How do you clean soffits and siding?

Author: Nelle McDermott I  |  Last update: Saturday, September 13, 2025

All you'll really need is a soft bristle brush. If the soffits and fascia are extra dirty, you can wash it with a soft bristle brush and replace the clear water with a solution of water and normal household detergent. This removes any and all pollutants without damaging the surface.

What is the best thing to clean soffits with?

Just done something similar. Use a bucket of hot water, a couple of glugs of Chlorox bleach, and a small squirt of washing up liquid (all amounts approx). Use a long handled softish brush, dunk it in the bucket, then generously brush the liquid along the soffit panels and gutter face.

Is it OK to pressure wash soffits and fascia?

The key is to begin cleaning with a gentle rinse using clean water to dislodge and wash away loose debris and dirt. When using a pressure washer for fascias and soffits, it's wise to use a low-pressure nozzle.

Can I spray my soffits with water?

get a big assed brush and a bucket of water and do it that way. if you spray it then water goes places it shouldn't. water can touch the soffit but not what's a few inches behind the soffit, so no spraying at all.

What is the best homemade solution for cleaning soffits?

A simple mixture of water and vinegar can work wonders due to vinegar's natural acidity, which helps break down mold and acts as a natural disinfectant. DIY solutions provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly cleaning option for maintaining your soffits in top condition.

Soft-washing overhangs and soffits

How often should soffits be cleaned?

You should clean your soffits and fascias once a year to maintain them. However, in bad weather, especially on older houses, your guttering, soffit boards and fascias may need repairing or replacing, even if you work hard to keep them clean.

What is the best product for soffits?

Fiber Cement Soffit

Fiber cement is a composite material made from sand, cement and cellulose fibers. It's a popular choice for soffit due to its durability, low maintenance and resistance to rot, warping, termites and harsh weather conditions.

What chemicals are used to clean soffits?

What Tools Are Needed to Clean Fascias and Soffits? Trisodium phosphate (TSP) substitute, TSP oil, vinegar, and water mix. Mix with a ratio of three parts water to one part TSP substitute/oil mixture.

Do window cleaners clean soffits?

We offer this service with our window cleaning. Take advantage of our service & book us to clean your windows, fascias & soffits. When you book your first window clean, ask us for a quote to clean your fascias, soffits and gutters.

How to clean vinyl siding and soffits?

Typically, the cleaning action of rain will be adequate to wash the siding and soffit. However, vinyl siding and soffit should be washed periodically with a garden hose and clean water particularly in those areas not exposed directly to rain.

What is two common problems with soffits and fascia?

Any siding and window installer will agree that wood soffit and fascia are vulnerable to moisture damage. Prolonged weather exposure can lead to wet or dry rot, crumbling, or warping. Low-quality vinyl soffit and fascia may show cracks or gaps resulting from physical damage or temperature fluctuations.

Will simple green clean gutters?

Stick the wand inside your gutters at an angle. At low pressure setting, apply Simple Green Oxy Solve to an area that is small enough to be rinsed before it dries. Allow the cleaner to dwell on the surface for 3-5 minutes. Rinse at high pressure.

What is the life expectancy of a fascia and soffit?

In general, wood soffits and fascias need to be replaced more frequently than uPVC. UPVC boards, on the other hand, are relatively durable and can last for several decades. In some cases, a timber board may only need to be replaced after five to ten years.

Is it OK to pressure wash soffits?

Although it's safe to pressure wash soffits, there are few important things to remember: One key point to keep in mind is the water pressure. A high-pressure water blasting can be dangerous for your attic. Water may flow into your attic causing a greater havoc.

What is the black stuff on my soffit?

Soffit mold almost always appears with a dark grey or black coloration. The growth pattern tends towards radiating, circular spotting. Dimensionally, the mold growth is typically flat.

Why are my soffits dirty?

Soffits and fascia are frequently subject to precipitation, ice, and humidity. Water can collect on surfaces like roofs and gutters if there are leaks or insufficient drainage, which can foster the formation of mold.

What do you clean soffits with?

A pressure washer is the easiest – and safest – way of cleaning your soffit and fascias.

What do window cleaners use now?

Professional window cleaners typically use either a white vinegar solution or a commercial hard water stain remover to clean hard water stains on windows. A common vinegar solution for this purpose consists of one cup of white vinegar mixed with a gallon of distilled or bottled water.

How to clean mildew off soffits?

This helps loosen up any debris, dirt, or mildew that is present on the soffit. Take a 1-gallon bucket of hot water and add in a 1/2 cup of all-purpose cleaner. This will help wipe away any dirt and grime. Add white vinegar to the hot water in order to remove the mildew.

What chemical do you use to clean siding?

General household cleaners such as Lysol are some of the most effective vinyl siding cleaners.

What are the brown stains on my soffit?

Have you noticed black, brown, or rust-colored stains on your roofline or siding? That's caused by water, likely due to issues with your rain gutters. You may also see green, grey, or whitish marks from algae or lichen growth.

What is the difference between fascia and soffit?

Soffit is the material that lines the underside of your roofing on an overhang and can be either vented to help air flow or closed to protect the interior. Fascia is the forward-facing trim that lines the perimeter of the roof and is perpendicular to the soffit. Its primary purpose is protection of the roofing.

How long should soffits last?

Most soffit and fascia panels will come with a guarantee for X amount of years (usually ten or more) but the exact time between replacements will depend on external conditions, the level of care they are subjected to, as well as the materials they are made from.

Do you use F channel for soffit?

There are several ways to install receiving channels for soffit. You can use accessories such as J-channel or F-channel.

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