House Washing in Portland, OR
Portland's climate turns siding green faster than almost anywhere in the country. Our soft wash house washing removes algae, moss, and mildew from all siding types without damaging your home.
Why Portland Siding Gets Dirty So Fast
Portland's combination of mild temperatures, 36–45 inches of annual rainfall, and heavy tree canopy creates near-ideal conditions for algae and moss to grow on exterior surfaces. Siding that faces north or sits in the shade of large maples or firs can turn noticeably green within a single wet season. Even south-facing walls accumulate grime, oxidation, and mildew staining over time.
The green growth on siding isn't just cosmetic. Algae and moss hold moisture against the surface, which accelerates paint failure, promotes rot in wood siding, and can work into gaps around windows and trim. Regular cleaning is genuinely preventive maintenance, not just an aesthetic preference.
We use the soft wash method for all exterior house washing — low pressure with biodegradable cleaning solution that kills organic growth at the root. This is the correct approach for siding because it's thorough without risking water intrusion or surface damage. We serve homeowners throughout Portland, Tigard, Beaverton, and the surrounding metro. Many customers add window cleaning or gutter cleaning to get everything done in one visit. See our pricing page for starting rates.
What's Included
- Full exterior house wash — all siding surfaces, eaves, and fascia
- Safe soft wash method appropriate for all siding types
- Removes green algae, moss, mildew, and oxidation from siding
- Cleans vinyl, wood, Hardie board, stucco, and brick
- Rinse of foundation, window frames, and trim
- Protects siding from premature deterioration caused by organic growth
Our House Washing Process
Pre-Wash Walkthrough
We walk the exterior with you, identify any areas of concern — loose siding, gaps around windows, damaged caulk — and note them before we start. We make sure all windows and doors are closed.
Protect Landscaping
Plants, flower beds, and hardscape near the foundation are pre-wetted and protected before any cleaning solution is applied. We take precautions so nothing you've planted gets damaged.
Apply Cleaning Solution
A biodegradable soft wash solution is applied to the siding at low pressure. This is what actually kills the algae and mildew — the chemistry does the work, not the pressure.
Dwell & Agitate
We allow appropriate dwell time for the solution to break down organic growth. Stubborn staining or heavy algae patches may be agitated with a soft brush before rinsing.
Low-Pressure Rinse
The entire exterior is thoroughly rinsed from top to bottom, removing all loosened material and cleaning product. We check for missed areas and do a final pass before packing up.
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Prefer to call?
(503) 412-8449Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Portland home's siding turning green?
Green on siding is almost always algae or moss — both of which thrive in Portland's wet, mild climate. North-facing walls that stay shaded and damp are the worst affected, but any siding that doesn't get much direct sun can develop green growth within a season or two. Beyond the appearance, algae and moss hold moisture against the siding, which accelerates deterioration over time.
Is soft washing safe for my type of siding?
Yes, soft washing is appropriate for virtually all residential siding — vinyl, wood lap siding, Hardie board/fiber cement, stucco, brick, and painted surfaces. The low pressure protects delicate surfaces that would be damaged by high-pressure washing. We adjust the cleaning solution concentration based on the level of growth and the material.
How long will the results last?
On a typical Portland home, you can expect the siding to stay clean and free of visible algae for 12–24 months. Heavily shaded walls or homes surrounded by dense tree canopy may see regrowth faster. An annual or biannual house wash keeps the buildup from getting ahead of you and avoids the heavier cleaning required when growth is allowed to establish.
Should I power wash or soft wash my house?
For siding, soft washing is almost always the right choice. High-pressure washing can force water behind siding, damage paint, chip wood, and crack stucco. The soft wash method uses cleaning chemistry to kill and remove organic growth at low pressure — the results are actually more thorough and longer-lasting than pressure washing, without the risk of damage.
Related Services
Window Cleaning
Pair a house wash with window cleaning for a complete exterior refresh in one visit.
Learn more →Gutter Cleaning
Bundle with gutter cleaning so your whole exterior is clean top to bottom.
Learn more →Roof Cleaning
Moss on the roof feeds the same growth on your siding. Treat both at once.
Learn more →Ready for a clean exterior?
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