While aluminium siding is still a top choice for your home exteriors. Cleaning it can be quite a hassle when you’re not equipped with the right tools.
Clean exteriors elevate the look of a house and increase its value in the neighbourhood. That said, you need to know about some of the best aluminum siding cleaner out there if you want to maintain hygiene and elegance at the same time.
Now, the best thing about aluminum siding cleaners is that they also work with a variety of materials. So, it's basically an all-in-one cleaner for your driveway, garage, gutters, outdoor walls, and roof. Without further ado, let's get to know about these remarkable cleaners which will be worth every penny!
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAR BRITE Ultimate Aluminum Cleaner | 5 Out of 5 | |
| Simple Green Oxy Solve Pressure Washer Cleaner | 5 Out of 5 | |
| 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner | 4.5 Out of 5 | |
| WD40 Company 300363 Specialist Degreaser | 4.5 Out of 5 | |
| Wet & Forget 80003 Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover | 5 Out of 5 |
Comparison Table Of Top 10 Aluminum Siding Cleaner
Products | Application Type | Cleaning Method | Purpose | Bottle Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wet & Forget Siding Cleaner | Garden Hose | Spray and leave | Algae, moss, mold & mildew | 1.4L |
Simple Green Oxy Solve | Pressure Washer | Rinse after use | Heavy grime and tough stains | 1 Gallon (3.78L) |
30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner | Garden hose | Rinse after use | Dirt, grime, algae, and mold | 1.89L |
WD40 - 300363 | Mop or brush | Rinse after use | Heavy grime and grease | 1 Gallon |
Wet & Forget 80003 | Pump up garden sprayer | Leave-on formula | Algae, moss, mold & mildew | 0.5 Gallon |
Mold Armor E-Z House Wash | Garden hose | Spray and leave | Mold and mildew | 1 Gallon |
CHOMP Siding Cleaner | Mop or brush | Rinse with water after use | Black streaks, oxidation, mold, and mildew | 1 Gallon |
Al-New Aluminum Restoration Solution | Microfiber cloth | Leave-on formula | Restores aluminum from discoloration | 16oz. |
Cleaner Renu & Shutter Renu | Microfiber cloth and soft bristle brush | Rinse with water before applying restorer | Chalking and stubborn mold stains | 0.47L |
Zep Siding Cleaner | Pressure Wash | Rinse after use | Mold and mildew | 1 Gallon |
Aluminum Siding Cleaner Buying Guide
There are some things you need to know before settling on an aluminum siding cleaner. You want your siding to look fresh and new; not battered. Below we are pointing out what they are so you can make a well-informed purchase.
Pressure Washer vs. Garden Hose
When it comes to fighting stubborn mold and mildew stains, a gentle cleaner falls short. It's time you brought the big guns out and removed those hideous blotches from your beautiful home.
That said, you might feel tempted to use a construction-grade house and siding pressure washer cleaner for your roof. Truth be told, a gentle sweeping with a microfiber cloth or a good rinse with your garden hose is more than enough.
We recommend pressure washing your roof every two or three years. You can use a pressure washer on garage floors, driveways, concrete and tile patios, entrance stairs, wood decks, fences, exterior trims, brick walls, and vinyl siding more often.
Other than cars and automotive parts, miscellaneous gears for home use such as lawnmowers, dirt bikes, etc. can be pressure washed.
To Bleach or Not To Bleach
Bleach might stain or discolor aluminium siding when used in high concentrations. Cleaning your aluminum siding with a bleach-based cleaner is a bit risky; which is why most home industrial-grade cleaners have a non-bleach formula.
You can make a DIY detergent mix with a small amount of bleach and water. However, to be on the safe side, clean a small area of your aluminium siding with the mixture before going over the entire area. Don't allow the cleaning solution to set on the siding for long—rinse it with water thoroughly after cleaning.
Multi-Surface Compatibility
If your house is a well-designed and modern one, it's only natural that you have different components in each section. For example, you might have a brick paver driveway, a wooden deck, aluminum siding, or vinyl siding on the roof and walls.
There are many well-priced cleaners with non-toxic, non-bleach formulas that go amazing with wood, metal, plastic, brick, and stucco. They save your money, no doubt.
