--- title: "The Best Vinyl Siding Cleaners for the Home, Tested" description: "We tested several of the best vinyl siding cleaners on plenty of grime. Here's what left our siding looking good as new." date: "2020-02-08" modified: "2024-08-13" authors: - name: "Jodi Webb" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jodi-webb/" - name: "Manasa Reddigari" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/manasa-reddigari/" - name: "Glenda Taylor" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-vinyl-siding-cleaner/" categories: - "DIY" - "Exterior" - "Repair & Maintenance" - "Reviews" - "Siding" tags: - "choose" - "cleaning" - "Commerce" - "DIY" - "exteriors" - "MPR" - "Product Category Reviews" - "siding" - "tools" --- # The Best Vinyl Siding Cleaners for the Home, Tested ![Seven bottles of the Best Vinyl Siding Cleaners on grass next to cream vinyl sided house]() *Photo: Jodi Webb for BobVila.com* Vinyl siding is beloved for its low maintenance and affordable attractiveness. But over time, it can get dingy, hampering curb appeal and potentially causing damage over time. We recently tested seven vinyl siding cleaners that can tackle a variety of stains using manual, sprayer, and pressure washer applications. Our favorite is the [30 Seconds Hose-End Sprayer Outdoor Cleaner]() because it delivers a sparkling clean with minimal time investment. This product only requires a hose, not a pressure washer, and comes with an adjustable spray applicator to reach the second story effectively. Beautify and protect your home with an outdoor cleaner formulated to safely and effectively make [vinyl siding]() look as good as new. Read on to learn what to look for while shopping and why the following stand out as the best vinyl siding cleaners available. 1. **BEST OVERALL:** [30 Seconds Hose-End Sprayer Outdoor Cleaner]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#30-seconds-hose-end-sprayer-outdoor-cleaner>) 2. **RUNNER-UP:** [Simply Green OxySolve Total Outdoor Cleaner]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#simply-green-oxysolve-total-outdoor-cleaner>) 3. **BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:** [Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#zep-house-and-siding-pressure-wash>) 4. **BEST FOR MILDEW:** [Wet & Forget Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#wet-and-forget-moss-mold-mildew-and-algae-stain-remover>) 5. **BEST FOR STAIN REMOVAL:** [Krud Kutter Pro Rust, Calcium & Lime Stain Remover]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#krud-kutter-pro-rust-calcium-and-lime-stain-remover>) 6. **BEST FOR PRESSURE WASHER:** [Mold Armor E-Z Siding & House Wash]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#mold-armor-e-z-siding-and-house-wash>) 7. **ALSO CONSIDER:** [Jomax House Cleaner and Mildew Remover ]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#jomax-house-cleaner-and-mildew-remover>) | **Testing Stats** | | | --- | --- | | Products tested | 7 | | Time spent testing | 6 hours | | Tests performed | 2 | | Price range | $12 to $50 | ## Our Top Picks The following cleaners are suitable for various types of stain removal and can all help restore siding to a like-new appearance. The best vinyl siding cleaner must be safe for use on vinyl siding; effective at removing the type of stains in its category, like mold or tree sap; and provide clear application instructions and precautions (if necessary) to protect nearby people, animals, and plants. **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **5/5**; Effectiveness **5/5**; Versatility **5/5**; Value **5/5** Our top cleaner for vinyl siding, this pick from 30 Seconds comes in a 2-quart jug with an adjustable sprayer attached. It was easy to connect the sprayer to a standard garden hose and simply turn on the water—the sprayer directs a blast of water and diluted cleaner onto the siding to remove tough stains, grime, and dirt. We found that 30 Seconds began working on stains immediately. However, for the best results, saturate the surface to be cleaned using the sprayer/hose combination, let it remain for 10 minutes, and then rinse off. When used as directed, the product will not damage nearby plants. **Get the 30 Seconds vinyl siding cleaner at** [**Amazon**]()**,** [**Lowe’s**]()**, or** [**The Home Depot**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **5/5**; Effectiveness **4.5/5**; Versatility **5/5**; Value **5/5** We love Simply Green OxySolve cleaner as an effective and environmentally friendly way to remove stains from siding. We appreciate that this formula is useful not just for vinyl siding but also for a variety of outdoor surfaces, including wood, plastic, metal, wicker, composite, and concrete. It does not cause any toxicity problems with water runoff and relies on peroxide, not bleach, as a brightener. The product must be diluted with water for manual application, gently scrubbed with a soft bristle brush or sponge, and then rinsed with a garden hose. It can also be applied using the soap dispenser of a pressure washer, allowed to sit for 5 minutes, and then rinsed. **Get the Simply Green vinyl siding cleaner at** [**Amazon**]()**,** [**The