What Is House Soft Washing?
House soft washing is how we clean siding that pressure would damage. Instead of blasting siding with high-pressure water, we apply a cleaning solution at low pressure that dissolves mold, algae, and mildew at the root — then rinse it away. It is part of our soft washing service.
Why does the distinction matter? A pressure washer aimed at your siding can force water behind panels, strip paint, and crack older stucco. Soft washing removes the same grime without that risk — and because it kills the organic growth rather than just knocking it loose, your home stays cleaner longer.
This page covers soft washing the exterior walls of your house. For brick, stone and concrete washed at higher pressure, see house power washing; for driveways, decks and patios, see power washing.
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
- Can void some 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.
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Vinyl siding
The most common and most over-pressured; soft wash lifts green algae streaks safely.
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Stucco & EIFS
Gentle treatment avoids the cracking and chipping high pressure causes.
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Brick & masonry
Soft washed where mortar is soft or crumbling; sound brick can also be power washed.
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Fiber cement (HardiePlank)
Cleaned without forcing water into the board seams.
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Aluminum siding
Degreased and brightened without oxidation streaking.
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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.
- 2-story home, 2 sides$250
- Heavy algae & mildew treatment+$40
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 soak 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 house-wash solution (diluted sodium hypochlorite with a surfactant that helps it cling) is applied at low pressure and left 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.
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House Soft Washing FAQs
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 most siding manufacturers point to. For horizontal surfaces like driveways and decks, higher pressure is appropriate, which we cover on our power washing services page.
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.
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.
Regular power washing relies on high-pressure water and is ideal for hard surfaces like concrete, brick and stone. House soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution, which is safer for vinyl, stucco, wood and painted siding. Most homes get some of each; see house power washing and soft washing.
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.
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 the siding?
House soft washing is one part of our soft washing service, which also covers roofs, fences, decks and awnings. For driveways, sidewalks and patios, see power washing. Call (224) 386-4836 or request a free estimate.