Like any outdoor product, even the ultra-durable James Hardie fiber cement siding needs a little TLC occasionally. Dirt and filth from bird droppings, dust, and pollen can accumulate on the siding’s exterior surface, diminishing the look of your house.
Hardie Board only needs occasional cleaning. It is resistant to mold, mildew, and fading but can get dirty over time. Luckily, it’s extremely easy to clean. However, before you start cleaning, you should understand there’s a right and wrong way!
That’s why the team at Opal Enterprises is here to teach you how to clean James Hardie fiber cement siding. Go over each step for keeping your siding clean with this article. You can also call or complete our online contact form to learn more.
A close-up of fiber cement siding. Proper care and maintenance can help you preserve your James Hardie fiber cement siding for years.
Collect Your Supplies and Prepare to Clean
Like any at-home project, it’s essential to take appropriate safety measures. Before you clean your Hardie Board fiber cement siding, make sure you’re wearing the following safety apparel:
- Comfortable clothes
- Closed-toe shoes
- Personal protective equipment (PPE), including thick gloves and goggles to protect your eyes from soap and debris
Depending on what you’re scrubbing off your siding, you could expose yourself to toxic debris or chemicals that harm the skin and eyes. You should also collect your cleaning supplies, which may include:
- Soft cloths
- Soapy water (easily made with liquid dishwashing soap and warm water)
- A pressure washer
- Mildew cleaner
One of the most crucial things to remember is never to use an abrasive sponge or a hard-bristled brush. Doing so could damage your Hardie Board or its finish. Once you have the cleaning equipment, you can focus on cleaning your siding.
Only high-quality materials from trusted manufacturers when handling siding installation
Safeguard Your Landscaping and Home Interior
Before beginning the cleaning project, we recommend you take a few moments to protect the surrounding area. Make sure that:
- Your siding is in good condition for cleaning
- You close your doors and shut your windows
- You cover your plants, potted flowers, and landscaping with a thin tarp
- You disconnect power cords from your home and turn off light switches
- You protect your light fixtures with duct tape and plastic
After taking these precautions, you can start cleaning the dirty siding.
A scrub brush kit with a long pole and attachments. Purchase an extension pole to make cleaning your James Hardie fiber cement siding easier.
Begin Cleaning Using a Soap and Soft Brush Method
After familiarizing yourself with your product’s specific cleaning tips and precautions, it’s time to start washing your Hardie Board siding.
Start scrubbing your James Hardie siding from the top using a soft cloth and soapy water. Follow the direction of the siding. Use a side-to-side motion when cleaning horizontal planks. Be sure to rinse it free of any soap residue thoroughly with your garden hose.
Avoid using any harsh chemicals on your Hardie Board. This method may take time to clean dirty siding, but it avoids damaging the finish.
Only high-quality materials from trusted manufacturers when handling siding installation
How to Clean Mold and Mildew Growth on Fiber Cement Siding
Unfortunately, many homes are targets for mold and mildew buildup. These fungi are similar and breed in the same places, so when you see one, you often see the other. When dealing with mold and mildew buildup, you’ll need:
- Your soft sponge or cloth
- Your water hose
- A mild cleanser that’s safe for Hardie Board
Depending on which cleaning product you use, make sure to follow the provided safety recommendations to avoid injuring yourself or damaging your siding. If your mildew or mold cleaner comes in a concentrated form, be sure to dilute it with water.
Next, use your soft sponge or cloth and lightly scrub the mold or mildew with the cleanser. Once it’s clean again, use your water hose to rinse the area thoroughly. Repeat on other affected areas until your James Hardie fiber cement siding looks clean and mold-free.
A man power washing a house. Use caution when using a power washer to clean your fiber cement siding from James Hardie. The powerful spray can cause considerable damage.
Can You Power Wash Fiber Cement Siding?
If you have a sizable dirty area on your siding and decide to clean it using a power washer, you should take extreme caution. A power washer can damage your siding and void your James Hardie warranty if misused.
If you feel confident in your abilities, follow these helpful tips:
- Use a low-pressure spray of less than 1500 psi
- Utilize wide fan tips
- Don’t use your power washer any closer than six feet
If there is little dirt or debris on your James Hardie fiber cement siding, clean it using soap, a brush, and a garden hose before using a power washer. These cleaning methods can keep your plank siding looking great.
Before using a power washer for the first time, you should consult with your Naperville siding contractor. They can further advise on cleaning the siding without causing any damage. Hire a professional if you’re inexperienced in using a power washer.
Installing New Fiber Cement Siding From James Hardie
While cleaning your Hardie Board fiber cement siding often and keeping it well-maintained will help it last for a long time, there’s always the possibility that you’ll need new siding in the future. If you’re planning on replacing your old siding, Opal Enterprises can help you.
To browse our inventory of attractive and durable sidings, visit one of our showrooms in Naperville or Des Plaines. Our in-house staff can walk you through our siding options and answer any questions you have. They’ll even help you pick a siding that suits your home, needs, and budget.
Once we’ve found a siding that works for you, we can give you an initial quote and schedule your installation day. Our installation specialists have specific training to install James Hardie siding so that you can expect a flawless finished product.
Follow Opal’s Tips for Cleaning Your James Hardie Siding
Our team at Opal Enterprises can help you learn how to clean James Hardie fiber cement siding. Work in small areas from top to bottom to avoid streaking, and be sure to always wash in the direction of the plank. If you follow our simple instructions, your siding will look like new in no time!
For any questions about your James Hardie siding or any products we install, contact Opal Enterprises by filling out our online form. We’ll provide the information you need to keep your home’s exterior looking fantastic all year round.
