Using Chlorine Dioxide by Envirotab and Soil Break Detergent Additive for Effectively Cleaning Mildew from Your Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices for homeowners due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. However, over time, mildew and mold can develop on vinyl siding, detracting from its appearance. This article provides a comprehensive guide on eliminating mildew from vinyl siding using a combination of chlorine dioxide and a soil break detergent additive.

The Chemistry of Organic Soil Removal:

Chlorine dioxide is a powerful oxidizing agent with excellent cleaning properties. It effectively neutralizes and removes mold, mildew, and algae, while not damaging the original shine of your vinyl siding. When Synergy Soil Break is added to your chlorine dioxide solution, you now have an oxidizing solution with vertical cling and excellent, but environmentally-friendly detergent surfactancy.

Step 1: Personal Protection & ClO2 Preparation

Before beginning the cleaning process, protect yourself by wearing gloves, goggles, and appropriate clothing. Ensure nearby plants and shrubs are covered with plastic sheeting to avoid damage from the cleaning chemicals. Using Envirotab tablets, prepare your chlorine dioxide solution. You will want to use (8) grams of tablets for every gallon of warm water you are intending to use for this cleaning activity. For instance, if you have have a 2 gallon pump sprayer for pre-treating your siding, you will want to use (4) 4 gram Envirotab tablets. For 5 gallons of water, use (2) 20 gram tablet, and so on.

Step 2: Soil Break Detergent Additive

Once the tablets have dissolved and to boost the cleaning power of chlorine dioxide, add (1) ounce of Synergy Soil Break detergent additive to the solution. This additional component aids in lifting dirt, grime, and other difficult-to-remove substances from the vinyl siding.

Step 3: Choose the Right Day & Time

One of the wonderful features of chlorine dioxide is how little residue it leaves behind. Unlike bleach, ClO2 is not burdened with loads of vegetation-destroying salt in the solution. Chlorine dioxide is a gas and remains a gas even when it is in an aqueous solution. This being said, for this activity, we want the gas to sit still on the mildew to break it down. Direct sunlight will encourage the gas to break away from the liquid and dissipate into the air very quickly. It is best to do this cleaning activity on a day between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and on the shady sides of the house.

Step 4: Application

Using a pump (and possibly foaming) sprayer, thoroughly apply the diluted solution onto the affected areas of the vinyl siding. Start from the bottom and work your way up to prevent streaking. Allow the solution to remain on the surface for at least 3-5 minutes undisturbed before brushing and rinsing.

Step 5: Brushing and Rinsing

Using a soft-bristle brush or a long-handled scrub brush, gently scrub the vinyl siding in a circular motion. This helps to dislodge the mildew and break it up. Take care not to apply excessive pressure that may damage the siding. After scrubbing, rinse the area with clean water, ensuring complete removal of the cleaning solution.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

Depending on the severity of the mildew, you may need to repeat the cleaning process in stubborn areas. Be patient, as these areas might require additional treatments to completely eliminate the mildew.

Step 7: Preventive Measures

To prevent future mildew growth, consider applying a mildew-resistant protective coating. We recommend ChitoShield by Synergy.

Related: Cleaning Mildew from Patio Furniture & Awnings

Related: Removing Mildew Stains from Home Surfaces with ClO2