Home Depot**]()**, or** [**Walmart**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **5/5**; Effectiveness **4.5/5**; Versatility **4/5**; Value **4.5/5** Zep House and Siding pressure wash is an affordable option that comes in a 1-gallon jug of concentrated liquid that removes dirt and mildew. This solution can be used in a power washer with a downstream injector. We used the second option, diluting it in a bucket of water, applying it to vinyl siding with a soft nylon bristle brush, and then rinsing it with clean water. To keep nearby plants safe, spray them down with water before using Zep. It’s an affordable way to remove stains from vinyl siding and get it looking like new again. **Get the Zep vinyl siding cleaner at** [**Amazon**]()**,** [**Ace Hardware**]()**, or** [**The Home Depot**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **5/5**; Effectiveness **5/5**; Versatility **5/5**; Value **4/5** This bleach-free Wet & Forget formula harnesses the power of ammonium chloride to eliminate stains without harming nearby plants. This gentle formula does not require a pressure washer, scrubbing, or rinsing in order to work. We diluted 2.5 cups of the cleaning concentrate in 1 gallon of water and applied it manually. We let it work its deep-cleaning magic for 4 to 5 hours and then admired the sparkling results. Surfaces stay clean for up to a year. **Get the Wet & Forget vinyl siding cleaner at** [**Amazon**]() **or [Ace Hardware]().** **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **5/5**; Effectiveness **3.5/5**; Versatility **5/5**; Value **4/5**; This pick from Krud Kutter is an affordable way to remove stains from vinyl siding and get it looking new again. The Krud Kutter solution can be used in a power washer or a hose-end dispenser (not included). It can also be diluted in a bucket of water, applied to vinyl siding with a soft nylon bristle brush, and then rinsed with clean water. To keep nearby plants safe, spray them down with water before and after using Krud Kutter. Nontoxic and bleach-free, this indoor-outdoor multipurpose cleaner uses ingredients like water and ammonium chloride to lift stubborn stains. We manually applied the ready-to-use cleaner undiluted and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, we scrubbed lightly with a soft-bristle brush and rinsed off with water. **Get the Krud Kutter vinyl siding cleaner at** [**Amazon**]()**,** [**Ace Hardware**]()**, or** [**ODP Business Solutions**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **4/5**; Effectiveness **4/5**; Versatility **4/5**; Value **5/5** For speedy cleaning, we recommend [pressure-washing your house]() with Mold Armor E-Z cleaner. Mold Armor is an oxygenated bleach-based cleaner designed to remove mold and mildew from siding and discourage regrowth. For the best results, spray Mold Armor on vinyl siding, let it remain for 10 minutes, and then rinse off. We didn’t find that any scrubbing was necessary. We also found that, when used as directed, the product didn’t damage nearby plants. **Get the Mold Armor vinyl siding cleaner at [Amazon](),** [**Ace Hardware**]()**,** [**Walmart**]()**, or [**Lowe’s**]().** **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **4/5**; Effectiveness **4/5**; Versatility **4/5**; Value **3/5** Jomax outdoor house cleaner contains powerful mildewcide for tackling tough mold buildup. We mixed the concentrated cleaner with both water and a small amount of household bleach and applied with a pump-type garden sprayer. We found this product to be effective with little or no scrubbing. We just sprayed the diluted cleaner on the vinyl siding, waited 10 minutes, and then rinsed the siding with clean water. We did a bit of scrubbing for especially tough stains. While the amount of added bleach is moderate (2.25 cups in 1 gallon of water), we followed the directions to spray nearby plants and foliage with water before and after cleaning the siding to protect them. **Get the Jomax vinyl siding cleaner at** [**Amazon**]()**,** [**Ace Hardware**]()**,** [**The Home Depot**]()**, or** [**Walmart**]()**.** ## [Jump to Our Top Picks](<#recap>) ![Person using power washer to spray vinyl siding cleaner off house]() *Photo: Jodi Webb for BobVila.com* ## How We Tested the Best Vinyl Siding Cleaners We tested seven cleaners on vinyl siding with similar degrees of staining. We followed dilution instructions and applied manually unless otherwise specified (sprayer, hose applicator, or pressure washer). Each product was tested on a 1-foot square, evaluating every 15 minutes after application and again after rinsing with a pressure washer. We also used a control square with no product applied that we evaluated after rinsing with water with a pressure washer. We conducted a similar test on a concrete walkway. Along with effectiveness, we evaluated cost, ease of application, additional supplies needed, ability to clean various surfaces and problems, timeliness, and environmental effects. ## What to Consider When Choosing a Vinyl Siding Cleaner Selecting the best cleaner for vinyl siding involves considering the type of stains you need to treat and