How to Remove Yellow Stains on My Vinyl Siding

It’s not surprising that vinyl is among the most popular home exteriors in the country. It’s durable and strong, low maintenance, and comes in a variety of color options. Best of all, vinyl is cost-effective without sacrificing quality. Despite being a relatively low maintenance material, there will be the occasion that your vinyl siding does require some cleaning and upkeep.

As with any siding material, you’ll need to enact some routine care and cleaning for your vinyl siding. No siding is immune to getting dirty or stained. You might notice yellow stains on the siding panels.

What Causes Yellow Stains?

Yellow staining can be caused by numerous factors, most commonly from oxidation. Oxidation is caused by the UV rays emitted from the sun, and vinyl, being comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, is susceptible to this process. You can’t prevent your siding from being exposed to the sun and subsequently, the process of oxidation, but you can clean the panels to remove the yellow discoloration.

Yellow stains might also be caused by common chemicals used outside. Some of these stains can be attributed to the chemicals used in deck stains, asphalt, or even insect repellent. It will take more than water to remove these stains but the good news is that they can be removed—and you can do it yourself.

Cleaning Your Vinyl Siding

Yellow stains are common for vinyl siding, as is green mold or mildew, which can grow in parts of the house that are heavily shaded. Taking care of your siding will mean removing these stains to prevent further discoloration and fading. If you allow dirt and grime to build up over time, it can rapidly age your siding and this can make it a real challenge when cleaning it to restore its looks, not to mention a lack of upkeep can shorten its intended lifespan.

You can remove the yellow staining that’s affecting your siding. You can even do this yourself if you have the time as it does take a good day or so to work around the home and apply a mixture designed to restore the vinyl’s coloring.

Method 1:

You’ll need:

• A basic water or garden hose
• TSP
• Bleach
• A scrub brush
• Plastic sheet or tarping

First, wet the vinyl siding with your garden hose. This will remove the initial layer of dirt and grime. To remove the yellow stains, you’ll need something a little more powerful.

Next, mix your TSP (which can be picked up at any home improvement, hardware, or big box store or online). Combine 1/3 cup TSP with one gallon of water with a quart of bleach. Mix the formula thoroughly while also taking safety precautions by wearing gloves.

Before applying the mixture, cover your landscaping near the home’s foundation with plastic sheets or tarps. Bleach can harm your plants and because you’ll be spraying a bleach solution, you’ll want to protect them.

Spray the affected area. Use a long-handled scrub brush to work the yellow stains out. Rinse the area of the vinyl siding with water. If the stain persists, repeat this step until the stain is completely removed.

Method 2:

If the yellow stain persists (especially if you believe it to be the cause of applied asphalt), you may need to try another mixture. 

You’ll need:

• A water or garden hose
• Tar remover
• A cloth or sponge
• Mild dish soap

Like the first method, you’ll begin by wetting the affected area with plain water. Next, spray the yellow stain with tar remover (tar remover products can be picked up at the automotive section at any department store, online, or at hardware or home improvement stores). Let the tar remove sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes.

Use your sponge or cloth to scrub the stain while applying additional tar remover if the stain persists. When finished, clean the area with mild dishwashing soap and water. After rinsing the siding, allow it to dry completely, and if the stain still exists, repeat the process again.

Method 3:

Maybe the yellow staining on your siding isn’t caused by asphalt application or oxidation and isn’t coming away with tar remover or TSP and bleach mixtures. Deck stains are another common cause of yellow discoloration and if you’ve redone your deck, you’ll need to use this method.

You’ll need:

• Mineral spirits
• Sponge or cloth
• Water
• Soft Scrub

Douse your sponge or cloth with a healthy amount of mineral spirits. Rub the yellow stain area in a circular motion, applying more mineral spirits as you go. Rinse the area with plain water, allowing it to air dry before repeating the process if needed.

Once finished, apply Soft Scrub to the problem area and scrub gently with a sponge or cloth (carefully, as Soft Scrub can remove some of the vinyl’s surface when used too harshly). Rinse the area one final time and allow it to dry.

At Feldco, we offer high-end vinyl siding made up of a full thermal support system that includes quality insulation and energy efficiency. Additionally, the superior appearance of vinyl siding with traditional and architectural colors will drastically improve the curb appeal of your home. Speak to a product specialist and get a free quote today.