ServicesExterior Soft Wash
Exterior Soft Wash Service in Menands
Green streaks on the siding and black spots on the trim are living growth, not just dirt. We use low pressure and a cleaning mix that kills it at the root, then rinse it away gently. You get a clean home exterior without stripped paint or forced-open seams.
What a Soft Wash Is, in Plain Terms
A soft wash cleans your siding with a mild cleaning mix and about the same water pressure as a garden hose. The mix does the work. It kills algae, mildew and mold, and loosens the dirt they trap. Then we rinse it all off.
High pressure looks fast, but it can drive water behind vinyl siding, chip paint and leave stripes in the surface. It also knocks off the top of the growth and leaves the roots, so the green comes back quickly. A soft wash treats the cause, which is why the results last longer.
It is the right call when your siding looks dull, streaked or spotted, or before we install permanent lighting along the roofline so the fixtures go up against a clean surface.
What We Clean and How
- Siding of all common types
- Vinyl, painted wood, fiber cement and aluminum all get the same low-pressure approach. We adjust the strength of the mix to the surface and how heavy the growth is.
- Trim, soffits and fascia
- These are the boards right under the roof edge. Mildew and spider webs collect there, and they sit right where people look first when they judge curb appeal.
- Covering your plants and fixtures
- Before any mix goes on, your shrubs and garden beds get a good drink of clean water, and they get another one when we finish. Outdoor outlets, light fixtures and lockboxes are covered up first.
- A full rinse-down
- Every wall gets rinsed top to bottom so no cleaning mix is left on the siding, windows or walkways.
- A walk-around when we finish
- We look the house over with you. If a spot needs another pass, we take care of it before we pack up.
When It's Time for a Soft Wash
A green tint on the north wall
The wall that sees the least sun dries the slowest, so algae settles in there first. It starts as a faint green haze you notice in certain light.
Black or gray spots
Small dark dots on siding or trim are often mildew or mold. They spread if you leave them, and scrubbing tends to smear them.
Streaks under the roof edge
Dark runs below the soffits come from dirt and growth washing down in the rain. They show up most on light-colored siding.
Chalky residue on your hand
If you rub the siding and your hand comes away white or gray, the surface is oxidized and dirty. A gentle wash helps, and we will tell you honestly if it has gone past what washing can fix.
Webs and nests in the corners
Spider webs and wasp starts build up under eaves and around lights. A soft wash clears them without harsh scraping.
What Goes Into the Price
We set the price once we know the size of your house and what is growing on it. Each line of the quote is spelled out in plain words, and the number holds unless you ask us to add work. Getting that quote by phone costs you nothing.
Size and height
A two-story house takes more mix, more time and more ladder work than a ranch. Steep grades around the foundation can add time too.
How heavy the growth is
Light dirt rinses off fast. Thick algae or mold that has built up for years may need a stronger mix or a second pass.
Siding type
Older painted wood needs a gentler hand than vinyl. Rough textures hold more dirt and take longer to rinse.
Access around the house
Decks, tight side yards and dense plantings slow the work. Clear access keeps the job quicker.
How the Day Goes
- 1
Quick look and setup
We walk the outside with you, note any loose siding or damaged trim, and point out anything we want you to know about before we start. Then we cover outlets and fixtures and wet down your plants.
- 2
Apply the cleaning mix
We spray the mix on low, working one side of the house at a time. It sits for a few minutes so it can break down the growth.
- 3
Rinse it clean
We rinse each wall from the top down with low-pressure water. Plants and beds get a second soaking.
- 4
Check and wrap up
We walk the house again with you, touch up any spots and leave your yard the way we found it. A typical job wraps up in a few hours. Stay home or head out for the day, either works, since nothing about the wash needs you there.
Soft Wash Questions We Get
Will the cleaning mix hurt my plants?
Not when it is handled right. We soak plants with water before and after, which dilutes anything that drifts. We also keep the mix at the strength the job needs and no stronger.
How long does a soft wash last?
It depends on shade and moisture. Because the mix kills the growth instead of just blasting the surface, most homes stay clean noticeably longer than after a rinse. Shady, damp sides will show growth first.
Is a soft wash safe for older paint?
Yes, it is much safer than high pressure. If paint is already peeling, washing will not fix that and may lift a few loose flakes. We will point those spots out before we start.
Do I need to be home?
No. We do need the outdoor water turned on and windows closed. Pets should stay inside while we work.
Who actually does the work on my house?
Our own crew does. We carry a license and insurance for this work, and the company has been in business 5 years. Most of our jobs are on home exteriors in Menands, Albany, Troy and the towns close by.
Should I wash the house before getting permanent lighting?
It helps. Lighting tracks mount along the fascia, and they look best against clean trim. Many people pair a soft wash with Permanent Exterior Lighting Installation so both get done in one visit.
See What Your Siding Really Looks Like
Describe the stains, streaks or spots you have noticed on your home exterior. We will tell you what they likely are, how we would clean them off and what the job will run.