How To Remove Mildew From Mobile Home Siding

Mildew on mobile home siding can be unsightly, even dangerous. However, with a little work and some common household materials, you can make your own cleaning solution to remove mildew from mobile home siding easily and inexpensively. This recipe makes approximately 3 1/2 qts. of cleaning solution using laundry detergent and chlorine bleach.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubber cleaning gloves
• Laundry detergent
• Chlorine bleach
• Washing soda (optional)
• Large bucket
• Soft scrub brush
• Water hose or power washer

1. Put on rubber cleaning gloves and combine 1/3 cup household laundry detergent with one qt. chlorine bleach in a large bucket.

2. Add 3 qts. very hot water and stir well. Be careful not to get any of the mixture on exposed skin.

3. Add 1/2 to 2/3 cup washing soda, if desired, for extra cleaning power. This ingredient will help soften the mildew and make it easier to remove.

4. Dip a soft brush into the cleaning solution, and scrub the siding to remove the mildew. This may take some elbow grease, but it will remove even the most stubborn cases of mildew.

5. Rinse the mobile home siding using a water hose or power washer, if available. Be sure to remove all residues from the cleaning solution, as prolonged exposure to bleach or washing soda can cause damage.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to use chlorine bleach on the exterior of your home, substitute white vinegar instead. Vinegar is a powerful mold killer that contains acetic acid, which kills mildew on contact and inhibits future growth. Washing soda can be found in the laundry aisle of a supermarket, or in hardware and drug stores.
• Don't use more than 2/3 cup washing soda. If you do, this can cause permanent damage to mobile home siding. Avoid getting the cleaning mixture onto plants and shrubs near the exterior of the home as much as possible. The bleach contained within can kill or damage plants. Keep the mildew removing solution out of the reach of pets and children.