, that’s because oxidation took away the combination of pigments in the paint, leaving only a red color. Once you identify the enemy for your paint, it’s easy to fix it and get a beautiful curb appeal.

Cleaning Products

There are many great cleaning products that you can use to help you get rid of oxidation. Oxalic acid is an organic compound that works as a great agent to your walls. Any product that contains the chemical will generally work well. Another great product and brand is Simply Green, which works similarly well. The great thing about dealing with oxidation on your aluminum siding is that stores are aware of the problem and offer a great variety of products to use.

A Pressure Washer is a Must

If you want to get rid of oxidation, there’s no way going around it, you need a good pressure washer. You will be able to attach your cleaning product to a chemical injector on the hose and use it to break down all the gunk and oxidation on your walls. When choosing the right washer, keep in mind that gas works better than electric. You can rent the machine, but owning one will come in handy whenever you need to clean your patio or other aesthetics on your property. A pressure washer is key to the process, so make sure you plan on using one for your DIY project.

Pressure Washing Techniques

There are many ways to apply your pressure washer. If you aren’t careful you can cause some real damage or at least affect the wall’s appearance enough to have to work harder and fix it. That’s why a good technique is essential.

It’s good to use a washer at 2,500 to 3,000 psi with a wider fan tip. When you use the pressure gun, never stop in the middle of your job, because it can leave a visible pattern when you are done. If you are too close, the pressure could be too much and also leave marks. You want to make sure you are far enough away and you start with a lower pressure and slowly ramp it up. While you work on the walls, make sure to be consistent as you move it. Take your time because it will use up a lot of energy out of you.

If you plan on painting over your wall, you don’t have to worry about the pattern since it will be covered. Make sure you don’t put too much pressure between the aluminum sides because it can damage them or the water can get in-between it.

Lotz of Logic

You’ll be surprised how dirty your walls can get! Imagine how the debris from the city, cars, and even birds can affect your home. That’s why as DIYers it’s important to clean your aluminum sidings using the right pressure washing techniques. If your home struggles with oxidation, it’s possible to get rid of it. It’ll take some time and hard work. But when you finish cleaning and painting it, your house will look like the day you bought it. We hope you enjoyed one more step to # DiscoverYourHome!

Don’t forget, if you need an estimate on your home’s exterior projects, give me a call. My team and I have been serving the St. Charles, Warrenville, Wheaton, Winfield, Geneva, Batavia, and all of Chicago area for 30+ years.

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Mark Lotz

Written by

Mark Lotz

Remodeling and painting expert for 32 years in the Chicago area, providing home improvement videos for DIY'ers, as well as product and tool reviews. Enjoy!

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