Soft Wash House Washing

The green and black streaks on the north and shady sides of a house are algae and mildew, not just dirt. Blasting them with high pressure can crack vinyl, force water behind siding, strip paint and etch brick, and the growth comes back fast because the roots are still alive.

We soft wash instead. A cleaning solution is applied at low pressure, it's left to work long enough to kill the growth, and then the house is rinsed gently. The siding gets clean, and it stays clean longer.

What we clean

• Vinyl and aluminum siding
• Painted wood and fiber-cement (Hardie) siding
• Brick, stone and stucco
• Soffits, fascia and gutter faces
• Porches, porch ceilings and columns

How a house wash goes

• Prep: we wet down plants and landscaping, cover what needs covering, and check windows, outlets and fixtures.
• Apply: the soft wash solution goes on at low pressure, from the bottom up.
• Dwell and rinse: it sits long enough to work, then we rinse top to bottom and rinse your plants again.
• Walk-around: we look it over with you before we leave.

How often should a house be washed?

For most homes in west-central Illinois, once a year or every other year keeps algae from getting a foothold. Shady lots, homes near fields or trees, and north-facing walls usually need it more often.

Common questions

Will soft washing hurt my plants?

We pre-wet and rinse landscaping before and after, and cover delicate plants when needed. Tell us about anything you're especially protective of.

Do I need to be home?

No. We need access to an outside water spigot, and windows and doors should be closed.

Is soft washing the same as pressure washing?

No. Soft washing relies on the cleaning solution and low pressure. Pressure washing relies on high pressure and is meant for hard surfaces like concrete.