However, the best cleaner for aluminium siding is catered for aluminum siding only. Look for aluminum restoration cleaning solutions for this purpose. The Cleaner Renu duo is an absolute favorite.
Aftercare
Cleaners have different types of aftercare methods. If you're purchasing a Wet & Forget cleaner, you spray the compatible surfaces with the diluted cleaner and forget about it. These cleaners work in the long run instead of showing drastic changes right away.
If you want immediate effects, grab the Al-New aluminum restoration solution, dip a portion of microfiber towel and rub away at the mildewy, algae-stained siding. Some cleaners are required to be rinsed well before drying out while some will have you apply it again after a said time from the first application.
How To Clean Aluminum Siding?
If your exterior trims, aluminium siding has started to look awful with mold and mildew. Moreover, especially after a monsoon or a roof leak, a siding cleaner is what you need.
There are techniques that you can follow for cleaning different types of siding such as scrubbing with a microfiber cloth, brushing with an extendable brush, or using a pressure washer. Nevertheless, here, we’ll tell you the easiest way to clean aluminum siding.
Rinse First
Pre-wetting your siding means that you'll have to spend less time scrubbing. It prepares your aluminium siding to receive the cleaner in a better way. The less stubborn grime and dirt will go away if you do a quick rinse from the top to down.
Know What Cleaner To Use for Aluminum Siding
You will find many leave-it-on cleaners on the market. They are excellent in keeping mold, mildew, and algae growth in check and protect your driveway, walls, and gutters. Not to mention, they leave a corrosion-resistant coating as they dry out which is simply awesome.
Use a strong cleaner to destroy mildew on the north side of the shadowy side of your home. Prepare the cleaning solution as per instructions.
Handwashing vs. Pressure Washing
Option for an aluminum siding cleaner with a hose-end attachment when you have big areas to cover. Or you can use a brush that extends to 10 or 20 feet depending on your purpose.
Pressure with a minimum 2,000psi is needed for cleaning the exterior of an average home. If rubbing your gloved hand on your siding takes off a powdery substance, pressure washing is the way to go.
Pro Tips:
One thing is for sure. You don't want streaks on your newly cleaned aluminum siding. When cleaning aluminium siding or any vertical surface, start from the bottom to the top, and thank us later!
Best Cleaner for Aluminum Siding Reviews
We are reviewing 10 of the best cleaners for moldy and greasy aluminum siding down below. Let's see what they have to offer!
1. Wet & Forget Roof and Siding Cleaner
Nothing beats Wet and Forget when it comes to cleaning the dirty, greasy aluminum siding on your house walls. It’s time you finally got it done with the best cleaner out there!
Other than removing stains from aluminum siding, this gentle yet powerful cleaner will do your decks, roofs, driveways, and patios. Its non-acidic and no-bleach formula is not going to discolor your deck or siding. In fact, it will make them look as good as new.
On top of that, it also comes with the Xtreme Reach™ feature that allows you to spray the incredible cleaner from a distance of 30 feet!
Moreover, we loved its excellent coverage and just the perfect amount of cleaning solution which lasts up to a whopping 2,000 sq. ft. We think it's enough to clean your roofs, driveway, and exterior walls at one go.
Furthermore, it'll be easier to reach the gutters of your multi-storied condo or low roofs because this one of a kind cleaner efficiently sprays up to 30 feet!
Next up, it has a 48oz. hose end for you to connect your hose and turn on the water. We were amazed by not only the coverage but also its force. You can cover every part of the exterior in a couple of minutes.
No rinsing or scrubbing is required as well. Just sit back, enjoy an icy cold glass of beer, and let Wet & Forget to do its magic!
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2. Simple Green Oxy Solve Pressure Washer Cleaner
Mold, mildew, and those disgusting grime stains on your home exterior don’t stand a chance when you couple this holy grail with a pressure washer. Cleaning is now going to be more of a sport than a chore you might have been putting away for so long!
Be it wood, brick, or even stucco, when it comes to fighting grime and grout, this unscented Simple Green cleaner is bound to come out victorious.
The reason why this is our absolute favorite is because of its broad compatibility with a wide range of exterior materials. For example, you can use this cleaner on wood, brick, and even stucco.
