Springfield has a lot of homes from the 1960s and 70s, many with aluminum or older vinyl siding. Those materials look great when they are clean, and they do not handle high pressure well.
Soft washing a house means cleaning the siding with low water pressure and a cleaning solution instead of a high-pressure blast. The solution kills algae, mildew and mold at the root, so the house stays clean longer, and nothing gets dented, stripped or forced behind the panels.
Here is how the process works, step by step, and what to expect. Our house washing service uses soft washing on every home.
Soft Washing vs High Pressure
High pressure removes what you can see and leaves the roots behind, so green growth can return within months. It can also crack vinyl, dent aluminum, strip paint and push water behind the siding. Soft washing uses about the pressure of a garden hose and lets the cleaning solution do the work.
For the full comparison, see pressure washing vs soft washing.
Our 4-Step Soft Wash Process
- Protect the landscaping. We soak plants, shrubs and grass around the house with water.
- Apply the solution. We apply the cleaning solution to all four sides, including gutters, trim, windows and doors.
- Let it dwell. The solution sits for 3 to 5 minutes to break down algae, mildew and dirt.
- Rinse and soak again. We rinse the house at low pressure and soak the plants a second time.
Most homes are done in 2 to 4 hours. You do not need to be home.
Which Siding Can Be Soft Washed?
- Vinyl siding
- Aluminum siding
- Fiber cement, such as Hardie board
- Brick and stone veneer
- Stucco and EIFS
- Painted wood
What Soft Washing Removes
Green algae, black mildew, mold, dirt, pollen, cobwebs and the dark tiger stripes on the outside of gutters. Not sure if your home is due? Here are the signs your house needs to be washed.
Soft Washing a House by Siding Type
Vinyl and Aluminum
The most common siding in our area. Both clean up beautifully with a soft wash. Older aluminum can chalk, so we keep the process gentle and avoid scrubbing that can leave marks.
Fiber Cement and Painted Wood
Hardie board and painted wood need low pressure to protect the paint. A soft wash removes mildew without lifting the finish.
Brick, Stone and Stucco
Masonry and stucco absorb water, so they are cleaned at low pressure with extra dwell time for the solution.
How to Get Ready for a House Wash
- Close all windows and doors.
- Move cars, grills and patio furniture away from the walls if you can.
- Make sure we can reach an outdoor spigot.
- Let us know about fragile plants, outdoor outlets or any problem areas.
That is it. You do not need to be home.
How Long the Results Last
Most soft-washed homes stay clean for 12 to 24 months. Shaded and wooded lots may need a yearly wash, while sunny lots can often go two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is soft washing safe for vinyl siding?
Yes. Soft washing cleans at low pressure, so it does not dent the panels or force water behind them the way high pressure can.
Is soft washing safe for my plants?
Yes, when it is done properly. We soak plants before and after cleaning so the solution is diluted and rinsed away.
How much does it cost to soft wash a house?
Most homes in our area cost $400 to $800, depending on the size of the home and how much buildup there is.
Should I wash my house before painting?
Yes. Painters need a clean surface for paint to stick. A soft wash a few days before painting removes dirt and mildew without damaging the old finish.
Does soft washing a house take longer than pressure washing?
Usually not. Most homes take 2 to 4 hours either way. The difference is that soft washing lets the solution do the cleaning, so it is safer and lasts longer.
House Soft Washing in Springfield
Soft washing is the safe way to clean siding of any age. It brings back the original color and keeps it longer.
We serve homeowners in Springfield and nearby Burke and Annandale.
Get your free quote or call 571-364-4466. We answer calls and quote requests 24/7.
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