DEAR SUN SPOTS: What is the appropriate cleaner for removing algae and mold from aluminum/vinyl siding on a mobile home? Thank you. — T.I., Dixfield

ANSWER: Sun Spots surfed the Internet and picked up some tips that she believes apply to both mobile homes and siding on a traditional or modular home.

Askthebuilder.com (http://tinyurl.com/ybvt67b) warns siding washers not to use a sprayer with too much force, as the water can get behind the siding and cause problems, especially if you don’t have a waterproof shield inserted behind your siding.

Other sites suggest a power washer as an easy, scrub-free way to clean your mobile home, but add a caveat about penetrating the siding or cracks.

Several sites warned people to be careful using soap, as the residue will leave a chalky appearance if it is not completely rinsed.

Askthebuilder.com recommends using regular dish soap (be generous with the soap) and cleaning an area about 6- or 8-square feet at a time so that you can rinse the soap completely before it begins to dry. It also says not to use chlorine bleach, which is deadly to plants and shrubs. Instead, if you want to use bleach, try oxygen bleach (also good for cleaning decks).

The same site suggests purchasing a long-handled soft brush from an RV dealer for scrubbing your siding. Start at the bottom and work up, being sure to rinse all the way to the ground each time. Think of it, Askthebuilder.com says, like washing your car — only much bigger.

Some sites recommended trisodium phosphate as a cleaner. Research shows that professional house painters and others use this chemical for heavy duty removal of grime, but it can be hazardous and must be used with caution.

Wonder why your siding gets so dirty? Askthebuilder.com offers this explanation:

“Trees and bushes produce airborne sugars that drift through the wind and stick to vinyl siding. This nearly invisible layer of sugar is a food source for mold and some algae. Dust and dirt can also stick to the vertical sides of vinyl siding, and these are also food sources for some mildews and algae.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Congregational Church of East Sumner will have its monthly First Saturday Supper on June 4 at 5:30 p.m. The meal will be a potluck dinner. Attendees can bring a dish to share or make a donation to benefit the work of the church.

The meal is in honor of the men in our lives and will be followed by our annual Vernon Bradeen Hymn Sing. There will also be raffle items. Our suppers and hymn sings are always fun for everyone. — Cynthia Norton, Sumner

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Bartlett Memorial United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop in North Jay will open June 4 and will be open every Saturday for the summer with the exception of the holiday weekends of July 2 and Sept. 3.

We have clothes (infant to adult), dishes, books, etc., at very low prices. All money goes to the church. The thrift shop is on Route 17, just off Route 4 in North Jay, just beyond the yellow church on the right. Come and shop with us! — Judy Lane, North Jay, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The girls from Central Maine Gastroenterology will hold a garage sale to benefit the Dempsey Center for Cancer, Hope and Healing. The sale will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 415 Court St. in Auburn. Like last year, we have something for everyone. — Sue Miller, [email protected]

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to [email protected].