Bringing vinyl siding back to its good looks

Q. What is the best way to clean vinyl siding? Dorothy Randall Cliffside Park, N.J.

A. You might like to have bulletin No. 1, "Facts About Rigid PVC House Siding ," put out by the Society of the Plastic Industry Inc., 355 Lexington Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017. The two-pager, dated June 1976, discusses how to maintain the beauty of vinyl siding.

The bulletin lists five cleaning recommendations:

* Attach a long-handled, soft-bristle brush to the end of the garden hose and wash the siding as you would a car.

* Remove soot and grime with a wipedown process, using a non-ammonia-type powder detergent, two-thirds cup household cleaner -- such as Soilax, Spic and Span, or equal -- and one gallon water.

* To destroy mildew, use the above-named solution, but substitute a quart of liquid laundry bleach for one quart of water.

* Start the cleaning process at the bottom and work up so as to prevent streaking.

* If stubborn stains exist, however, use the chart set forth in the bulletin.

If you follow directions, you should be able to remove oil, grease, rust, wax , rayon, ink, nail polish, paint, lipstick, and gum.