Soft washing is the safest way to clean most home exteriors. Instead of blasting dirt off with high pressure, it uses a cleaning solution to kill mildew and algae, then rinses it away gently. Here is how it works.
The Short Answer
To soft wash a house, wet the plants around it, apply a soft wash cleaning solution to the siding at low pressure from the bottom up, let it dwell without drying, then rinse from the top down with low pressure and rinse the plants again.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing uses about the same pressure as a garden hose. The cleaning solution does the work, breaking down mildew, algae, pollen, and dirt so they rinse off without damaging siding, paint, or seals. Learn more in soft wash vs. pressure wash.
What You Need
- A soft wash system or a pressure washer set up with a low-pressure soft wash tip or downstream injector
- A house wash solution made for siding, typically with a surfactant so it clings
- Protective eyewear, gloves, and clothing
- A garden hose for pre-wetting and rinsing plants
Always follow the product label for mixing and safety.
How to Soft Wash a House Step by Step
1. Prepare the area
Close windows and doors, cover outlets and light fixtures, and move furniture, grills, and vehicles away from the walls.
2. Wet the plants
Soak landscaping near the house. Wet plants absorb less of the solution.
3. Apply the solution from the bottom up
Working one section at a time, apply the solution evenly from the bottom of the wall to the top. This helps prevent streaking.
4. Let it dwell
Give the solution several minutes to work, but do not let it dry on the siding. In Texas heat, work in shade or smaller sections.
5. Rinse from the top down
Rinse thoroughly with low pressure, starting at the top.
6. Rinse the plants again
Give landscaping a final rinse when you are done.
Which Surfaces Should Be Soft Washed?
Vinyl siding, painted wood, stucco, brick, fiber cement, and asphalt shingle roofs are all good candidates. See vinyl siding, stucco, brick, and roof shingles.
Common Mistakes
- Letting the solution dry on the siding
- Skipping plant protection
- Using high pressure “to speed things up”
- Working on a ladder while spraying chemicals
When to Hire a Pro
Two-story homes, heavy growth, and delicate surfaces are safer with professional equipment and experience. We offer soft washing and house washing across DFW. Most house washes run $250 to $550. See how to pressure wash a house for more on surfaces that can handle more pressure.
Ready for a quote? Call 817-580-9881 or request a free estimate online. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and the rest of our DFW service areas.
Related: How to clean siding by material
FAQs
What is soft washing a house?
Soft washing cleans a home’s exterior with a cleaning solution and low pressure. The solution kills mildew and algae, and a gentle rinse carries away the dirt.
Is soft washing better than pressure washing?
For siding, stucco, painted surfaces, and roofs, yes. It cleans more thoroughly at the root and avoids the damage high pressure can cause.
Will soft washing hurt my plants?
Not when plants are wetted before and rinsed after, and the solution is used according to the label.
How much does it cost to soft wash a house?
In Dallas-Fort Worth, most house washes cost $250 to $550 depending on the home’s size, height, and condition.
