House Soft Washing
The right way to clean vinyl, wood, stucco, and painted siding — without damaging it
Typical cost
$200–$500
Job duration
2–4 hours
How often
Every 1–3 years
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House soft washing uses low water pressure (40–300 PSI) combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions to remove mold, algae, mildew, and oxidation from home exteriors. Because the chemistry does the cleaning rather than brute force, soft washing is safe for all siding types and results last 3–5x longer than a standard pressure wash.
Why Soft Washing, Not Pressure Washing, for Siding
High-pressure water (2,000+ PSI) can crack vinyl siding, force water behind walls, strip paint, and break down caulk seals. Soft washing keeps pressure at garden-hose levels — the chemistry handles the actual cleaning. A diluted sodium hypochlorite solution kills algae, mold, and mildew at the root, rather than displacing them so they regrow in weeks.
Because soft washing kills rather than blasts organic growth, surfaces typically stay clean 2–4 years before they need washing again. The same surface pressure-washed alone often shows regrowth within 6–12 months.
Signs Your Home Needs Soft Washing
Most of these are visible from the driveway. If you see any of the following on the north or shaded sides of your home, it's time to schedule a wash:
- Green or dark streaks running vertically down siding (algae following water flow)
- Dark brown or black patches (mildew or mold — common near gutters and ground level)
- Overall gray, dingy look to siding that once appeared bright white or light-colored
- Visible dirt lines on horizontal trim, window sills, and ledges
- Musty smell near exterior walls on humid days
What a Professional Soft Wash Includes
A reputable company wets down plants and adjacent surfaces first, applies a cleaning solution (typically diluted bleach plus surfactant), allows a 5–15 minute dwell time, then rinses thoroughly. An average home takes 2–4 hours from setup to completion.
Ask specifically whether the company adjusts their chemical ratio for different surfaces — wood siding tolerates different concentrations than vinyl, and a company that uses one formula for everything may be taking shortcuts.
How to Prepare Your Home
These steps take 10 minutes and help the job go smoothly:
- Close all windows, doors, and vents
- Move outdoor furniture, grills, and potted plants away from the house
- Cover HVAC units and electrical service panels if the company directs you to
- Let the company know about sensitive garden beds close to the foundation
- Remove bird feeders, wind chimes, and anything hanging on exterior walls
Common Questions About House Soft Washing
Will soft washing damage my vinyl siding?
Can soft washing remove deep oil or rust stains on siding?
How long until my house looks dirty again?
Do I need to be home for the soft wash?
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