It kills, not just rinses
Algae, mildew, and moss are living things. Plain water rinses the surface; the soft-wash mix actually kills them — so growth takes much longer to return.
A soft wash lifts dirt, algae, mildew, and the green-black film that grows on north-facing walls. Low pressure protects your siding; the cleaning solution kills the growth at the surface so it doesn't come right back.
Algae, mildew, and moss are living things. Plain water rinses the surface; the soft-wash mix actually kills them — so growth takes much longer to return.
High pressure can lift paint, dent vinyl, and force water behind siding. We use low pressure plus the right chemistry — same result, no damage.
Pre-rinse, work, re-rinse. Diluted runoff is plant-safe at our application rates, but we don't take chances with your landscaping.
Plants and landscaping wet down before any chemistry touches the house. Windows and door seals checked.
Soft-wash mix applied bottom-up, allowed to dwell, then worked into stubborn spots. Algae starts dying within minutes.
Full rinse top-down. Landscaping rinsed again. We walk the property with you before we leave.
Soft washing uses low pressure and specialized cleaning solutions to safely remove organic growth like moss, algae, and mildew. Unlike traditional pressure washing — which relies on high pressure to blast away dirt — soft washing kills growth at the root so it doesn't come back as quickly. It's the right method for delicate surfaces like roofs, siding, and painted wood.
The main active ingredient is sodium hypochlorite (the same chemical in household bleach), diluted with water and a small amount of soap. The soap helps the solution cling to surfaces instead of running straight off, so the cleaner can actually work.
We take several steps to protect your landscaping. Plants are rinsed before, during, and after the service. Water dilutes the cleaning solution, and once diluted it drains safely into the ground. Pets should stay indoors during the service as a precaution — once the area has been rinsed it's safe again.
Vinyl, fiber cement (Hardie), wood, stucco, brick, and painted siding all soft-wash safely. We adjust pressure and chemistry per material — vinyl is forgiving, wood needs lower concentration and faster rinsing.
North-facing walls get less direct sun, so they stay damp longer. That moisture plus airborne spores grows algae and mildew on siding — the green/black film you're seeing. A soft wash kills it at the surface and slows regrowth.
A typical single-story home is 2–3 hours; two-story homes run 3–5 hours depending on size and how much buildup is on the siding.
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If you can see green on the north side — it's time. Send a photo for a fast quote.