Cleaning vinyl siding w/TPS

**Freedom** · 04-27-2010, 11:41 AM

OK-AY, guess I am not gonna use THAT!

Thanks, Kirsten.

Here is the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trisodium_phosphate

**pomtzu** · 04-27-2010, 12:10 PM

That green gunk is algae growth, and you'll get it in areas of the house that don't get much sun to keep the siding dry. We get it too, on the front of the house which only gets the early morning sun.

If you have a pressure washer, just the plain water will take it off without adding any cleaners or chemicals. That's what my son does. If you don't use a cleaner that has a growth inhibitor, it will come back every year and have to be done again, but at least you won't be putting any chemicals in the ground for your pets to get into.

**Pinot's Mom** · 04-27-2010, 12:10 PM

We just did this process; used vinyl siding cleaner boosted with bleach and a soft brush on a 12' pole. We have EXTREMELY high places on our house, and at a few stages were hanging out the upstairs bathroom window with the pole/brush - it must have been hysterical to see. We have found the bleach is key. The siding cleaner alone doesn't cut it. Everything below (gardens, deck, etc.) was covered with tarps, we brushed it all with the solution, then hit with a power washer (we were also hanging out the window with that!). It was a whole afternoon for the one north facing side of the house, but it's worth it!

**kokopup** · 04-27-2010, 12:32 PM

I have to go through this process at least 2 times a year. I mix outdoor bleach with a car wash. The Bleach gets the algae and the car wash gets the dirt and other materials. The sheeting action of the carwash helps the water and bleach to come off the windows and house like it was waxed. Works for me. Rinse with lots of water to dilute the bleach on the ground. Cover plants with roll plastic.

**Karen** · 04-27-2010, 12:43 PM

If it is where you can reach, white vinegar in a spray bottle, and then a sponge seems to work okay! And that is, of course, doggie safe! It happens on our house near the kitchen windows, as that side of the yard gets very little direct sun.

**happylabs** · 04-27-2010, 01:55 PM

Or, you could just paint the house green.

**Freedom** · 04-27-2010, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by happylabs

Or, you could just paint the house green.

Ha ha haaa!

We had the house power washed 2 years ago. Now, it is really bad again.
Did you know you cannot rent a power washer at either Home Depot or Lowe's? And I don't have one; don't want one either.

Karen, no WAY I am doing this major job with a squirt bottle!