How to Remove Mold From Vinyl Siding

Mold removal needs to happen sooner rather than later.

During the summer and autumn months, mold spores flourish and multiply along susceptible areas of your home's vinyl siding. A humid climate, the lack of direct sunlight and dying vegetation encourages mold spore growth that is unsightly and difficult to remove if left untreated. Because a single mold spore can multiply in to millions of spores in a matter of days, prompt mold removal is important -- if you wait too long mold removers may not be able to win the war with mold.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle or a pressure washer
• 3/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water used
• Sponge mop
• Water bucket
• Towels

Instructions

Mold Removal

1. Inspect the siding of your home to identify mold growth. Check for mold along the northern side of the house, the bottom of the siding close to flowerbeds, and in areas that receive little or no direct sunlight. Any black or green patchy areas along your home's exterior are probably mold and will require removal to prevent the fungus from spreading to other areas of the siding.

2. Killing mold is your goal, so spray the affected area using a pressure washer or a garden hose equipped with a high-pressure spray nozzle.

3. Mix 3/4 cup of household bleach and a gallon of water in a bucket for an effective DIY mold remover. In order to remove mold from vinyl siding and prevent its return, you'll need to kill the mold spores. Household bleach works just as well as commercial germicides and fungicides to stop mold growth and poses less risk of damage to nearby vegetation.

4. Dip a sponge mop into the bleach solution and use light pressure to scrub the siding free of mold. Apply just enough pressure to the mop to loosen the mold without buckling the siding as you work in a gentle back and forth motion to clean any uneven surfaces.

5. Rinse the vinyl siding thoroughly and carefully inspect it. If the area is free of mold, towel dry the siding and move on to the next affected area. If you notice even small amounts of remaining mold, repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the area is clean.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear old clothing when working with bleach.

• Cover plants with a plastic sheet to prevent damage from the bleach solution.

• Areas of your home that are difficult to reach may require the use of a pressure washer to remove mold from the vinyl siding. You can rent or purchase a pressure washer from your local hardware or home improvement store.

• Interior black mold spores pose serious risks to your health. See the resources below to learn about mold prevention, cleanup, and health problems associated with black mold exposure.