ServicesExterior Soft Wash
Exterior Soft Wash Service in Amsterdam, NY
We clean your siding with a gentle soft wash that kills mildew and algae at the root instead of blasting at them. You get a brighter home exterior, no water forced behind the panels, and a visit planned around your season, not a last-minute scramble.
What a soft wash does for your siding
A soft wash uses water at about the pressure of a garden hose, mixed with a cleaning solution that breaks down organic growth. The solution sits on the siding for a few minutes, does its work, and then we rinse it away. The green film, black streaks and gray haze come off because they have been killed, not just knocked loose.
High pressure can crack vinyl, strip paint from wood clapboard and drive water up under laps where it feeds the next round of mildew. Low pressure avoids all of that.
It is the right call when your north wall has turned green, when shaded sides look dull next to sunny ones, or when you want the house looking its best before a sale, a gathering or a new permanent lighting installation along the roofline.
What's included in every visit
A walk-around first
We look at your siding type, any loose panels, cracked caulk or oxidized paint, and point out anything that needs care before water touches it.
Protecting plants and fixtures
Shrubs and beds near the foundation get soaked with plain water before and after we clean, which dilutes any runoff. We cover outdoor outlets, light fixtures and doorbell cameras.
Mixed for your material
Vinyl, aluminum, painted wood and brick each get a solution strength that suits them. Heavier growth on a shaded wall gets more dwell time, not more pressure.
Full rinse, top to bottom
We rinse siding, trim, soffits and the faces of the gutters so no residue is left to streak in the sun.
Final look with you
Before we pack up, we walk the house with you so you can see the results and ask questions.
Signs your siding is ready for a soft wash
Green on the shady side
Algae loves walls that stay damp and see little sun. In the humid Mohawk Valley summers, north-facing walls often turn green first.
Black streaks or dots
Mildew shows up as dark speckles, often under eaves and around downspouts. It spreads if it is left alone.
Cobwebs and grime in the corners
Webs, dust and insect nests collect in soffits and around fixtures, and they make the whole house look tired.
One side looks a shade darker
If your siding color seems uneven from wall to wall, that is usually buildup, not fading.
A big date on the calendar
Listing the house, hosting family or adding permanent lighting are all good reasons to book a cleaning a few weeks ahead.
How the day goes
- 1
Quote by phone
You call, tell us about the house and what you are seeing, and we give you a free quote and a date that fits your schedule.
- 2
Setup and prep
We arrive, connect to your outdoor spigot, wet down your plants and cover anything that should stay dry. You do not need to be home as long as we can reach the water.
- 3
Apply and let it work
The solution goes on low and slow, one wall at a time, and sits long enough to kill the growth.
- 4
Rinse and review
We rinse everything thoroughly, rinse the plants again and walk the property with you. Most homes are finished in a few hours.
What moves the price
Every home is different, so we quote after hearing about yours instead of using a flat number. These are the things that make the biggest difference. Your quote is free and spells out what is included before anything is scheduled.
- Size and height
- Square footage and the number of stories set most of the cost. A tall gable end takes longer to reach safely than a single-story wall.
- How much growth is there
- Light dust rinses off quickly. Thick algae that has built up for several seasons needs more solution and more dwell time.
- Siding material
- Painted wood and older aluminum need a gentler mix and more care than modern vinyl, which can add time.
- Access around the house
- Decks, steep yards, tight side yards and landscaping right against the foundation slow setup and prep.
Soft wash questions we hear often
Something not covered here? (518) 629-1827
Will the cleaning solution hurt my plants?
We take steps to keep them safe. Plants are soaked with plain water before we start and rinsed again afterward, which dilutes any drift or runoff. If you have a garden bed you are especially fond of, tell us and we will give it extra attention.
How is a soft wash different from using a pressure washer?
A pressure washer cleans by force, which can crack vinyl, lift paint and push water behind your siding. A soft wash cleans with the solution and uses low pressure only to apply and rinse it. Because the growth is killed rather than scraped, the siding tends to stay clean longer.
How often should I have it done?
Most homes look good for one to two years. Shaded houses or ones surrounded by trees may want it sooner. Many people put it on the calendar every spring so the green never gets a head start.
Do I need to be home?
No. We just need access to an outdoor water spigot and a clear path around the house. Please keep windows closed and pets inside while we work.
Can you do a soft wash before installing permanent lighting?
Yes, and it is a smart order to do things. Cleaning the fascia and siding first means your new lights mount on a clean surface and look their best from the first night. We can plan both visits together when you call.
Will it remove chalky oxidation from old aluminum siding?
A soft wash cleans off dirt and growth, but heavy chalking is the paint itself breaking down. We will tell you honestly during the walk-around what cleaning can and cannot improve.
Put a clean house on the calendar
Tell us about your siding and when you would like it done. We will give you a free quote and pick a date before the green comes back.