How to remove green mold and/or stains along vinyl siding of our house

Question

Well, we did bad!!!! Having scrubs like hemlocks, and other flowering (forsythea) evergreen-like lower plans on the north face of our home has left green stains on siding and window shutters that do not rub off. ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO REMOVE/RESTORE? THANKS

3po3 · Answer

I have heard that it works to use a soft-bristle brush to scrub on a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water. Also, I came across this formula from the Vinyl Siding Institute, trade group for the siding industry:
1/3 cup (2 2/3 ounces) powdered laundry detergent (e.g., Tide®, Fab®, or equivalent), 2/3 cup (5 1/3 ounces) powdered household cleaner (e.g., Spic & Span®, Soilax®, or equivalent), 1 quart (32 fluid ounces) liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon (128 fluid ounces) of water.

T K · Answer

Thank you, Steve G,  for your reply and solution! I will try this formula and get back with results and comments.  BTW - nice photo!

HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC · Answer

Home Depot & Lowes both carry a homeowner friendly cleaner that screws on the end of a garden hose....Jomax makes one of them...you will find them in the paint departments at both stores.  Work well.  You can also wash most off with a low pressure pressure washer.

Peace Painting Co., Inc. · Answer

If left to grow, mildew can impregnate vinyl.  Chlorine solution will kill it but it will take scrubbing to remove the stain.  Ofcourse, rinse the chemical off thoroughly.
CP

Bobby Jean S · Answer

Kafko's Oil Eater. I've used the product about 20 years, on every possible cleaning dilemma from greasy shop clothes and engine parts to dishes, floors, tile, tools, driveways and even toys.  Highly recommended; now available at Amazon in spray bottle, gallon or case (previously available only through manufacturer, in case quantities).

Pam · Answer

Power wash with clorox bleach and water. That's all we use down south and believe me we have lots of rain and humidity. Give a good rinse after the mixture has done its job. LIke new.

Priscilla E · Answer

Try concrobium mold control to clean up mold. $28. a gal at Home Depot or Loews. It really works and does not smell. No fumes

T K · Answer

Success! with the use of bristle brushes, power wash of clorox + water, and lots of rinsing. We'll see what next year shows. For now we have also removed high pollen-like shrubs, and keep pachysandra only.

Jeanette S · Answer

Be careful about power washing as it can blow out your grout and let water into the inside wall.   There is a product new to me called 'spray it and forget it'.  It advertises itself as being 'safe' for every living thing!  We have a bottle to spray on our deck...just waiting for the weather to cool down a bit!

3po3 · Answer

TK, glad to hear it worked for you.

Bernadette M · Answer

I'll have to try this too on the side of our house.

TJB-INC Landscape Contractor · Answer

BioSafe Systems makes a product called Green-Clean that is basically very strong hydrogen peroxide that dissolves the cell walls of algae, moss, mildew, & mold on contact and is safe for all plants.  Google GreenClean to find a local supplier.

Cheryl Anderson · Answer

get yourself an Ortho Dial sprayer and use Clorox Bleach. Put it on 8 oz to a gallon of water. Spray the fence, let sit, then power wash. Use it on your lawn ever week for 2 weeks and then once a week there after to kills parasites and fleas.

Diana Deiley · Answer

I prefer Chlorine and water. Here in Florida, it's an annual task, sometimes twice a year. Chlorine has worked wonders for us. Best of luck.

Shirl · Answer

SAS NEW YORK on June 3, 2017

We just finished cutting down our evergreen scrubs and have that green stain too.

I used ' Simple Green' all purpose cleaner. On back of bottle has grades of cleaning, I used the heavy duty mix. Put it in a spray bottle sprayed a small to med. size area and spray rinsed with a hose and the green is gone.

LadyD · Answer

Wet and Forget. Available at Lowe's or Home Depot and Ace. Takes a few hours but you spray it on and forget about it. Works like a charm!

Redcatcec · Answer

I agree with all the solutions mentioned, is this area in a shady spot? If so see if t can be altered so the sun's rays can reach it. Typically mold likes dark, moist places to grow.

Chloe Crabtree · Answer

A vinyl siding cleaner with a cup of oxygen bleach and one gallon of water mixture makes it an environmentally-friendly option. This is helpful especially if you are maintaining a landscaping wherein it will clean the vinyl without damaging anything.

Deb K · Answer

Hi T.K. hope this helps you. Water And Vinegar Solution + Some Elbow Grease. 30% white vinegar mixed with 70% water, makes a great all-purpose vinyl siding cleaner that will remove light mold and mildew stains.

How to remove green mold and/or stains along vinyl siding of our house

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How to remove green mold and/or stains along vinyl siding of our house

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