What Is House Soft Washing?
House soft washing is a specialized branch of power washing built specifically for the walls of your home. Instead of blasting siding with high-pressure water, we apply a gentle, biodegradable cleaning solution at low pressure that dissolves mold, algae, and mildew at the root — then rinse it away. The result is a deep clean that high pressure alone can't safely deliver on a vertical surface.
Why does the distinction matter? A pressure washer aimed at your siding can force water behind panels, etch brick, strip paint, and crack older stucco. Soft washing removes the same grime without any of that risk — and because it kills the organic growth rather than just knocking it loose, your home stays cleaner up to three times longer.
This page covers everything specific to washing the exterior walls of your house. If you also need driveways, decks, patios, or walkways cleaned, head over to our main power washing service for the full picture and pricing.
Soft Wash vs. High-Pressure on Siding
The same nozzle that's perfect for a concrete driveway can wreck the walls of your home. Here's the difference, side by side.
Soft Washing
What we use on siding- Low pressure — safe on every siding type
- Cleaning solution kills mold & algae at the root
- Results last 2–3x longer than rinsing alone
- No water forced behind panels or into seams
- Won't strip paint, etch brick, or crack stucco
High Pressure
Risky on walls- Can drive water behind siding, causing mold
- Only knocks growth loose — it grows back fast
- Strips paint and gouges soft wood trim
- Etches brick and cracks aging stucco
- Voids many siding manufacturer warranties
Siding We Safely Clean
Every material reacts differently. We match the solution and pressure to your home's exterior — never the other way around.
- Vinyl siding — the most common and most over-pressured; soft wash lifts green algae streaks safely.
- Brick & masonry — low pressure protects mortar joints from blowouts and pitting.
- Stucco & EIFS — gentle treatment avoids the cracking and chipping high pressure causes.
- Fiber cement (HardiePlank) — cleaned without forcing water into the board seams.
- Aluminum siding — degreased and brightened without oxidation streaking.
- Wood & cedar — soft wash preserves the grain and any stain or paint finish.
What We Remove From Your Walls
Chicagoland's humid summers and shaded, tree-lined lots leave a familiar mix on house exteriors. We clear all of it.
- Black mold
- Green algae
- Mildew
- Spider webs & nests
- Pollen & dust film
- Road grime & exhaust
- Sprinkler mineral staining
- Tree sap & organic stains
House Soft Washing Pricing
| House Size | 1 Side | 2 Sides | 3 Sides | 4 Sides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 story | $120 | $180 | $240 | $300 |
| 2 story | $180 | $250 | $350 | $450 |
| 3 story | $250 | $340 | $460 | $580 |
| Detached Garage | $50 | $80 | $120 | $170 |
Pricing covers regular-size homes up to 2,500 sq. ft. with a two-car garage; we provide an on-site estimate for larger homes. Need decks, driveways, or walkways done at the same visit? See the complete rate card on our power washing services page.
Example Estimate
- 2-story home, 2 sides$250
- Heavy algae & mildew treatment+$40
Estimated total~$290
Every home is different — call for a precise estimate at no charge.
Get a free estimateHow Our House Soft Wash Works
A consistent, no-surprises routine on every home — from the first knock to the final rinse.
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1
Free assessment & quote
We inspect your siding, identify the material and the type of growth, and give you a written price before any work begins.
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2
Protect the surroundings
We pre-wet and cover landscaping, flowers, and shrubs so the cleaning solution never harms the plants around your home.
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3
Apply the soft-wash solution
A biodegradable detergent is applied at low pressure and given time to dwell, breaking down mold, algae, and mildew at the root.
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4
Gentle rinse
We rinse from the correct angle and distance, flushing away every trace of grime without driving water behind the siding.
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5
Final walkthrough
We walk the home with you to confirm you're thrilled with the result — and rinse the greenery one more time on the way out.
Ready for a cleaner, brighter home?
Tell us your home's size and siding type and we'll send a fast, no-obligation quote for a professional house soft wash. Most jobs are scheduled within a few days.
Get My Free QuoteWhat others think about us
Our goal at Property Refresh is exceptional service at a reasonable price. Read what our Chicagoland neighbors say before you call.
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House Soft Washing FAQs
Is soft washing safe for my siding?
Yes — that's the entire point of soft washing. By using low pressure and a cleaning solution instead of brute force, we safely clean vinyl, brick, stucco, fiber cement, aluminum, and wood without the risks that come with high-pressure equipment. It's the method siding manufacturers actually recommend. For horizontal surfaces like driveways and decks, higher pressure is appropriate, which we cover on our power washing services page.
How often should I have my house washed?
For most Chicagoland homes, once a year keeps siding looking its best. Homes that are heavily shaded, surrounded by trees, or near the lake collect algae and mildew faster and may benefit from a wash every spring and fall. Because soft washing kills growth at the root rather than just rinsing it off, your home stays clean noticeably longer between visits.
Will the cleaning solution harm my plants?
No. We use biodegradable detergents and take active steps to protect your landscaping — pre-wetting plants, covering sensitive greenery, and rinsing everything thoroughly before we leave. Our trained technicians do this on every job, which is one more reason DIY soft washing with store-bought chemicals so often goes wrong.
What's the difference between this and regular power washing?
Regular power washing relies on high-pressure water and is ideal for tough horizontal surfaces like concrete driveways and patios. House soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution, which is the right approach for the vertical walls of your home. We use both methods — the trick is knowing which one a given surface needs. You can explore the full range on our power washing service.
Does soft washing remove mold permanently?
Soft washing kills the mold, algae, and mildew that are present, so it won't simply grow back the next week the way it can after a plain pressure rinse. Over time, new spores will naturally settle again — especially in shaded, damp spots — which is why an annual wash keeps your home protected. Pairing it with gutter cleaning helps too, since clogged gutters keep walls wet and feed growth.
Can I bundle house washing with other services?
Absolutely, and it often saves money. Many homeowners combine a house soft wash with driveway and deck power washing, window washing, and gutter cleaning for a complete exterior refresh in a single visit. Call us at (224) 386-4836 or contact us to build a package that fits your home. Schedule Your House Wash Today →
Need more than just the siding?
House soft washing is one part of what we do. For driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, fences, and full-property exterior cleaning — with complete pricing — visit our main power washing services page. Call (224) 386-4836 or request a free estimate to get started.