Vinyl Siding is to a house as skin is to the human body. Siding protects the house against the elements and pests. It helps prevent moisture penetration and the growth of biological contaminants such as mold, dust mites and bacteria. These 3 types of biological contaminants have been known to cause allergic, respiratory, and other health problems in humans.

Choosing siding deserves careful consideration. Some sidings are good in dry climates, others in wetter climates. Some siding is better in windy conditions. And still others, like vinyl, are good in all types of weather conditions.

Rain, snow and frost are the moisture concerns. If rain, snow or frost get behind the siding, the moisture makes the wall sheathing soft, degrading the strength of the entire house frame.

Some of the common pests that may reside behind poor or inappropriate siding are dust mites, carpenter ants, and termites. Dust mites are a common allergy concern. Carpenter ants and termites, as they eat away at the home, undermine the strength of a wooden frame.

A carefully chosen siding, appropriate for your climate and the amount of care you are willing to devote to its maintenance, will not only give your house a new look, but protect your family's health and safety

Keeping Your Vinyl Siding Clean

Wash vinyl siding with a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled, soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, use only a soft bristle brush to avoid smearing stains into the grooves of the texture. To prevent streaking from soap and water running down the house during cleaning, start at the bottom of the wall and work up. Rinse the cleaning solution with water before it dries. If your home has brick facing, cover the brick so that it is not affected by the runoff.

Vinyl siding can be washed with a power washer, although you should read the washer instructions thoroughly before use. When cleaning, hold the power washer straight at eye level. Do not aim the power washer upward, as the water may collect behind the siding, leak later, and produce streaks or could remain and cause decay.

Small spots of mold and mildew can be handled with cleaners such as Fantastik™ or Windex™. For larger sections, a solution of vinegar (30 percent) and water (70 percent) has proven successful. Alternatively, you also could try the following solution: 1/3 cup (2 2/3 ounces) powdered laundry detergent, 2/3 cup (5 1/3 ounces) powdered household cleaner (e.g., Spic & Span™, Soilax™, or equivalent), 1 quart (32 fluid ounces) liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon (128 fluid ounces) of water.

Be sure to spot check any general or stain specific cleaner before using it on a large section of siding. After removing the stain, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not use cleaners containing organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover, or furniture polish or cleaners. They can affect the surface of the siding.

General cleaners such as Simple Green™, Nice & Easy™, Armor All™, or the equivalent can be used to clean dirt, bird droppings, and spider webs. Cleaners such as Fantastik™, Lestoil™, Murphy's Oil Soap™, Windex™ or the equivalent can remove some stains such as bubble gum, crayon, oil-based caulk, felt-tip pen, grass stain, lithium grease, motor oil or rust. Try cleaners such as Soft Scrub™ or the equivalent for pencil or paint*.

Rinse all cleaners with water before they dry.

To protect vinyl siding from discoloration, cover it when using stains, sealants, and wet concrete as part of home renovation projects. To avoid potential staining from insecticides or herbicides, consult the product labels and/or the insecticide or herbicide manufacturer before applying.

Vinyl siding is made from organic materials and will melt or burn when exposed to a significant heat source. Home and building owners should always take precautions to keep fire sources (e.g., barbeque grills) and combustible materials (e.g., dry leaves, mulch, trash) away from vinyl siding.

The typical heat distortion temperature of vinyl siding is approximately 160 F to 165 F. When temperatures reach these levels, the siding is likely to distort. Reflected or radiated heat sources can include windows, roofing, pavement, and certain underlayments. Installing screens and awnings and planting bushes or other landscaping can alleviate reflections or radiation.

If a vinyl siding panel is permanently stained or otherwise damaged, it is easily replaceable. Place an "unlocking" tool behind the bottom of the panel above the panel to be replaced and unzip it from the lock of the damaged panel. Gently bend out the upper panel and remove the nails from the damaged panel. Remove the damaged panel. Lock on the new panel and nail it up. Use the unlocking tool again to zip the upper panel over the lock on the new panel.

If you wish to paint your vinyl siding, consult with your vinyl siding manufacturer first. Many manufacturers void their warranties if the siding is painted.