Grime, mildew and stains build up a little at a time until one day the outside of your property looks years older. Soft Washing for Wood Siding in your area brings it back, usually in a single visit. With wood siding, the right approach is soft wash.
How we clean it
Cleaning solution: A mild house-wash mix; an oxygen-based cleaner when the wood will be stained.
Caring for wood siding
Painted and stained wood siding grows mildew and loses its finish faster on the shaded and weather-facing sides. A soft wash cleans it without raising the grain, and is the usual first step before repainting or restaining.
Avoid: High pressure that raises fibers, gouges the wood or strips sound paint unevenly.
How often: Every 1-2 years, and before every repaint.
Is it time for soft washing for wood 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
Where the grime comes from
- 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 wood 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 wood 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 wood siding
- House Washing for Wood Siding
- Exterior Mold & Mildew Removal for Wood Siding
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding
Soft Washing for Wood Siding in your area
We provide soft washing for wood siding across all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. Pick your state to see local details:
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Alabama
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Alaska
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Arizona
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Arkansas
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in California
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Colorado
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Connecticut
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Delaware
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in District of Columbia
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Florida
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Georgia
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Hawaii
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Idaho
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Illinois
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Indiana
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Iowa
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Kansas
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Kentucky
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Louisiana
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Maine
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Maryland
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Massachusetts
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Michigan
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Minnesota
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Mississippi
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Missouri
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Montana
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Nebraska
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Nevada
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in New Hampshire
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in New Jersey
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in New Mexico
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in New York
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in North Carolina
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in North Dakota
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Ohio
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Oklahoma
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Oregon
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Pennsylvania
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Puerto Rico
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Rhode Island
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in South Carolina
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in South Dakota
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Tennessee
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Texas
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Utah
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Vermont
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Virginia
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Washington
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in West Virginia
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Wisconsin
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding in Wyoming
Soft Washing for Wood Siding: frequently asked questions
How much does soft washing for wood siding cost?
Soft Washing for Wood 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 wood siding?
For wood siding: soft wash, typically under 500 PSI; up to about 1,000 PSI with a wide tip for bare wood prep. What we avoid: high pressure that raises fibers, gouges the wood or strips sound paint unevenly. The cleaning solution does most of the work, followed by a gentle rinse.
Is soft washing for wood 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 wood siding?
Every 1-2 years, and before every repaint. 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.