How to Remove Oxidation From Aluminum Siding

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Aluminum siding is a good kind of siding to have. It resists damage from water and weather, lasts a long time, and looks great if you clean it regularly. Sometimes, though, stains develop that are hard to remove.

Items you will need

  • Laundry soap

  • Dish soap

  • Scouring powder

  • Warm water

  • Soft-bristled brush

  • Rags

  • Sponge

  • Power washer

  • Water sprayer

  • Paint thinner

  • Linseed oil

  • Mineral spirits

  • Auto bug and tar remover

  • Seltzer water

  • Damp Rid house wash

Clean the surface of the aluminum siding with a water sprayer. Mix 1/3 of a cup of laundry soap and 6 gallons of water. Apply to the stains and scrub with a soft-bristled brush.

Mix baking soda and dish soap to form a paste. Put it on the stains. Gently rub the stains with a damp rag. Rinse the surface well.

Apply scouring powder on the stains with a wet sponge. Rub the surface until the stains disappear. Barkeepers' Friend is a good choice of scouring powders.

Remove bird droppings from your siding as soon as you notice them. The acid in them can ruin your siding. Pour a small amount of seltzer water on the stain, let it bubble up, and wipe it off with a rag.

Try Damp Rid House Wash, available at ACE hardware stores. Apply it to the aluminum siding with a power washer at low speed. Let it set for 10 minutes and rinse. Repeat until the stain is gone.

Remove tree sap and bug stains by soaking the stains with linseed oil or mineral spirits. or apply auto bug and tar remover, available at auto parts and supply stores. Let it set until the stain is soft. Wipe it away with a clean rag.

Use paint thinner to remove spattered paint or stain on aluminum siding. Apply the paint thinner to a rag and rub the paint or stain gently until it's gone.

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