The debate about which is better between aluminum and vinyl siding can remain inconclusive but Oxy Solve doesn’t discriminate. It will efficiently clean out the toughest mold marks from both aluminum siding and its newer, cheaper vinyl alternative. It really is a dream come true.
It wouldn't be fair to conclude our Simple Green's review without mentioning its remarkable coverage.
Each bottle of Simple Green covers a total area of 6,400 square feet- giving you an economical solution to keep your house neat and clean. Lastly, it also meets the U.S. EPA Safer Product Standards with its orally non-toxic and safe formula.
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3. 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner
You shouldn’t have any doubt about how this cleaner works without a fail. After all, 30 seconds is in the name. Scrubbing at tough stains left on the exterior by mold and mildew is now a thing from the past.
For starters, you won’t have to think about whether your backyard is laden with toxic chemicals after spraying. It is an incredible cleaning solution that can give your house a brand new look without compromising safety.
From wooden decks to concrete sidewalks, canvas awnings to plastic furniture, and finally brick walls to vinyl sidings, 30 Seconds is the brand we trust for battling algae, mold, and mildew stains!
This cleaner has been so effective that it almost felt like we conjured up a brand new house with deck and driveway overnight!
If you were on the fence about buying a pressure washer, you can certainly drop that idea now because its advanced spraying power will reach all the way up to the second story! However, a 2,000 square feet coverage might not be enough for big condos.
Lastly, as an eco-activist, you will get peace of mind knowing that this cleaner is made of safe ingredients. So, it is okay to spray on your moldy fences and grimy garden retaining walls. Not to mention, it also breaks down once seeped into the soil. Overall the solution is diluted greatly once you use it with the hose.
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4. WD40 Company 300363 Specialist Degreaser
If you are on the hunt for a grease remover and a grime fighter, this powerful cleaner by WD-40 can give you the best of both worlds in the size of a gallon.
Besides the degreaser's impressive action on tough grease and grime alike, we have its non-flammable properties and low-odor formula which is safe and easy on your home, garage, and automobile.
Moreover, it manages to stand out particularly because of its huge size, subtle yet effective degreasing technique, and multi-surface compatibility.
If you are a professional refurbishing a house, you might really consider this remarkable cleaner for aluminum siding exteriors.
It is also a bliss of metalworkers and repairmen who are working with old bikes, cars, automotive parts, and metal workpieces in the shops.
Its water-based, biodegradable formula makes you feel at ease while using the product. Apart from being an industrial-strength cleaner, it also provides corrosion resisting effects to the sprayed surfaces. It quickly dissolves grime and grout and breaks through old grease.
Also, the price of the product will seem reasonable to you. And when you weigh what it offers against its price, you’ll see that it provides value for the money.
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5. Wet & Forget 80003 Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover
A mold-ridden driveway, lawn, and front yard look just as uninviting as a cold neighbor. You’re in luck because Wet & Forget has the best solution for moss, mold, and mildew.
It is a mild yet effective spray-and-leave cleaning solution. No rinsing, scrubbing or even power washing is needed to get the job done. Although it is half a gallon, you can dilute it with water and make 3 gallons of cleaning solution to remove new stains.
Mixing 5 parts water to 1 part Wet & Forget cleaner will rid your aluminum siding or vinyl siding from old moss stains and tough grimes.
Concrete pavements, pool surroundings, tennis courts, asphalt driveways, and even cushion-less patio furniture can benefit from its cleaning properties.
We loved the fact that this outstanding cleaner is perfectly compatible with all types of roofs such as concrete tiles, asphalt, fiberglass shingles, colored steel, and so on.
Unless the mold and mildew marks are really old and the weather is rather damp in your region, a second application after one or two months usually keeps the surfaces clean for over a year. However, you shouldn’t use Wet & Forget on the same exteriors more than 6 times a year.
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6. Mold Armor E-Z House Wash
A powerful sprayer nozzle teaming up with an effective bleach formula can do wonders and your beautiful home exterior will be the proof of that. The E-Z House Wash will bring out an instantly clean look with zero scrubbings required from you.
Annoyed at the baby bottles of 1 Litre cleaners in the supermarket? We get it; you have a big house and you need a cleaner that suits all your requirements.
