Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. However, rust stains can mar its beauty, leaving unsightly marks that are challenging to remove. Rust on vinyl siding is not only a cosmetic issue but can also lead to more severe damage if left untreated. In this guide, we’ll explore what causes rust on vinyl siding, how to remove rust from vinyl siding—and how to prevent it from coming back. Let’s get going.
Key Takeaways
- Rust often comes from metal gutters, acidic rain, fertilizers, or dirt buildup.
- Use 1000-2000 PSI or opt for hot water power washing for better results.
- Vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda are great for light rust stains.
- Use rust removers or eraser sponges for stubborn spots.
- Sand small rust areas and repaint with rust-resistant paint.
- Clean regularly, keep fertilizers away, and inspect for early signs.
- Professional pressure washing ensures safe, thorough rust removal.
- Address rust stains quickly to protect your siding and maintain its beauty.
What Causes Rust on Vinyl Siding?
Rust stains on vinyl siding often originate from environmental and man-made sources. Let’s dive into the most common culprits –
Metal Gutters Attached to Your House
Metal gutters attached to your house may cause rust stains to your siding. This happens due to the fact that metal reacts with the vinyl siding’s chemicals. As the time passes, the combination of water and oxygen corrodes the metal, worsening the issue. What you can do to prevent this is to properly coat the gutters with sealant or rust-resistant paint.
Acidic Rain
The next cause of rust on your vinyl siding is the acidic rain. This is especially true in the areas with high pollution. Acid in the rain reacts with the metal fasteners holding siding. Removing vinyl siding due to acidic rain is done by sealing and caulking your house.
Fertilizer
If you are using fertilizers in your home, some of them might be causing stains to your siding. What you should be doing is always apply fertilizers at least 6 feet away from your house and water your plants regularly.
Dirt and Grime
Dirt and Grime can accumulate on vinyl siding over time. This gives an ideal environment for rust to form. Using rust cleaner or a hose and a mild soap can prevent the accumulation of dust and grime.
How to Remove Rust from Vinyl Siding?
Now that we understand the causes, let’s look at effective ways to remove rust stains from vinyl siding. Each method caters to different levels of rust severity.
Pressure Washing or Power Washing
The first and foremost method in how to remove rust from vinyl is to pressure wash vinyl siding. The force of the water in pressure washing knock out the dirt, grime and rust on the exterior cladding. Want to take it a step further? Try power washing. It is more effective than pressure washing as it uses hot water. So, how to pressure wash a house? Generally, a pressure of 1000-2000 PSI is more than enough depending upon the rust stains. Then detergent is applied to remove rust stains from vinyl siding. Many people are hesitant or afraid to use power washing as they have to rent the equipment and other time-consuming activities also come into the show. So, to save yourself from all this hassle, you can always have the back of power washing professionals.
Commercial Rust Removers
Homemade cleaning solutions isn’t getting you’re the desired results? Commercial rust remover is what you need. look for them in the hardware stores or online. Follow the instructions written behind the commercial rust removers as these products can prove dangerous if you don’t use them properly. Even some commercial rust removers are also dangerous. If you are worried about using them, opting for a rust eraser sponge could be an alternative. These are made of soft material that are effective for rust stains and won’t damage your siding.
Use Homemade Cleaning Solutions
Remove rust from vinyl siding by preparing the cleaning solutions with the ingredients already present in your home. For instance – white vinegar and lemon juice. Mix half cup white vinegar/lemon juice with ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 gallon of warm water. Take a microfiber cloth to clean the vinyl siding with this solution. Let the solution sit for 50-60 minutes and then wash it away with soapy water. Another example is mixing 1/3 cup laundry detergent powder, 4 cups liquid laundry bleach, 2/3 cup home cleaning detergent and 1 gallon of water. This is a stronger solution to remove stubborn stains on your vinyl siding.
Sanding
The next in the list of how to remove rust from vinyl is sanding. Take a fine-grit sandpaper and a sander. You can get them online or from most hardware stores. Test the sandpaper on a small siding area before you actually start sanding to ensure it won’t have any negative impact on the surface. Once you are sure about the sandpaper, attach it to the sander and turn it on. Move the sander over the stains and sand until the removal of the rust. Don’t press too hard. Wipe away the remaining sanding debris using the microfiber cloth. It is an effective way to remove small rust stains but not stubborn ones.
Paint
Paint the rust stains that are small and not too deep using a rust-resistant primer and paint. It is an apt option if you want your siding to remain intact and don’t want to use the method of pressure washing or sanding. Clean the area around the rust stains before you start painting. It helps the primer and paint to adhere to the siding in a better manner. Now, apply the primer using a paintbrush. Let it dry. After that, apply a coat of rust-resistant paint.
How to Prevent Rust From Reoccurring?
Rust-proof your siding to prevent rust stains from reoccurring. Maintain the siding by getting it cleaned at least once a year. Keep fertilizers and iron-rich substances away from the house’s perimeter. Regularly inspect your siding for damage or stains and address issues promptly to prevent escalation.
Hire a Professional Pressure Washing Service for Rust Removal
When it comes to how to get stain off vinyl siding, you may think that hiring professionals is an unnecessary expense. But it comes with loads of benefits. Professionals in pressure washing services come with their own equipment and years of experience in removing rust stains from vinyl siding. They work as per your cleaning needs and restore your siding’s original beauty efficiently and safely. For expert help, visit our service areas to access professional cleaning service designed to restore.
Conclusion
The process of how to remove rust from vinyl siding can be a frustrating problem, but with the right techniques and tools, they’re manageable. Whether you choose to pressure wash, use rust cleaners, or apply homemade solutions, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent further damage. Regular maintenance and preventative measures will keep your siding looking fresh and rust-free.
San Diego Pressure Washing is there if you are looking for professional and reliable rust removal services. Let us handle the hard work so you can enjoy a spotless, vibrant home exterior. Contact us today and see the difference!
