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General
Product
Information
Working
Safely
Tools for
Cutting and
Fastening
General
Installation
Requirements
General
Fastener
Requirements
Finishing and
Maintenance
HardieTrim
®
Boards/Battens
HardieWrap
®
Weather Barrier
HardieSoffit
®
Panels
HardiePlank
®
Lap Siding
HardieShingle
®
Siding
HardiePanel
®
Vertical Siding
ESR-1844 &
2290 Report
Appendix/
Glossary
Finishing
MAINTENANCE (CONTINUED)
WARNING
High pressure water blast and sand blasting may damage the surface of the fiber cement product. Low pressure
water spray, a soft medium bristle (nonmetal) brush is most suitable for cleaning fiber cement products. Acid
washing can damage the fiber cement surface and is not recommended.
Note: If using a pressure washer, care must be taken to ensure that the water stream does not damage the
surface of the siding. Damage to siding arising from improper cleaning or maintenance may not be covered by
the James Hardie warranty. Using wide fan tips that are kept a minimum of 6 feet from the wall and at pressures
under 1500 psi will minimize the chance of damaging the siding.
!
Recommendation
Construction/Cutting/
Existing Dirt and Chalk
Oil, grease or other
organic contaminants
Mold and Mildew
Tools
Soft cloth, soft All Paint poly brush or chip brush or
horsehair bench brush, garden hose. (Do not use hard
brush (for example, scrub brush or an abrasive scrub
sponge) that could damage the finish or siding.
Soft cloth and garden hose
Soft cloth or soft sponge and
garden hose
Solution Water
Mild liquid dishwashing soap
(Dawn®, Ivory®, or Joy® )
and water. (Do not use any
harsh cleaning chemicals)
Mildew cleaners (Jomax®,
Mildew Check®, Mold
Armor®) and water
Method
1. If using a brush, brush the product surface dust, dirt
or chalk, then rinse the area with a garden hose.
2. If using a soft cloth, wet the cloth then wipe the area
until clean and rinse the area with clean water. Rinse
the cloth frequently.
1. Use soft cloth wetted with
soapy water to clean
the area. Rinse the cloth
frequently.
2. Use a garden hose to rinse
the area.
1. Follow the mildew cleaner
instruction.
2. Lightly scrub the area with
mildew.
3. Use garden hose to rinse
the area.
Soft All Paint Brush Chip BrushHorsehair Brush Siding Brush
It is always suggested to work a small section at a time, start from the top and work your way down to prevent
dripping or streaking onto the cleaned area.
Gently clean the siding with the soft brush or wet soft cloth in a side to side motion in the direction of the plank siding.
If cleaning panel, direction of the siding is up and down. Do not push soft brush or wet cloth too hard against product
surface. Do not allow the soap and mildew cleaner to dry on the siding (continually rinse the area until all of the cleaner
has washed off of the siding). Any areas that have been missed may show up when the siding has dried. Spot clean
and rinse any missed areas as needed.
If your surface still looks dirty after washing methods for dust/dirt and oil/grease, the problem may be mildew. Mildew
discoloration can resemble dirt. Moisture is the most important single factor in the growth of mildew, which can lie
dormant for years. For this reason, mildew discoloration is usually found in damp, dark areas or during prolonged
humid conditions. Follow all instructions and precautions that are outlined on the label of the mildew cleaners and wear
all protective equipment that is prescribed.
At all times, care must be taken not to use harsh or harmful chemicals that can damage the finish on the siding.