You have the option to choose a single bottle as well as a bulk pack of 2 or 6. Other than cleaning your aluminium siding, spraying it on your wooden deck and patio will also have the same glorious results.
It also sprays with a tremendous force; the flow rate control of your garden hose is obviously in your hands.
But thanks to the cleaner's nozzle design for allowing a precise, speedy flow that shoots the diluted cleaner with superior velocity; not sprinkle it everywhere. This feature is truly a blessing considering that you get to ditch the ladder and clean the second story walls and roof with perfect ease.
You get the feel of a pressure washer as you spray this cleaner across the moldy parts of walls and deck. Once again, its force, precision, and cleaning formula had us impressed greatly.
Its excellent formula is bound to work in 10 minutes; leaving a noticeably cleaner appearance to your aluminium siding, decks, and fences. That said, you don’t have to wait up half a year for the completely mold-free and clean effects to start showing.
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7. CHOMP | Best Aluminum Siding Cleaner
Your aluminium siding and gutters take the hit of heavy rainfall, occasional drizzles, the sun, and the crazy dampness that persists all through the season. It is obvious that they have mold and mildew growth but it's up to you to keep your exteriors clean as a whistle.
This cleaner is powerful enough to remove mold and mildew ridden gutter lines, black streaks on the roof, and moldy patches on aluminum siding from an average home. All you need to do is pour the Chomp Gutter solution in a bucket, dip your mop in this cleaner and begin wiping.
Since it doesn’t have a hose-end attachment or a leave-on formula, you really have to work those muscles and wipe like a boss. This is a low maintenance cleaner which means you no longer have to get down on your knees and scrub away at nasty algae stains for hours on end.
Before the cleaner dries out, turn up your garden hose and thoroughly rinse the areas with fresh, clean water.
Algae-stained, oxidized aluminum siding, gutters, and trims are something the tidy homeowners find quite exhausting to keep at bay. With this cleaner, you have no use for a pressure washer. The application is fairly easy and the working time is as short as it can be!
The fact that it's so effective for mold stains made it earn the name "teeth-whitener" for your home. Its formula successfully breaks down the electromagnetic bond that holds your aluminium siding snugly together like Romeo and Juliet.
And just as the sun had set in their story, it's time mold says goodbye to your aluminium siding exteriors for good.
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8. Al-New Aluminum Restoration Cleaning Solution
This cleaner has restorative properties specially made for treating aluminum siding, painted metal, and fiberglass surfaces. We found it to be the most effective on painted, anodized aluminum to remove chalky oxidation marks.
UV exposure and heat can damage fiberglass surfaces and over time your aluminium siding can build up chalky oxidation marks. It’s a bummer because your exterior loses its luster and appeal.
The cleaner can help you big time without costing a fortune in repairs because the application is hassle-free. Grab a microfiber cloth and wipe away the impurities to reveal a gorgeous exterior like from the first day!
The items this Al-New cleaner restores will turn your head. Starting off with patio furniture, garden fences, sheds, mailboxes, and metallic garage doors, this aluminum restoration holy grail will also treat your rusty, oxidized railings, door handles, light fixtures, hinges, metal gates, and finally aluminum siding!
This is the go-to aluminum restoration solution repairmen and metalworkers use because of its outstanding efficacy. Some degree of surface preparation needs to be done before you get started.
Neither a pressure washer nor a garden hose is required for the application. Dip a section of the microfiber towel in the cleaner and start to wipe.
Although the product says it will remove chalky oxidation marks from metal surfaces in just one pass, it actually depends on how old and tough the stains are.
Either way, the Al-New cleaner hardly disappointed us with any amount of oxidation and grime lines. It also leaves a gentle coating of protective ingredients to save your newly treated aluminum siding from corrosion and flash rust.
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9. Shutter Renu Aluminum Siding Cleaner
Made of advanced marine and automotive-grade components, Shutter Renu, once applied, lasts a whopping decade. It brings your garage door, exterior trims, shutters, and metalworks a brand new look while sustaining their luster, color, and finish.
It's a pack of 1 Cleaner Renu and 1 Shutter Renu. The first one is for wiping the mold, mildew, grime, and grease off your aluminium siding, wooden decks, and garage doors.
