Guide to Effectively Clean Your James Hardie Siding

If you have decided to get James Hardie Siding installed, we ought to tell you that you have made an excellent decision for your home. When the James Hardie Siding is properly cleaned and maintained regularly, it should last you 40-50 years.

Your siding will start to look unclean if you do not wash it regularly. Loose mud, dirt, and dust after heavy rainfall make the siding look untidy and increase the chances of it deteriorating over time. Hence, just a little attention to its upkeep will save you a ton of money in the longer run.

There is nothing as amazing as the feeling of a clean home. If you are looking for a guide on how to clean James Hardie Siding, we got you sorted! Stick with us till the end, and you will learn everything you need to know about cleaning James Hardie Siding

How to Clean James Hardie Siding?

Whether you want to get rid of dirt, mildew, or grease from your siding, we have discussed all the things you need to know before cleaning!

Cleaning the Dirt

Windy days and big storms are the reason behind the dirt collected on your James Hardie siding. To clean it, you need:

• Soft cloth
• Soft brush
• Garden hose
• Water

First, brush the dust and dirt collected on the siding, and then wash your siding with the help of a garden hose. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe the smaller areas covering one side to the other in the direction where the planks, shingles, and panel siding are. In the end, wash your siding with the hose.

Pro-tip:  Work on smaller sections, each at a time. Always start from the top and then continue to come to the bottom. It will save the clean area from dripping or streaking.

Cleaning Mold and Mildew

At times, mildew looks like dirt, so when you wash your siding, check the planks, shingles, and panels. If you notice any mold or mildew, here’s what you are going to need to clean the James Hardie Siding:

• A soft cloth or a sponge
• Garden hose
• Mildew cleaner
• Water

Mix the cleaner with water, and spray the solution where you can see the mold and mildew. Then scrub that area, but do it with light hands. After that, rinse the area with a garden hose.

Pro tip: Do a patch test first for the cleaner, and wait for at least 24 hours. If it looks good, continue with the process.

Cleaning Oil and Grease

Mostly oil-covered hands and greasy fingers make the siding oily, but cleaning James Hardie Siding is very easy when removing it is the grease you need to get rid of. All you need to have is:

• Soft cloth
• Garden hose
• Mild liquid soap
• Water

Start the process by saturating the soft cloth with soapy water and washing your siding. Once the siding is completely stain-free, use a garden hose to clean the James Hardie Siding further.

Pro tip: Keep the saturated cloth wet, and do not let soapy water get into the siding. Continuously wash your siding until all the soap is removed.

Can the James Hardie Siding Be Pressure Washed?

It is strictly forbidden by the manufacturers of James Hardie Siding to pressure wash your siding because of the damage that occurs when you clean James Hardie Siding from the hard spray of water.

The only thing that destroys the James siding is pressure washing fiber cement, so make sure to avoid it. Instead, you can use a soft cloth or a brush with soft bristles to wash your siding.

Things to Avoid When You Clean James Hardie Siding

While we gave detailed instructions about how to clean James Hardie Siding, here are some things that need to be avoided when you wash your siding to keep the siding as good as new:

Never Ignore Maintenance

Yes, James Hardie Siding is very low maintenance, but it does not mean you are allowed to turn a blind eye towards its upkeep. The siding still needs to be cleaned every year, and if you live in an area where the weather is usually dusty, then clean James Hardie Siding twice a year to maintain the quality.

Try to get regular maintenance done to avoid surprises that may come your way if you completely ignore the maintenance of the siding.

Never Use Strong Cleaning Chemicals and Tools

The worst thing one can do to the home siding is to use harsh and strong chemicals to clean it. They need to be cared for gently. Here are some tips from our professional team of GVD Renovations on what you should use:

• Soft cloths
• Soft bristle brushes
• Non-metal brushes
• Garden hose with low pressure
• Avoid using pressure washers
• Never use acids
• Use cleaners that are specially designed for cleaning the James Hardie Siding
• Do Not Work Against The Siding

The most important thing to take care of when you wash your siding is to not work against the siding. Follow these tips to learn more:

• Start cleaning from the top to bottom
• Never let the soap or chemicals dry on the siding
• Continuously rinse out the cloth or sponge
• Use the products that the manufacturer of the siding recommends
• Always read the instructions before using the chemicals on the James Hardie Siding.

Different Types of James Hardie Siding Cleaners

Soap-Based Cleaners

Mixing the warm water with mild liquid cleaners is the most suitable for the James Hardie Siding. They remove all types of bacteria and do not give off dangerous fumes. Soap-based cleaners are very safe when you wash your siding as they are mostly natural.

Bleach-Based Cleaners

Mixing one gallon of water with one cup of oxygen bleach is a way to make DIY bleach-based cleaners. They do not damage the siding and make the surfaces that are discolored white gain. They are excellent for removing bacteria and mold from the siding.

James Hardie Siding gives the home a beautiful look, but if it is not maintained and cleaned regularly, the home's overall vibe can suffer. We hope this guide by our professionals at GVD renovations helped you in the process of cleaning James Hardie Siding. Book an appointment with us if you have any more queries, and we will be happy to entertain you with our best customer service.