What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing cleans with chemistry instead of force. We apply a cleaning solution at close to garden-hose pressure, let it dwell while it kills algae, mold, mildew and lichen, then rinse it away gently. A pressure washer works at 2,500 to 4,000 psi; a soft wash system runs at a small fraction of that.
It is the right method for surfaces that pressure damages: vinyl and aluminum siding, stucco and EIFS, painted and bare wood, roof shingles, fences, awnings and the outside of commercial buildings. Because the growth is killed rather than knocked loose, surfaces stay clean longer.
Soft washing is its own service, separate from power washing. We do both, and most homes need some of each: power washing for brick, stone and concrete, soft washing for everything softer.
What We Soft Wash
Every surface gets a mix and a rinse matched to the material.
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House siding
Vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, stucco, EIFS and painted wood. House soft washing has the details and prices.
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Roofs
Black streaks on asphalt shingles are algae; moss and lichen grow on cedar shakes. Both are cleaned at low pressure, never with a pressure washer that strips granules or splinters wood. Quoted after an inspection.
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Fences
Wood, vinyl and composite fences lose their green film and gray mildew without the furring and splintering that pressure leaves on wood.
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Wood decks
Mildew and algae lifted from boards and railings ahead of staining or sealing, without raising the grain.
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Awnings
Fabric and vinyl awnings cleaned with a mild solution and a gentle rinse that will not fray seams or strip coatings.
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Commercial buildings
Storefronts, EIFS and stucco facades, signage and entryways, washed at low pressure on a schedule that suits your hours.
Soft Washing vs. Power Washing
Same goal, different tools. We choose per surface, and often use both on one property.
| Soft washing | Power washing | |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | Close to a garden hose | 2,500 to 4,000 psi |
| What does the cleaning | The solution, left to dwell | The force of the water |
| Algae, mold and mildew | Killed at the root, slower to return | Knocked loose, regrows sooner |
| Best for | Vinyl, stucco, wood, painted surfaces, roofs, fences, awnings | Concrete, brick, stone, pavers, driveways |
| Risk on soft surfaces | Low | Water behind siding, stripped paint, raised wood grain, lost shingle granules |
Need concrete, pavers or brick cleaned too? See power washing.
Our Solution, and How We Protect Plants and Pets
Like most soft washing companies, we use a cleaning solution built on sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient in household bleach, diluted well below household strength for siding and mixed stronger for roofs. A surfactant helps it cling to the surface and break down dirt, so it can work without pressure.
The solution kills algae, mold, mildew and lichen instead of just moving them around, then breaks down after the rinse. The care is in how it is applied: the right strength for each surface, and the steps on the right.
- Plants, shrubs and lawn are soaked with water first so leaves do not absorb the solution
- Delicate plants and outdoor furniture are covered
- Landscaping is rinsed again during and after the wash
- Windows closed; outlets, lights and vents covered
- Pets and children stay inside until everything is rinsed
- Hot, windy days are skipped so nothing drifts
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 |
House soft washing for regular-size homes up to 2,500 sq. ft. with a two-car garage. Fences, decks, awnings, roofs and commercial buildings are priced on site after a free inspection.
- 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 Soft Washing Works
The same careful routine on every property.
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1
Inspect & quote
We identify each surface and the type of growth, and give you a written price before any work begins.
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2
Protect the surroundings
Plants are soaked and covered, windows closed, outlets and fixtures covered.
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3
Apply the solution
Applied at low pressure from the bottom up and left to dwell while it kills the growth.
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4
Rinse gently
Rinsed from the top down at low pressure, with plants rinsed again as we go.
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5
Final walkthrough
We check every surface with you before we leave.
Ready for a cleaner home?
Tell us what needs soft washing and we'll send a fast, no-obligation quote. Most jobs are scheduled within a few days.
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Soft Washing FAQs
Yes, with the precautions we take: we soak and rinse your plants, cover delicate ones and ask that pets stay inside until we've rinsed. The solution is mixed for each surface and breaks down after the rinse.
The active ingredient is sodium hypochlorite, the same as in household bleach, diluted well below household strength for siding. A surfactant helps it cling and work without pressure.
Longer than rinsing, because the solution kills the growth instead of knocking it loose. Most siding stays clean for a year or more; shaded walls and roofs under trees regrow sooner.
Soft washing for vinyl, stucco, wood, painted surfaces, roofs, fences and awnings; power washing for concrete, brick, stone and pavers. Most homes need some of each, and we do both in one visit. See house power washing.
Yes. Asphalt shingles and cedar shakes are cleaned at low pressure, never with a pressure washer, which strips shingle granules and splinters wood. We inspect the roof first and quote on site.
Yes. Storefronts, offices and multi-unit buildings with stucco, EIFS or siding facades, scheduled around your business hours. Call for a site visit.
Need power washing too?
For concrete, brick, stone, pavers and driveways, see power washing; for brick and stone house walls, see house power washing. Call (224) 386-4836 or request a free estimate.