What Kills Green Mold on Vinyl Siding in Indiana?

Green mold can quickly become an eyesore on your vinyl siding, especially in areas that get less sunlight, like the north side of your home. Fortunately, there are effective ways to tackle this problem and restore your siding to its former glory. Let’s take a look at why green mold grows on vinyl siding and how to get rid of it safely.

Why Does Green Mold Appear on Vinyl Siding?

Mold loves moisture and shade, which makes your vinyl siding the perfect place for it to grow if conditions are right. In Indiana, homes can experience green mold on siding due to frequent rain, high humidity, and shaded areas that don't dry out quickly. These damp spots provide the perfect environment for mold spores to thrive.

Some of the most common reasons mold appears on siding include:

• Poor drainage from gutters or downspouts.
• Shaded areas where sunlight can’t dry the siding quickly.
• Moisture buildup from trees or plants growing too close to the house.

Taking care of these issues can help prevent mold from returning after you clean it.

How to Remove Green Mold from Vinyl Siding

You don’t need to worry if green mold has started growing on your siding. There are several ways to clean it off, depending on how much mold is present. Here’s a simple guide to help you safely remove green mold:

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Materials

To get started, you’ll need:

• A bucket.
• Dish soap or powdered laundry detergent.
• Oxygen bleach (for more stubborn mold).
• A microfiber cloth or soft-bristle brush.
• A garden hose with a spray nozzle.
• A pressure washer (optional for heavy mold).

Step 2: Mix a Cleaning Solution

For light mold growth, a simple mixture of dish soap and water will usually do the trick. If you notice thicker patches of green mold, you can use a stronger cleaner like powdered laundry detergent mixed with water or oxygen bleach. Oxygen bleach is eco-friendly and gentle on plants around your house.

Step 3: Protect Plants and Surfaces

Before you start cleaning, it’s important to protect your landscaping. Spray the plants around your house with water to help shield them from any cleaning solution that might drip down. If you’re using bleach, be especially careful to rinse the plants afterward to prevent damage.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

Start by applying the cleaning solution to the moldy areas. You can use a soft cloth or a brush to scrub the siding gently. Begin at the top of your house and work your way down. Let the cleaner sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to loosen up the mold.

Once the cleaner has done its job, rinse the siding with a garden hose. If there are stubborn spots of mold, you may need to scrub and rinse again. For the toughest spots, you can use diluted bleach, but make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.

Step 5: Use a Pressure Washer (If Necessary)

If the mold is really stuck on, a pressure washer can help blast it off. Be careful to use low pressure to avoid damaging the siding. A gentle spray should be enough to remove even the thickest patches of green mold.

Preventing Mold from Coming Back

After you’ve cleaned the siding, you’ll want to take steps to keep mold from growing again. Regular maintenance is key. Here are some tips to help prevent mold in the future:

• Trim plants and trees: Keeping greenery away from the house allows more sunlight to reach your siding, drying it faster after rain.
• Fix any drainage issues: Ensure your gutters and downspouts are directing water away from your house to prevent moisture buildup.
• Keep the siding clean: Regularly spray down your siding with a hose to remove dirt and dust that mold feeds on.
  

Contact Us To Help

By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can keep your vinyl siding looking fresh and free of green mold for years to come.

Our experienced Fort Wayne roofing company is ready to provide a comprehensive inspection and offer you a detailed quote tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today.