How to Soft Wash Your Home Safely (Without Damaging Siding)
Learn how to soft wash your home safely without damaging siding, paint, or landscaping.
Step-by-step instructions, mix ratios, tools, and expert tips from My Exterior Cleaner.
Essential Tools & Supplies
- Garden hose with good flow
- Pump sprayer or downstream injector
- House wash mix (0.5–1% SH)
- Surfactant (optional but recommended)
- Soft-bristle brush for stubborn spots
- Water source
- Garden gloves
- Eye protection
- Tarps or plastic for highly sensitive plants
⏱ Estimated Time
- Small Areas: 1-2 hours
- Medium Areas: 2-4 hours
- Large Areas: 4+ hours
⚠️ Safety First!
- Never use high pressure on siding - it WILL cause damage
- Avoid spraying directly into weep holes or window seals.
- Always wet plants before and after applying solution.
- Avoid windy conditions to reduce overspray
- Read and follow all manufacturer instructions for cleaning products.
- If using a ladder, ensure it is stable and on a level surface.
- Never mix different cleaning products together.
Follow These
Simple Steps to Success
Step 1 — Pre-Rinse All Plants and Landscaping
Thoroughly soak all bushes, grass, and plants around the cleaning area.
Wet leaves don’t absorb chemicals.
Step 2 — Mix Your Soft Wash Solution
Use a mix around 0.5–1% SH (sodium hypochlorite) depending on staining level.
Add surfactant to improve cling time.
Tip: If you smell strong bleach, it’s too hot.
Step 3 — Apply the Solution from Bottom to Top
Yes — bottom to top.
This prevents streaking and uneven overlap.
Apply evenly and avoid letting the solution dry, especially in direct sun.
Step 4 — Allow the Mix to Dwell for 5–15 Minutes
You’ll see algae and mildew turn from green to white/tan — that means it’s dying.
Don’t let it dry out.
Reapply lightly if needed.
Step 5 — Rinse from Top to Bottom with Low Pressure
Use a garden hose or very low pressure.
Make sure you rinse thoroughly around doors, windows, and trim.
Step 6 — Spot Treat Any Stubborn Areas
If algae remains, reapply the mix and allow another short dwell time.
Do NOT crank up pressure. Let chemistry do the work.
DIY is fine when...
– The home is one story
– Staining is light to moderate
– You have access to a hose and sprayer
– You’re comfortable working around landscaping
Call a pro when...
– You see black streaks, heavy algae, or hard-to-reach areas
– You have a two-story home
– You’re worried about damaging siding
– You need a warranty-safe service for resale or HOA compliance