To clean cladding effectively, use a low-pressure rinse, apply a mild detergent or material-safe cleaner, scrub gently with a soft brush, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid pressure washing fragile materials or using harsh chemicals, and always test a small patch first. Different cladding types (wood, metal, composite, etc.) need slightly different cleaning approaches — and sealing or treating surfaces afterwards can prolong protection.

Cladding looks low maintenance — until one day you glance up and realise your once-crisp facade now looks like it’s been left out in a swamp. Algae streaks. Dust stripes. Spider condos. It’s not the kind of thing that makes a building look cared for.

Dirt and grime can trap moisture, accelerate wear, and in some cases, even void warranties if left too long. So how do you clean it properly — without damaging the surface, flooding the insulation, or turning it into a weekend-long regret?

Key Takeaways

Rinse gently first to remove loose debris
Use mild, pH-neutral cleaners and soft brushes
Clean cladding on a cloudy day to avoid streaks
Always tailor your method to the cladding material
Avoid pressure washers unless the surface allows it
Clean from top to bottom, and rinse thoroughly
Consider professional help for tall or delicate areas

General Steps: How to Clean Cladding

Most cladding can be cleaned using basic gear and a soft touch — but the devil is in the details. Here’s a general process that works across most materials.

1. Start with a visual check

Before spraying anything, take a look. Are there any cracks, loose panels, or exposed joins? Water under cladding = expensive problems later.

2. Rinse off loose debris

Use a garden hose or a low-pressure setting on your washer. Start from the top, working downward in smooth motions. You’re not blasting — you’re loosening.

3. Apply a mild cleaning solution

Most cladding types tolerate a simple mix of warm water + mild detergent (non-acidic, non-abrasive). Use a sprayer or soft sponge mop.

4. Let it dwell, then gently scrub

Give it 5–10 minutes to lift grime. Then scrub with a soft-bristle brush or microfibre cloth. Don’t use anything harsh unless you’re cleaning stone (and even then… go easy).

5. Rinse thoroughly

Residual soap or chemical cleaners can leave streaks or damage coatings over time. Always rinse thoroughly — especially on sun-facing elevations.

Pro tip: Clean cladding on a cloudy day or early morning. Direct sun dries the detergent too fast and leaves marks.

Material-Specific Cleaning Guides

How to Clean Composite Cladding

Composite cladding is designed to be low maintenance — but low doesn’t mean zero. Dust, mildew, and algae can still cling.

Use soft brushes and mild soap
Avoid solvent-based cleaners
Rinse well — residue dulls the finish
If heavily stained, try a diluted vinegar solution (test first)

Don’t pressure wash unless the manufacturer allows it — some composites can delaminate under force.

How to Clean Metal Cladding

Metal cladding (aluminium, zinc, steel) might seem tough — but it often has a protective coating that’s surprisingly delicate.

Use pH-neutral cleaners
Never use abrasives or steel wool
Rinse twice if using any chemical product
Wipe dry with a microfibre to avoid spotting

Avoid acidic cleaners — they can strip protective layers and speed up corrosion.

How to Clean Plastic and PVC Cladding

Plastic cladding is pretty forgiving, but dirt builds up fast — especially in textured or ribbed styles.

Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge
For algae, try vinegar + water (1:1)
Don’t use acetone or harsh solvents
Rinse and wipe down to prevent streaks

Grease stains? A tiny drop of dish soap often does more than harsh sprays.

How to Clean Wood Cladding

Timber cladding needs a delicate hand. Too much water = swelling and warping. Too little = leftover spores and streaks.

Use a low-pressure hose only
Clean with a soft brush and diluted wood cleaner
Never soak the wood — work in sections
Allow to dry fully before re-oiling or sealing

If the wood turns grey after cleaning, it might be time for a UV-resistant oil or stain.

How to Clean Stone Cladding

Stone can take a bit more scrubbing — but it also holds onto grime more than you’d think.

Use a stiff (not metal) brush
Try oxygen bleach for algae or mould
Rinse thoroughly — avoid residue settling into pores
Seal afterwards if the stone is porous

Avoid high-pressure washers on pointing or weak joints — they can crack or erode.

Tips for Deeper Cleaning and Maintenance

Use a telescopic pole to avoid climbing ladders unnecessarily
Pre-wet the area before applying any chemical cleaner
Work in small zones — don’t soap the whole house at once
Rinse from top to bottom — always
Clean gutters and soffits too — it all connects

For buildings near the sea or under trees, twice-a-year cleaning might be your new standard.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Cladding

Mistake	Why It’s a Problem
Using high-pressure washing too close	Can dent, crack, or loosen panels
Harsh chemicals (like bleach)	May stain or weaken coatings
Cleaning in direct sun	Causes streaks and premature drying
Ignoring safety (ladders, runoff)	Risk of injury or property damage
Forgetting to check for damage first	Can drive water behind cladding or cause leaks

When in doubt, test on a small patch and give it 24 hours before doing the whole wall.