Soft washing that cleans without high pressure.
Soft washing is low-pressure exterior cleaning for homes and businesses with algae, mildew or built-up grime on the siding, brick, stucco or roofing.
- Siding
- Brick
- Stucco
- Roofing
How we approach soft washing.
The green film on a wall and the black streaks on a roof are living growth. High pressure removes what you can see and can take some of the surface with it. We apply chemicals that break down organic growth and buildup, then rinse the chemicals and the dirt away with a low-pressure sprayer.
We clean residential and commercial properties, and soft washing is the method we use wherever high pressure can do more harm than good. Estimates are free. We quote in person within 30 minutes of us, or by phone from photos or video. If you're not happy with the result, we come back and make it right.
How the job goes.
Assess and quote
We look over the house in person, or we work from the photos or video you send. Either way, we note what is growing and where. You receive a quote and a clear answer about what the wash will and won't fix.
Prep the site
We check that windows and doors are shut and that furniture is clear of the walls. Plants and grass near the house are soaked with plain water first so they take up less of the cleaning mix.
Apply the treatment
We apply the chemicals at low pressure and give them time to work. This stage does the cleaning. The growth breaks down where it sits, and the green often fades as you watch.
Low-pressure rinse
A low-pressure sprayer rinses the chemicals and the loosened dirt from the surface. High pressure is not used at any stage. Plants and glass near the wall are rinsed as well.
Final walk-around
We walk the job before we leave, and you're welcome to walk it with us. If you're not happy with the result, we come back and make it right.
What we clean.
- Siding
- The shaded side of a house develops a green film of algae, with gray mildew spotting and windblown dirt on top. The chemicals break it down and a low-pressure rinse carries it away. Keeping the pressure low avoids forcing water up behind the panels and leaving wand marks on the face.
- Brick
- Brick is porous, so algae and dirt settle into the face and the mortar joints, and damp walls can grow moss along the base. Soft washing reaches into those pores and kills the growth without the force that can erode mortar. Mineral stains, such as white powdery deposits, are a separate issue and may remain.
- Stucco
- The rough texture of stucco holds dirt and gives algae plenty to grip, so it tends to streak under windows and along shaded walls. Stucco is also brittle and absorbent, which rules out high pressure. The chemicals break down the growth within the texture and a gentle rinse finishes the job.
- Roofing
- The black streaks are algae feeding on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles, and moss or lichen can follow where the roof stays damp. High pressure strips the protective granules from shingles, so we only ever treat roofs at low pressure. Streaks usually fade first. Thick moss dies and then releases over time.
Before and afters.
From real jobs. Drag the handle to see the difference.
Before we arrive.
- Close and latch all windows and doors.
- Move furniture, cushions, grills and potted plants away from the walls.
- Keep children and pets inside, and bring in pet bowls and toys.
- Move cars away from the house.
- Make sure your outdoor spigot is on and easy to reach.
- Tell us about any leaking windows or loose siding before we start.
Soft washing questions.
See all 59 questionsHow do I know you won't damage my siding?
Because we don't use high pressure on siding. High pressure is the usual cause of damage in a house wash, so we soft wash instead. The chemicals break down the growth and a low-pressure rinse removes it.
We look at your siding before we quote, in person or from your photos, so loose or damaged sections get flagged before we start. If you're not happy with the result, we come back and make it right.
What's the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?
Pressure washing cleans with force and soft washing cleans with chemicals. A pressure washer uses a concentrated stream of water to lift dirt from surfaces that can withstand it. Soft washing uses chemicals to break down mold, mildew, algae, and any other organic growth, then low-pressure water rinses it away.
We soft wash siding, brick, stucco and roofing because high pressure can damage them, and we pressure wash concrete, pavers and decking. You don't need to figure out which one your house needs. We'll tell you when we quote.
What are the black streaks on my roof?
Those streaks are almost always algae, not dirt or worn-out shingles. It's an airborne algae that lands on the roof and feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. The dark color is a protective coating it builds as it spreads, and rain carries it down the roof in streaks.
It usually shows up first on the side of the roof that gets the least sun. A soft wash kills it without the pressure that would strip granules off the shingles.
Will the chemicals hurt my plants or lawn?
They can if no precautions are taken, so protecting plants is part of the job. We soak plants and grass near the house with plain water before we spray and rinse them again when we're done. Wet leaves and damp soil take up less of the cleaning mix.
Delicate plants can be covered for the short time we're spraying near them. Point out any plants you're particularly concerned about when we quote.
How soon will my house look clean?
Walls usually look clean by the time we've finished rinsing. The growth starts breaking down soon after the chemicals go on, and the rinse carries it away.
Roofs can take longer. Black streaks usually fade first. Thick moss and lichen die, then let go gradually as rain and wind work on them, which can take weeks or longer. We don't force them off with pressure, because that would take the shingle surface with them.
Will soft washing void my siding or roof warranty?
It shouldn't, but the wording of your own warranty is what counts. Roofing manufacturers typically warn against pressure washing shingles, and siding makers tend to recommend a gentle wash over a high-pressure one.
If yours is still active, check the care instructions that came with it or send them over when you ask for a quote. We prefer to review the terms before the job rather than after.
Do I need to keep pets and children inside while you work?
Yes. Keep pets and children indoors or well away from the work area while we're spraying and rinsing. The chemicals are strong enough to kill algae, so nobody should be walking through wet treated areas or drinking from puddles.
Bring in pet bowls and toys beforehand. Keep everyone off the treated areas until they've been rinsed and have dried. We'll tell you when we're finished.