Will soft washing damage my siding or paint?

When done correctly, no. The pressure is low and the cleaner does the work. Paint that is already peeling or chalky may come off in places, because the wash exposes weak spots. Old caulk and loose siding panels can also let water in. We look for these before starting and tell you what we find, so you are not surprised by what the clean wall shows.

Is the cleaning solution safe for plants and pets?

We wet plants before and after, cover delicate ones where practical, and rinse the area well. Even so, solution can drift, and some plants are sensitive. Keep pets and children inside during the wash and until surfaces are dry. If you have a garden, window boxes or a rooftop planter, tell us when you request the quote so we can plan around them.

Can you wash a brownstone front?

Often yes, with care. We use low pressure and gentle cleaners, and we test a small hidden spot first. Brownstone that is flaking, sanding off or patched with cement may need a mason before any cleaning. If the building is landmarked, check whether your cleaning method needs approval. We will tell you honestly if we think a wall is too fragile to wash.

How often should a house be washed?

It depends on the shade, moisture and surroundings. Shaded walls near trees or tight side passages often need cleaning more often than sunny fronts. Many owners wash when they see a green or gray film appear, or before a repaint or sale. Washing early is easier, because heavy growth takes more time and may leave stains that fade only partly.

Do I need to be home during the job?

Not always, but we need access to an outdoor water connection and the areas to be cleaned. If your building controls access, a doorman or property manager can often arrange it. We ask you to close windows, move cars and clear small items from the area. A short walk-through before and after the job helps make sure the result is what you wanted.

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Local crews

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Worker soft washing green-streaked vinyl siding on a Staten Island house

Soft wash house washing

House washing in New York City for siding, stucco and brick

Low pressure and the right cleaner lift mildew, soot and algae without scarring the wall.

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Vinyl siding, stucco, brick and painted trim
Test patch on delicate stone first
Written quote before any work starts

What is house washing and how is it different from pressure washing?

House washing in New York City uses soft washing. A pump sends a gentle stream of water mixed with a cleaning solution onto the wall. The solution loosens mildew, algae, soot and film. After a short wait, a low-pressure rinse takes it all away.

A hard jet works differently. It forces dirt off by impact, which can gouge wood, push water behind vinyl siding, scar stucco and wear down soft brick. Soft washing relies on the cleaner to do the work, so the wall stays intact. It also tends to last longer, because the solution treats the growth itself rather than only blasting the top layer off.

Which New York City walls can be soft washed?

Most exterior walls can be cleaned, but each material needs its own approach.

Vinyl and aluminum siding

Common on houses in Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. Soft washing removes green mildew and gray film. We keep the spray angled down so water does not get behind the panels.

Stucco and painted masonry

Stucco is porous and can crack or chip under pressure. Low pressure and a mildew-killing cleaner work best.

Brick and brownstone

Brick can be cleaned gently if the mortar is sound. Brownstone is a soft sandstone, and heavy pressure can erode its surface for good. We keep the method gentle and test a small hidden patch before cleaning the whole front.

What problems show up on city homes and buildings?

Walls in New York City get dirty in ways that depend on where they stand.

Soot and exhaust film on street-facing walls.
Green mildew on shaded walls, between buildings and near ground level where moisture collects.
Algae near planters, downspouts and window air conditioners.
Rust drips below railings, fire escapes and metal trim.
Bird droppings under ledges and cornices.

Some staining points to a bigger issue, such as a leaking gutter, a failed drip edge or crumbling mortar joints. We tell you when we see these. They need a mason or roofer, not a wash, and cleaning should wait until the repair is done.

The price depends on the wall area and height, the material, how much growth is on it, and how easy the walls are to reach. Plants, window units, tight side passages and long hose runs add time. Buildings taller than a few stories need lifts or scaffolding, and they may need permits. We tell you plainly whether a job fits the way we work.

Approvals vary. In a co-op or condo, check with the managing agent about facade work, notice to residents and any paperwork the building asks contractors for. If your building sits in a historic district or is landmarked, some cleaning methods on the facade may need approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission, so ask before you book.

How long does it take and when should I call?

A house front or a two-story home is often done within part of a day. Taller or longer walls take more time, and we give an estimate in the written quote. On the day, we cover plants and outlets, check that windows are closed, wet the area, apply the cleaner and rinse. Then we walk the result with you. Dry weather suits this work, and we avoid near-freezing temperatures.

Call when you see green or black streaks, a gray film or rust drips, or before painting, listing or renting. Roof streaks often appear alongside wall growth, so ask about roof soft washing as well. A stoop and walkway can be handled on the same visit with concrete cleaning, and our home page lists every service.

Free written quotes Local crews Safe soft-wash methods Fast scheduling

Step 1 of 3

Questions about pressure washing in New York City

Will soft washing damage my siding or paint?: When done correctly, no. The pressure is low and the cleaner does the work. Paint that is already peeling or chalky may come off in places, because the wash exposes weak spots. Old caulk and loose siding panels can also let water in. We look for these before starting and tell you what we find, so you are not surprised by what the clean wall shows.
Is the cleaning solution safe for plants and pets?: We wet plants before and after, cover delicate ones where practical, and rinse the area well. Even so, solution can drift, and some plants are sensitive. Keep pets and children inside during the wash and until surfaces are dry. If you have a garden, window boxes or a rooftop planter, tell us when you request the quote so we can plan around them.
Can you wash a brownstone front?: Often yes, with care. We use low pressure and gentle cleaners, and we test a small hidden spot first. Brownstone that is flaking, sanding off or patched with cement may need a mason before any cleaning. If the building is landmarked, check whether your cleaning method needs approval. We will tell you honestly if we think a wall is too fragile to wash.

How often should a house be washed?: It depends on the shade, moisture and surroundings. Shaded walls near trees or tight side passages often need cleaning more often than sunny fronts. Many owners wash when they see a green or gray film appear, or before a repaint or sale. Washing early is easier, because heavy growth takes more time and may leave stains that fade only partly.
Do I need to be home during the job?: Not always, but we need access to an outdoor water connection and the areas to be cleaned. If your building controls access, a doorman or property manager can often arrange it. We ask you to close windows, move cars and clear small items from the area. A short walk-through before and after the job helps make sure the result is what you wanted.

How it works

Step 1
Send photos or request a visit

Tell us what needs cleaning.
Step 2
Get a written quote

Clear price before any work starts.
Step 3
We clean and tidy up

Rinse, check and leave the site clean.

Areas we serve

Serving New York City and the nearby areas below.

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

(212) 555-0154