How do I remove ivy gunk off of siding?

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RE: How do I remove ivy gunk off of siding?

It is very important to wet the wall first and let sit and then brush with a wire thick brush or a thick nylon brush. I do not think bar keeper's friend is that great but it does get off any black build up from a bird's nest hiding in the ivy. I also used a sharp putty knife and that works and I think a razor blade holder with blade in it would work also. It takes a lot of patience and rubbing back and forth. I do not think there is a miracle cleanser just patience and rubbing after it has been dampened.

Post By M.L.. (Guest Post)

RE: How do I remove ivy gunk off of siding?

I am so frustrated! I am attempting to clean ivy "feet" (the brown stuck on leftovers after the ivy has been pulled free) from brick that is painted white at the front of my house. I have tried many of the suggestions here: TSP did not work, Dawn did not work and I was hoping that bleaching would at least turn it white as per one entry here and all it did was turn it a slightly lighter shade of brown. I have also tried Goo-Gone to no avail and it also started to remove the paint. I have scrubbed and scrubbed with brushes removing only small amounts but really not doing anything. I have not tried Barkeeper's Friend or Greased Lightening but quite frankly am not really interested in buying another chemical unless someone can verify having had a successful experience with it. My instinct tells me that boiling hot water under pressure might help but the only pressure washers I know of just use cold hose water. Does anyone have any new tips or suggestions? I would be most grateful! Thanks!

Post By Paula from Eugene, Oregon (Guest Post)

RE: How do I remove ivy gunk off of siding?

Try steaming it and then lightly brushing it away. It worked for me!

Post By Suzie (Guest Post)

RE: How do I remove ivy gunk off of siding?

I used Dawn dishwashing detergent and it seemed to loosen the bond to the surface. Works best if the ivy is not dry.

Post By Andy (Guest Post)

RE: How do I remove ivy gunk off of siding?

Try TSP, or tri sodium phosphat. It should work on brick or aluminum or vinyl siding. It comes in a tub and has directions for mixing with water in a bucket. Scrub with a stiff brush.

If that doesn't work, what I think you have are the "feet" from the tendrils of the ivy. The feet must have some type of glue, so you need a solvent. If TSP doesn't work, try acetone (nail polish remover) or rubbing alcohol to get those feet off.

Post by bulrush

RE: How do I remove ivy gunk off of siding?

Try a product called Barkeepers Friend - it has worked on many a project for me w/no scrubbing - which you probably will need to do in this case. I don't believe it has bleach in it, so it shouldn't be a problem from that standpoint.

Post by Tripleb

RE: How do I remove ivy gunk off of siding?

I don't know about ivy gunk but I use a cleaner called grease lightening, you can get it at walmart or most places, I have an out door swing with cloth cushions that was green from being under my pine tree I sprayed everything down with the cleaner slightly rubbed it in with a scrub brush and rinsed it good as new. other cleaners wouldn't touch it. It also works wonders on grills, spray on, rinse off, little elbow-grease on tough jobs. USE RUBBER GLOVES!

Post By Angel from WV (Guest Post)

RE: How do I remove ivy gunk off of siding?

I have painted bleach on ours, and it did work. I tried everything known to man, and this at least hid the color, but not the texture!
Goodluck!

Post By Allie (Guest Post)

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