From the free quote to the final rinse, soft washing for vinyl siding in your area follows a simple process: inspect, protect, clean, rinse and check. For vinyl siding, that means soft wash.
Method and pressure
Cleaning solution: A diluted sodium hypochlorite (house wash) mix with a surfactant, applied low and rinsed thoroughly.
Cleaning vinyl siding safely
Vinyl is the most common siding in the U.S. and cleans up well, but the panels overlap. Water driven upward under the laps can soak the sheathing behind them, so siding is rinsed at a downward angle and never blasted from below.
Avoid: High pressure aimed up under the panel laps, and hot water on dark-colored vinyl, which can warp.
How often: Every 1-2 years, more often on shaded north walls.
Is it time for soft washing for vinyl siding?
- Green, black or gray film on siding, especially on the north side
- Black streaks running down the roof
- Moss or lichen on shingles or tile
- A musty smell around shaded walls
- Pressure washing would damage the surface
Why it gets dirty
- Algae, mold and mildew that grow in shade and humidity
- Roof algae that feeds on the limestone filler in shingles
- Pollen and dust that give growth something to hold on to
- Sprinklers and gutters that keep walls damp
Easy upkeep between cleanings
- Trim back branches and shrubs that touch the house so walls can dry
- Keep gutters clear so water doesn't overflow down the siding
- Spot-clean small areas with a soft brush and mild detergent
- Aim sprinklers away from the house
Not sure what you're looking at? The free stain identifier and safe pressure guide explain each stain and surface.
Why more pressure isn’t better
- Using too strong a mix, which can burn plants and fade surfaces
- Using too weak a mix, which leaves growth alive and it returns quickly
- Climbing ladders with a spray wand and chemicals
- Mistaking soft washing for 'pressure washing on low'
How we handle soft washing for vinyl siding
- Identify the surfaces and the type of growth
- Pre-wet plants, cover sensitive fixtures and close windows
- Apply a solution mixed for the surface and let it dwell
- Rinse at low pressure from the top down
- Rinse plants again and check every side with you
How much does soft washing for vinyl siding cost?
What moves the price:
- Size: square footage of siding, roof or flatwork
- Condition: heavy growth, old stains and peeling finishes take longer
- Access: number of stories, roof pitch, slopes and how close we can park
- Add-ons: sealing, gutter brightening and other services done in the same trip
These are typical U.S. ranges, not a quote. You get an exact price before any work starts. For a quick estimate, try the pressure washing cost calculator.
Other services for vinyl siding
- House Washing for Vinyl Siding
- Rust Stain Removal for Vinyl Siding
- Exterior Mold & Mildew Removal for Vinyl Siding
- HOA & Apartment Pressure Washing for Vinyl Siding
Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in your area
We provide soft washing for vinyl siding across all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. Pick your state to see local details:
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Alabama
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Alaska
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Arizona
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Arkansas
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in California
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Colorado
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Connecticut
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Delaware
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in District of Columbia
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Florida
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Georgia
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Hawaii
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Idaho
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Illinois
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Indiana
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Iowa
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Kansas
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Kentucky
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Louisiana
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Maine
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Maryland
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Massachusetts
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Michigan
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Minnesota
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Mississippi
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Missouri
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Montana
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Nebraska
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Nevada
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in New Hampshire
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in New Jersey
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in New Mexico
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in New York
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in North Carolina
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in North Dakota
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Ohio
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Oklahoma
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Oregon
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Pennsylvania
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Puerto Rico
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Rhode Island
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in South Carolina
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in South Dakota
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Tennessee
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Texas
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Utah
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Vermont
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Virginia
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Washington
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in West Virginia
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Wisconsin
- Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding in Wyoming
Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding: frequently asked questions
How much does soft washing for vinyl siding cost?
Soft Washing for Vinyl Siding typically costs $300-$800 for a typical single-family home exterior, and usually takes 2-4 hours. The exact price depends on the size and condition, and you get it before any work starts. Call (555) 010-0000 for a free quote.
Do you use high pressure for soft washing for vinyl siding?
For vinyl siding: low pressure, typically under 500 PSI at the wall, with the cleaning solution doing the work. What we avoid: high pressure aimed up under the panel laps, and hot water on dark-colored vinyl, which can warp. The cleaning solution does most of the work, followed by a gentle rinse.
Is soft washing for vinyl siding safe for my plants and pets?
We pre-wet plants and lawns, keep cleaning solutions diluted to what the surface needs, and rinse landscaping again when we finish. Keep pets and children inside until surfaces are rinsed and dry.
How often should I schedule soft washing for vinyl siding?
Every 1-2 years, more often on shaded north walls. Shade, nearby trees, humidity and heavy traffic mean more frequent cleaning; sunny, dry spots can go longer. Our free cleaning frequency tool gives a recommendation for your climate.
What if it rains on the day?
Light rain doesn't stop most washing, but heavy rain, high wind, lightning and freezing temperatures do. If the weather isn't right, we reschedule at no charge. Our work is backed by a satisfaction guarantee.