identifying which application method best suits your house. ### Ingredients Some ingredients in house siding cleaners may react with the PVC that makes up vinyl siding. To avoid this, look for siding washes and multisurface outdoor cleaners with inorganic solvents, like water or hydrogen peroxide, or soaps containing water-soluble surfactants, like alkyl sulfates. Cleaners with similar chemistry to vinyl siding—e.g., those containing organic solvents or petroleum ethers like acetone, benzene, or tetrahydrofuran—can damage it, creating dark and hazy patches, streaks, yellowing, and a brittle or distorted surface. Resist the temptation to spot clean vinyl siding with liquid grease removers, nail polish removers, and furniture polishes, which often contain organic solvents. ### Mold and Mildew Removal High moisture, a lack of sunlight, and exposure to dirt or tree sap can all cause [mildew and mold]() to grow on vinyl siding. If your climate is damp, humid, or cloudy, or if you have a lot of vegetation or trees in the yard, consider a vinyl siding cleaner formulated to combat mildew and remove mold. [Mold removers]() often contain fungicides like ammonium chloride, chlorine bleach, or oxygenated bleach, which all mitigate mildew and mold and lift stubborn stains like rust or limescale. However, chlorine bleach can kill nearby plants, so products with oxygenated bleach (hydrogen peroxide) or ammonium chloride are safer for flowers, vegetables, and shrubs. ### Application Vinyl siding cleaner is commonly applied in three ways: via a pressure washer, through a hose attachment dispenser, or manually with a long-handled brush. - **Pressure-washing** siding is the quickest and easiest method for cleaning exteriors and removing tough stains. A vinyl siding cleaner is specifically labeled for use with pressure washers and is usually sold in a large jug that can be poured into the pressure washer's liquid reservoir. - A **hose-end dispenser** works with a bottle that connects to the end of a standard garden hose. When the hose head is set to "on," the spray cleaner will be diluted with water from the tap. This no-mess method eliminates the need to load any liquid into a separate device. - **Manual application** involves pouring the contents into a bucket and applying it with a brush. Most cleaners designed for use with pressure washers can also be manually applied. Cleaners packaged in large resealable jugs work well with this type of application. For faster application over a large area, some can be mixed in a manual sprayer and then applied to the area. ![Bottle of 30 seconds outdoor cleaner on concrete porch]() *Photo: Jodi Webb for BobVila.com* ![Green bottle of Mold Armor e-z siding and house wash on concrete porch]() *Photo: Jodi Webb for BobVila.com* ![Bottle of Krud Kutter Pro vinyl siding cleaner on concrete porch]() *Photo: Jodi Webb for BobVila.com* ![Bottle of Simple Green OxySolve total outdoor cleaner on concrete porch]() *Photo: Jodi Webb for BobVila.com* ![bottle of wet and forget outdoor cleaner on concrete porch]() *Photo: Jodi Webb for BobVila.com* ### Formula Vinyl siding cleaners are sold in both concentrated and ready-to-use formulas. Concentrated cleaners must be diluted in water before use. When using a concentrated cleaner with a pressure washer, the washer will automatically dilute the cleaner through a separate hose connection to the tap. The same principle works with a hose-end dispenser: As the water passes through the dispenser, it dilutes the cleaner and emits a spray of cleaning solution on the siding. A concentrated formula is generally the more economical choice. ### Environmental Impact Cleaners that use inorganic solvents like benzene can wash down gutters and storm drains, polluting waterways and potentially impacting aquatic life. Vinyl siding cleaners labeled nontoxic and biodegradable can minimize the harmful effects of chemicals and be an eco-friendly way to clean siding. To reduce environmental impact, select a siding cleaner that has the [EPA Safer Choice label](). This standard factors in carcinogenicity, reproductive/developmental toxicity, aquatic toxicity, and how long the cleaner stays in the environment before breaking down. ## FAQs While vinyl siding is low maintenance, it can become stained like any other siding. Refreshing siding is a simple process that often involves spraying on a suitable cleaner and then rinsing it off. For those new to cleaning vinyl siding, a few questions are to be expected. ## Meet the Tester Jodi Webb is a longtime resident of a vinyl-sided home and is constantly looking for ways to spruce it up after a long, snowy winter. A DIY-er married to a contractor, Jodi has written on a variety of topics for Bobvila.com, including pressure washers, composite decking, and soaking tubs. *Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor and Manasa Reddigari**.* ## Author Jodi M. Webb is a writer from northeastern Pennsylvania. She started working with the BobVila.com team in 2024. With the help of her husband John Tropp, a contractor for three decades, she writes about electrical work, gardening, landscaping, plumbing, and roofing.