Mobile and manufactured homes live outside year-round. Rain, shade, humidity, pollen and road dust settle on the siding, mold and mildew creep in along the skirting, and before long the whole exterior looks gray, streaky and tired. The good news is that most of that buildup is surface grime and mildew, and it can be cleaned off without a weekend of scrubbing.
This guide covers how to clean a mobile home exterior step by step, what to know about vinyl and aluminum siding, how to handle skirting, trim and awnings, and how to keep mold and mildew from coming back.
Why Mobile Home Exteriors Get Dirty and Moldy
Mobile home siding is thinner than the siding on a site-built house, and most homes sit close to the ground. That combination makes them prone to a few common problems:
- Mold and mildew. Shaded walls, north-facing sides and the area along the skirting stay damp longer, which is exactly what mold and mildew need. They show up as green, gray or black streaks and spots.
- Dirt and grime. Dust, pollen, splashback from rain and road film build up on siding, trim and awnings.
- Stains from runoff. Water running down from the roof, gutters and awnings leaves streaks that get worse with every rainstorm.
- Dull, faded finish. Sun and weather wear on the surface. Older aluminum siding in particular can develop a chalky, oxidized look. Cleaning removes the dirt and mildew sitting on top, but it can't repaint or repair worn-out siding.
What You'll Need
- A cleaner made for mobile home exteriors, such as MiracleMist Mobile Home Cleaner
- A garden hose with a spray nozzle
- Rubber gloves and eye protection
- A ladder or step stool for upper sections, used safely
- Plastic sheeting or a light spray of water to protect nearby plants
How to Clean a Mobile Home Step by Step
Step 1: Pick the right day. Choose a mild, overcast day if you can. Cleaner dries too fast in direct sun and on hot siding, which can leave streaks. Avoid windy days so spray doesn't drift.
Step 2: Prep the area. Close windows and doors, and move patio furniture, mats and decorations away from the walls. Wet down nearby plants and shrubs with plain water, or cover them, to protect them from overspray.
Step 3: Rinse the surface. Use the hose to wash off loose dirt, cobwebs and dust. Work from the top down so you're not pushing grime onto sections you've already done.
Step 4: Test a small, hidden spot. Spray a little cleaner on an area that won't show, such as a low corner near the skirting. Wait, rinse and check the result before you commit to the whole wall. This matters most on older, faded or painted siding.
Step 5: Spray and let it work. Mist the siding evenly, working in manageable sections so the cleaner doesn't dry before you rinse. MiracleMist Mobile Home Cleaner is a professional-strength, fast-acting formula that penetrates and lifts mold and mildew stains, dirt and grime, so you'll usually see stains begin to lift within seconds. Follow the label directions for how long to leave it on.
Step 6: Spray stubborn spots again. Most surface buildup lifts without effort. For a heavily stained spot, spray it again, let the cleaner work and follow the label directions before you rinse.
Step 7: Rinse thoroughly. Rinse each section from top to bottom with clean water until all of the cleaner is gone. Don't let the product dry on the siding.
Step 8: Check your work. Once everything is dry, walk the exterior and look for missed spots. Touch up any stubborn areas with a second pass.
See the Difference
Here's mobile home siding and skirting before and after cleaning with MiracleMist Mobile Home Cleaner.
Cleaning Vinyl Siding vs. Aluminum Siding
Vinyl siding is the most common cladding on newer mobile homes. It cleans up well, but it can warp under high heat and scratch easily, so keep your rinse gentle.
Aluminum siding is common on older homes. It resists mold better than some materials, but it still collects dirt and mildew, especially on shaded walls. If the finish looks chalky, wipe a small spot after cleaning to see whether the residue is dirt or the paint itself breaking down. Cleaning can't restore a finish that has worn away.
For both types, test first, use plain water for rinsing, and clean in sections from the top down.
Should You Pressure Wash a Mobile Home?
Use caution. Mobile home siding is thin, and the seams aren't designed to resist a hard blast of water. A strong pressure washer can force water behind the siding, damage seams and trim, and strip paint. A garden hose, a spray-on cleaner and a gentle rinse are the safer approach. If you do use a pressure washer, keep the pressure low, use a wide fan tip and stay well back from the wall.
Skirting, Trim and Awnings
The lower part of a mobile home takes the worst of the dirt and moisture, so give it extra attention.
- Skirting. Splashback, soil and damp air leave skirting stained near the ground. Spray it, let the cleaner work and rinse. Pull back any debris or mulch piled against it so it can dry out.
- Trim. Window and door trim, corner pieces and soffits catch dirt and mildew along their edges. Spray the edges and tight spots, let the cleaner work and rinse.
- Awnings. Awnings and carport covers collect pollen, bird droppings and mildew on top and underneath. Rinse first, then spray and rinse again. Test a hidden area first, since awning materials vary.
Safety Tips When Using a Bleach-Based Cleaner
- Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Never mix cleaners. Don't combine bleach-based products with ammonia or other chemicals.
- Work outdoors with good airflow, and keep children and pets away until the area is rinsed.
- Protect plants, and rinse overspray off with plenty of water.
- Always follow the label directions and test a small, hidden area first.
How to Keep Mold and Mildew From Coming Back
- Cut back overhanging branches and bushes so walls get more sun and airflow.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear so water doesn't run down the siding.
- Direct sprinklers away from the walls and skirting.
- Clear debris from the skirting line so the base of the home can dry out.
- Clean on a schedule. A light cleaning once or twice a year, typically in spring and fall, keeps buildup from setting in. Our guide on preventing mold, mildew and algae stains has more tips.
For roof and gutter care, see our guide to cleaning your roof and siding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to clean mobile home siding?
A: Rinse off loose dirt, test a small hidden area, spray on a cleaner made for mobile home exteriors, let it work and rinse from top to bottom. MiracleMist Mobile Home Cleaner is a professional-strength, fast-acting formula designed to remove mold and mildew stains, dirt and grime from mobile homes.
Q: How do I remove mold and mildew from a mobile home?
A: Spray the affected siding or skirting with a mold and mildew cleaner, give it a moment to work and rinse thoroughly with water. Stains start to lift in seconds with MiracleMist Mobile Home Cleaner. To keep mildew away, improve airflow and sunlight around the home and keep the skirting line clear.
Q: Can I use the same cleaner on vinyl and aluminum siding?
A: MiracleMist Mobile Home Cleaner is made for vinyl siding, aluminum siding, skirting, trim and awnings when used as directed. Always test a small, hidden area first and follow the label directions.
Q: How much effort does it take?
A: Minimal. A fast-acting spray-on cleaner does most of the work, so you can spray, rinse and reveal cleaner siding with minimal effort. For stubborn spots, spray again, let it work and rinse.
Q: How often should I clean my mobile home?
A: Most homes benefit from a cleaning once or twice a year. Shady or humid locations may need it more often.
Q: Is it safe to pressure wash a mobile home?
A: Be careful. Thin siding and seams can be damaged by high pressure. A garden hose and a spray-on cleaner is a safer choice for most homes.
Get a Cleaner Mobile Home, Faster
Keeping a mobile home exterior clean protects its curb appeal and helps stop mold and mildew before they take hold. MiracleMist Mobile Home Cleaner is a professional-strength, bleach-based, fast-acting formula that lifts mold and mildew stains, dirt and grime from siding, skirting, trim and awnings, with minimal effort.
