House Washing (Soft Washing)
Low-pressure soft washing that safely lifts algae, mildew, and grime from your siding — restoring your home's curb appeal without the risk of high-pressure damage.
What Is House Washing (Soft Washing)?
House washing is the single most effective way to protect your home's exterior from the slow, steady damage that North Carolina and South Carolina humidity dishes out year after year. Every spring and summer, warm air and moisture create the perfect environment for algae, mildew, and mold to take hold on your siding — especially on north-facing walls and areas shaded by trees. Over time, that growth doesn't just look bad; it feeds on the organic material in and around your siding and can shorten its lifespan.
Soft washing is the method we use for house exteriors, and it's fundamentally different from blasting a wall with high pressure. Instead of relying on raw force, soft washing uses a carefully mixed cleaning solution applied at low pressure — about the same pressure as a garden hose — to kill algae, mildew, and mold at the root. The solution does the work, not the pressure. That means no etched siding, no blasted-off paint, no water forced behind your walls, and a clean that lasts significantly longer because the organisms causing the problem are actually eliminated rather than just rinsed off.
For homeowners across the Carolinas, a professional house wash is one of the highest-value, lowest-risk maintenance investments you can make. It restores curb appeal instantly, protects your siding and paint, and keeps your home looking like it's been cared for — which matters whether you're planning to sell or just want to take pride in your property.
Why It Matters
Safe on All Siding
Gentle low-pressure cleaning protects vinyl, stucco, brick, wood, and Hardie board without etching or blasting.
Kills Algae at the Source
Our cleaning solutions eliminate algae, mildew, and mold spores — not just rinse them off — so the clean lasts far longer.
Lasts Longer
Because we kill the growth rather than blasting it away, soft washing keeps surfaces clean 2–3x longer than high-pressure rinsing alone.
Boosts Curb Appeal
Instantly brighten your home's exterior, restore original siding color, and protect your property value.
Protects Landscaping
We pre-treat and rinse plants, cover sensitive areas, and use biodegradable solutions to keep your landscaping safe and healthy.
Fully Insured
Every house wash is backed by full insurance coverage for your complete peace of mind.
How We Get It Done
A proven, step-by-step approach that protects your property and delivers spotless results — every time.
Free Quote & Inspection
We walk your property, assess the siding type, level of organic growth, and any trouble spots, then give you a fair, upfront quote with no obligation.
Prep & Protect
We close windows, cover outlets and fixtures, pre-treat and water nearby plants, and protect anything that shouldn't get wet — before a drop of solution touches your siding.
Soft-Wash Application
We apply our biodegradable soft-wash solution from the bottom up at low pressure, letting it dwell and break down algae, mildew, mold, and oxidation.
Dwell & Agitate
The solution is given time to work — killing organisms at the root and loosening grime — while we gently agitate stubborn spots by hand where needed.
Low-Pressure Rinse
A top-down low-pressure rinse reveals a bright, spotless, like-new exterior — no streaks, no damage, no residue.
Walkthrough
We walk the job with you, check every side, clean up any overspray, and make sure you're 100% happy before we pack up.
Surfaces We Clean Safely
We match the method and pressure to the surface — protecting your property while delivering a deep, lasting clean.
Safe For
- Vinyl siding (all profiles and colors)
- Stucco and EFIS systems
- Brick and stone veneer
- Hardie board and fiber cement
- Aluminum and steel siding
- Wood siding and log homes
- Painted surfaces (when paint is sound)
- Vinyl shutters and trim
Clean With Care
- Siding with peeling or failing paint — we flag it before cleaning so you know
- Loose or missing caulking around windows and doors — water can seep behind
- Aged, brittle, or damaged siding — we reduce pressure and test a small area first
- Window seals with known failures — we avoid direct spray on compromised seals
- Delicate light fixtures and outlets — we cover or avoid them
Time to Call Gates?
If you've noticed any of these around your property, it's probably time to schedule a cleaning.
Green or black streaks running down your siding, especially on the north side
Dark patches or discoloration that won't rinse off with a hose
A musty, damp smell near your exterior walls after rain
Visible mildew or mold around window frames, trim, or shaded areas
Your siding looks dull, chalky, or grey instead of its original color
Neighbors have had their house washed and yours looks noticeably darker
You're preparing to sell or refinance and want maximum curb appeal
It's been more than 18 months since your last professional wash
How Often Should You Schedule This?
For most homes across North Carolina and South Carolina, we recommend a professional house wash every 12 to 24 months. Properties with heavy tree cover, north-facing exposures, or proximity to water tend to grow algae faster and benefit from annual cleaning. If you live in a newer subdivision with full sun exposure and no mature trees, you may stretch to every 2 years. The best time to wash is spring or early summer, before the humid months really kick in — but we wash year-round whenever the weather cooperates.
House Washing (Soft Washing) FAQ
House Washing (Soft Washing) Across the Carolinas
Book house washing (soft washing) in your area — we serve all of North Carolina and parts of South Carolina.
Ready for a Spotless Property?
Join hundreds of NC & SC homeowners and businesses who trust Gates for spotless, guaranteed results. Get your free quote today.