How to clean mold/mildew off gutters & fascia

[fixruprguy]

Hi, I'm looking for suggestions on how to clean off this staining mold/mildew from my gutters, fascia, bulgeboard, and (in one instance) rubber seal above my shed garage door. Obviously looking for ways to remove without damaging or discoloring the hardiplank siding in the near vicinity (with overspray or something). I appreciate any insights that members here might be able to provide.

 

[Sparky617]

I haven't tried it yet, but "Wet and Forget" claims to handle this kind of stuff. You can also make a bleach and hot water solution and spray it out of a garden sprayer. Add a little dish soap in the solution. Dish soap will act as a surfactant and helps it cling a little longer. Than wash it all off after a few minutes. A power washer is a big help, but you don't need a 3000 psi model. It is real easy to destroy wood and strip paint with a high powered pressure washer.

 

[oldognewtrick]

I've had great results using Purple Power cleaner. It's rather inexpensive and will cut through dirt and grime. Several brands on the market to choose from. I like the Zep Brand best and I get it at Lowes. Spray it on, use a soft brush like a car wash brush on a long handle and then rinse. That's my 2 cents.

 

[Steve123]

I haven't tried it yet, but "Wet and Forget" claims to handle this kind of stuff.

I have tried it (actually a competing version of same stuff). Works very well. Basically zero effort.

 

[fixruprguy]

I haven't tried it yet, but "Wet and Forget" claims to handle this kind of stuff. You can also make a bleach and hot water solution and spray it out of a garden sprayer. Add a little dish soap in the solution. Dish soap will act as a surfactant and helps it cling a little longer. Than wash it all off after a few minutes. A power washer is a big help, but you don't need a 3000 psi model. It is real easy to destroy wood and strip paint with a high powered pressure washer.

Buddy of mine mentioned that stuff as well (he hadn't tried it either)... a bit expensive, but if it does the job by just spraying on and no scrubbing...

 

[fixruprguy]

This stuff also looks interesting...

https://www.amazon.com/Gutter-Edge-Cleaner-Citrus-Scented/dp/B007I5P3RK

 

[Steve123]

My house had the same type of discoloration as shown on the ACE video (but not as bad), on the North side. "Spray and Forget" worked well. I used a pump sprayer. Worked well, but takes a while. And, as you noticed, its rather expensive. Not sure if that is mildew on your gutters, or just plain dirt --- not sure how well Wet and Forget handles dirt.

 

[68bucks]

I tried the Wet and Forget product it didn't work at all for me. I ended up using a bleach based product called something like 30 second mildew remover. That did the job. Just have watch it around fabrics like outdoor furniture.

 

[Eddie_T]

I have a similar question but with regard to metal roofing. My roof collects pollen at the edge. I haven'at tried to remove it yet, but from car experience if it isn't removed it will begin to mold/mildew or grow algae.

On my car I tried an Oxiclean knockoff but it took the gloss off my clear coat. Has anyone tried Wet and Forget or equivalent to a colored metal roof?

 

[oldognewtrick]

I've used wet and forget on shingle roofs with good to fair results. If you're worried about color fading on a metal roof look at the cautions on the packaging or contact customer support. Take a before and after pic of a clean section in case of a warranty claim.