method you choose dependson how much of a problem the siding mold is and where it is located. I recommend starting
with a small area that is easy to access.
Let's start with a bucket of warm water and household cleaner and a scrub brush. Wet the area down,
scrub it with the solution and rinse it off. If this takes care of the siding mold, repeat as
needed. The downside of this method is that it is not much fun, meaning it can be backbreaking
work if the siding mold covers a substantial area. Another problem, one which might occur with any
type of siding mold remediation, is that you might have to clean the entire house, or at least that
side of the house in order to even up the surface. The less your siding has been cleaned, the
greater the chances are that you will end up having to do this.
The next step up in getting rid of siding mold is using a garden sprayer and a mild solution of
chlorine bleach (¼ to ¾ cup of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water) alone or in combination
with TSP. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a household cleaner available at most hardware stores.
Power washing is the gold standard of siding mold removal. It can get rid of even the toughest
siding mold and it is fun to use, once you get the hang of it. However, isn't there always a
however, there are potential dangers when using a power washer both to the siding and to you.
Do not attempt to do any power washing from a ladder. I do not believe ladders are stable enough
for this purpose. If you need to power wash are areas you cannot reach from the ground, it is
best to use good quality scaffolding that is properly erected and stabilized on solid ground.
Always use eye protection when using a power washer.
Never point a power washer at a person or any body parts of yours or anyone else's.
(Do not aim it at your hand to see how it feels.)
Aim the nozzle downward, not up where the spray can get under the siding. Be careful around joints,
edges, flashing, and caulked areas. The spray can wash away the caulk or get under the flashing.
Siding mold can then be kept from coming back by locating the source of the mold, remediating it,
and maintaining the siding with regular cleaning. If your siding is painted, consider using a
high quality anti-mildew/mold paint when you repaint it.
REMEMBER: When using chlorine bleach always wear good rubber gloves, a good respirator mask,
eye protection, and adequate ventilation. Obviously you are not going to be wearing your best
clothes, but ones that will protect your skin from any exposure.
Siding Mold - Stucco