And the latter is for coating the wiped and rinsed surfaces to restore and sustain the color. The best part is that it won't peel or crack. Not to mention, Shutter Renu will also protect your siding, exterior trims, and doors against fading.
Thanks to its SPF 100+ protection and self-healing capacity, Shutter Renu lasts way longer than paint and other protective coatings. After applying the Cleaner Renu, rinse the surfaces thoroughly with the help of a garden hose. After that, sealing the surfaces with Shutter Renu will boost the radiance of your home.
A chalky look on your shutters or aluminum siding really spoils the elegance of your home. Especially when there are stubborn stains from mold and mildew, this incredible cleaner and sealer combo will be the game-changer.
No toxic solvents are present in this one of a kind cleaner; making it the best deal for your aluminium siding exteriors, patio furniture, garage doors, shutters, and concrete.
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10. Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner
Zep, with its celebrated expertise in manufacturing professional cleaners since 1937, is a brand you can trust. From heavy-duty degreasers to shower tile cleaners, all-purpose cleaners to premium pressure wash, Zep has some of the best cleaners you can use for home, garage, and commercial space.
Be it a wooden deck, a stucco wall, a brick driveway, or aluminum siding, this cleaner is ready to conquer all types of stains, grime lines, and gutter gunk. Just 1 bottle makes up to 20 gallons of powerful cleaner ready to be sprayed across the troubled areas.
For removing heavy stains, you need 25 ounces of Zep cleaner for 1 gallon of water. Regular mildewy surfaces clean well without a trace when you dilute the cleaner with water in 1:20.
Weather, exposure, and other elements can affect your exteriors a great deal. On top of that, if there is a wet basement or a leaky roof problem, a mold party is inevitable.
It's time you popped this cleaner, turned on your pressure washer, and kicked some serious mold and mildew butt. On a more serious note, it revives aluminum, vinyl, and wood siding without making you scrub, rinse, or wipe.
As much as moldy gutters spoil the look of your house, they are also easy to clean when you have the right kind of cleaner for the job. This one by Zep has a professional-grade formula.
Green stains on brick walls and driveways can be removed completely with this high-quality cleaner. Since it is made to be used with a pressure washer, you can comfortably reach the gutters, the second story roof, and never miss a spot again.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Prevent Flash Rust After Cleaning My Aluminum Siding Walls?
Apply the cleaning solution with a microfiber cloth, sponge, soft bristle brush, or a garden hose. Rinse with water and let it dry. You can wipe the siding with a lint-free cloth if you applied homemade detergent. Wet & Forget cleaners have corrosion-resisting properties.
How Often Should I Clean Aluminum Siding?
Aluminum sidings have good resistance to rust, UV exposure, water damage, mold, mildew, and insect infestations. So cleaning them once or twice a year is enough. A dry season is the best time to clean aluminum siding.
How to Prepare Aluminum Siding for Painting?
At first, you have to remove the chalky substance so that the paint doesn't peel or crack. Pressure washing the surface with a powerful cleaner does the trick. You can rent a pressure washer or hire a house painter offering these services.
How Do I Remove Oxidation From Aluminum Siding?
Applying dish soap and baking soda paste is an easy way to remove oxidation. Rub the paste with a wet rag in gentle motions. Rinse the siding with clean water. Scouring powder also works great. Grab a wet sponge and rub the siding with scouring powder until oxidation stains disappear.
How Do I Prevent Mildew on Siding?
If your aluminium siding shows signs of green and dark mildew, add vinegar or bleach to your cleaning solution in diluted form. ¾ cup of bleach is enough for a gallon of hot water. Don't use bleach with an ammonia added cleaner.
Conclusion
For restoring old aluminum siding and boosting its luster, all you need is a good siding cleaner. If you ask me, I’d recommend that you go for Wet & Forget Roof and Siding Cleaner as it’s one of the best options out there.
However, Simple Green Oxy Solve Pressure Washer Cleaner is also a very good alternative that you can choose. Nevertheless, we hope our best aluminum siding cleaner article were of help!
You can now reveal squeaky clean exteriors and be the star of your neighbourhood.
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