What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing uses low pressure (under 500 PSI) combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions to clean exterior surfaces. Instead of blasting dirt away with force (which damages delicate materials), soft washing dissolves contaminants chemically — then rinses them away gently.
Think of it this way: pressure washing is a sledgehammer. Soft washing is a scalpel. Both clean. One destroys things in the process.
Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash
❌ Pressure Washing Risks
- 2000-3000+ PSI force
- Strips paint off siding
- Drives water behind siding
- Damages stucco and EIFS
- Shreds wood fibres (cedar, deck)
- Voids roof shingle warranty
- Cracks mortar joints in brick
- Surface-level clean only
✅ Soft Washing Benefits
- Under 500 PSI — safe for everything
- Won't damage paint or coatings
- No water intrusion risk
- Safe for stucco, EIFS, cedar
- Won't void manufacturer warranties
- Kills mold/algae at the root
- Preserves mortar and masonry
- Results last 3-4x longer
Surfaces We Soft Wash
🏠 Vinyl Siding
Most common siding in the GTA. Removes green algae, black streaks (Gloeocapsa magma), mildew, and oxidation. Won't warp or crack panels.
🧱 Stucco & EIFS
Pressure washing cracks stucco and destroys EIFS. Soft washing is the ONLY safe method. Removes mold, efflorescence, and winter grime.
🪵 Cedar & Wood Siding
Cedar is soft — high pressure shreds the grain. Soft wash removes grey weathering, mold, and mildew while preserving the natural texture.
🧱 Brick & Stone
Mortar joints are the weak point. Soft washing cleans brick without cracking mortar or driving water into the wall cavity.
🏗️ Painted Surfaces
Pressure washing strips paint. Soft washing cleans it. Safe for painted wood, trim, doors, shutters, and painted brick.
🔝 Roof Shingles
Never pressure wash a roof — it voids every shingle warranty. Soft washing removes black streaks (algae) and moss without lifting shingles.
Full Pricing
| Service | Bungalow | 2-Storey | Large Detached |
|---|---|---|---|
| House wash (siding only) | $299 – $399 | $349 – $499 | $449 – $599 |
| Roof soft wash | $399 – $549 | $499 – $649 | $599 – $799 |
| Full exterior (siding + roof) | $599 – $799 | $749 – $999 | $899 – $1,199 |
| Siding + windows bundle | $499 – $699 | $599 – $849 | $749 – $999 |
The Soft Wash Process
- Property inspection — Identify siding material, contamination type, and any areas needing special attention.
- Protection — Cover plants, outdoor furniture, and sensitive areas. Pre-wet landscaping.
- Apply solution — Custom-mixed biodegradable cleaning solution applied at low pressure. Dwells 10-15 minutes.
- Agitation — Stubborn areas (under eaves, north-facing walls) get additional treatment.
- Rinse — Low-pressure rinse, top to bottom. No high pressure touches your home.
- Final inspection — Walkthrough with homeowner. Touch up any remaining spots.
Toronto-Specific Challenges
- North-facing walls — Get 2-3x more mold/algae growth due to less sun exposure. These walls need soft washing most frequently.
- Mature tree proximity — Sap, pollen, and shade create ideal mold conditions. Homes near maples and oaks are worst affected.
- Winter salt splashback — Road salt sprays onto lower siding along streets. White mineral deposits and accelerated paint deterioration.
- Stucco homes (Vaughan/Markham) — Newer GTA suburbs have extensive stucco. Only soft washing is safe — pressure washing causes thousands in stucco repair.
- Heritage brick (Toronto/Leaside) — Old mortar joints are softer than modern mortar. Soft washing preserves them; pressure washing destroys them.
Soft Washing — Safe for Every Surface
Biodegradable solutions. Low pressure. Results that last 12-18 months. Free estimates.
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