Not every surface should be blasted with high pressure. Painted siding, stucco, fiber-cement, roof shingles, and many exterior finishes can be pushed past their tolerance by a pressure washer, causing paint damage, water intrusion, or long-term wear. Soft washing solves that by using low pressure combined with a cleaning solution chosen for the surface.
The result is a genuine clean — not just a surface rinse. Organic growth, algae, mildew, and grime are treated at the root instead of just knocked loose.
Surfaces we clean
- Painted and vinyl siding
- Stucco walls
- Fiber-cement siding
- Wood siding and trim
- Roof shingles and tile
- Fences and painted trim
- Exterior masonry that has aged or is delicate
Common problems we address
- Green and black algae staining
- Mildew and mold on shaded walls
- Dulling from pollen and dust buildup
- Organic streaking under eaves and gutters
- Dinginess that a plain water rinse can’t fix
How the cleaning method works
We apply a cleaning solution matched to the surface, let it work, and then rinse with low-pressure water. The chemistry does the lifting, not the pressure — which is why soft washing can safely clean surfaces that a pressure washer would risk damaging.
When this method is a good fit
- Painted or stucco exteriors with organic staining
- Roofs showing algae or dark streaking
- Homes where high pressure could damage siding or trim
- Softer surfaces that need cleaning without wear
When we’d recommend a different approach
- Heavily soiled concrete flatwork — pressure washing is usually more effective
- Areas with primarily physical dirt and no organic growth
- Any project where the surface would benefit from the mechanical action of higher pressure
How to prepare your property
- Close nearby windows and doors
- Move furniture and cushions away from the cleaning area
- Point out any sensitive plants or exterior features
- Confirm access to a water spigot
Our service process
- Walk the property, identify soft-wash-appropriate surfaces, and confirm scope.
- Wet down nearby landscaping when appropriate.
- Apply a surface-specific cleaning solution at low pressure.
- Allow adequate dwell time and re-treat spots as needed.
- Rinse the surface and adjacent landscaping.
- Walk the finished work with you before wrapping up.
What affects the price
- Square footage of the cleaned surface
- Level of organic growth or staining
- Number of stories and access difficulty
- Whether it’s bundled with pressure washing or other services
- Distance from our base in Citrus Heights
Related exterior-cleaning services
Service areas
We provide soft washing throughout the Greater Sacramento area, including Citrus Heights, Roseville, Orangevale, Sacramento, Carmichael, and Antelope.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure which service you need? See all exterior cleaning services or request a free estimate — we’ll help you scope it.