Soft Washing in Portland, OR
Green siding is one of the most common things we see on Portland homes. Our soft washing service removes algae, moss, and mold safely — without the risk of high-pressure damage.
Why Portland Homes Get Green — And How We Fix It
Portland's famously mild, wet winters are great for the trees and the gardens — and unfortunately great for algae, mold, and moss on your home's exterior. North- and west-facing walls that get limited sun are especially prone to developing that characteristic green film within a year or two of the last cleaning.
High-pressure washing seems like the obvious solution, but it's actually risky on most siding types. Vinyl can crack or warp, wood can splinter, and on any siding, high pressure can force water into gaps and behind panels — leading to hidden rot and mold inside the wall. That's why we use soft washing for all exterior house cleaning.
Soft washing relies on a biodegradable cleaning solution applied at low pressure. The chemistry does the actual work, killing algae and mold organisms at the surface so they don't quickly return. The result looks as clean as pressure washing, lasts significantly longer, and carries none of the damage risk. We offer whole-home exterior washing as well as soft wash for specific surfaces like fences and roofs. See our pricing page for starting rates or get a free quote.
What We Clean with Soft Washing
- Safe for vinyl, wood, fiber cement, stucco, and painted siding
- Kills mold, mildew, algae, and moss at the root — not just the surface
- Eco-friendly biodegradable cleaning solutions
- No risk of damaged siding, cracked caulk, or forced water intrusion
- Results last longer than pressure washing alone
- Effective for roofs, fences, and wood structures
Our Soft Washing Process
Pre-Inspection
We check all windows, doors, and caulk lines to flag any areas that need extra care or protection before we start applying solution.
Wet Down Landscaping
We thoroughly soak plants and landscaping around the structure to dilute any overspray and protect them during the process.
Apply Cleaning Solution
Using low-pressure application equipment, we coat the siding with our cleaning solution and let it dwell to break down algae, mold, and buildup at the root.
Low-Pressure Rinse
We rinse the surface thoroughly with low-pressure water, washing away the dissolved organic matter without forcing water behind the siding.
Post-Rinse & Inspection
We rinse landscaping again, do a full walkthrough of the exterior, and address any missed spots before we consider the job done.
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Prefer to call?
(503) 412-8449Frequently Asked Questions
Is soft washing really effective, or is it just gentle pressure washing?
Soft washing is genuinely different from low-pressure washing. The cleaning solution does the actual work — it kills algae, mold, and mildew organisms at the surface level. The low-pressure rinse just removes the residue. This is why soft washing results last much longer than pressure washing siding (often 2–3 years versus 6–12 months).
Why is soft washing better for siding than pressure washing?
Portland homes commonly have vinyl, T1-11, and Hardie board siding — all of which can be damaged by high-pressure washing. High pressure can crack, dent, or force water behind siding, which leads to rot and mold problems inside the wall cavity. Soft washing cleans just as thoroughly without any of that risk.
How often should I soft wash my house in Portland?
Given Portland's climate — cool, wet winters and plenty of shade from trees — most homes will develop visible green algae and moss on the siding every 2–3 years. An annual soft wash keeps it from getting established. We'd rather you call us every couple of years than need a bigger cleaning job later.
Are your cleaning solutions safe for pets and plants?
Yes. We use biodegradable, plant-safe cleaning solutions and we pre-wet and post-rinse all landscaping. We do recommend keeping pets and children away from treated surfaces while they're wet, but once dry, the exterior is completely safe.
Related Services
House Washing
Full exterior house wash using the soft wash method — every surface cleaned in one visit.
Learn more →Window Cleaning
Pair your soft wash with streak-free window cleaning for a complete exterior refresh.
Learn more →Ready to get the green off your siding?
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