The exterior walls of your home accumulate years of algae, mildew, oxidation, pollen, and atmospheric grime. A standard garden hose will not remove biological growth that has bonded to siding. House washing uses biodegradable cleaning solution and controlled low pressure to dissolve and lift contaminants safely, restoring your home's original color and protecting your siding from the damage that moisture-loving organisms cause when left untreated.
What Is House Washing?
House washing, also called soft washing, is a low-pressure exterior cleaning method designed specifically for siding, stucco, brick, and other vertical surfaces. Rather than relying on high PSI alone, the process applies biodegradable cleaning solution that penetrates and breaks down algae, mildew, oxidation, and organic buildup at the surface level. A gentle rinse then removes the loosened material, leaving a clean surface without the risks that high-pressure water creates on siding: cracked or dislodged panels, water forced behind siding into wall cavities, and stripped caulking around windows and trim.
What Does House Washing Remove?
Green and black algae appear on siding as streaks and patches, particularly on north-facing walls and shaded areas where surfaces stay damp longer. Black mold staining leaves dark discoloration on vinyl and painted surfaces. Oxidation creates a chalky white film on older painted or aluminum siding that dulls color and signals UV degradation. Spider webs, insect nesting, and debris collect in corners and under eaves. Pollen and atmospheric dust settle on all exterior surfaces over time, creating a general haze that gives a home the look of neglect. A house wash addresses all of these in a single application.
Which Siding Types Do We Clean?
Our technicians work with vinyl siding, painted wood lap boards, fiber cement (HardiePlank), brick and mortar, stucco, aluminum siding, and EIFS exteriors. Each material receives a cleaning solution concentration and rinse pressure appropriate for its composition. Older painted wood and historic masonry receive extra care to avoid disturbing original finishes. We assess every exterior before beginning and adjust our approach for any surface that requires special handling.
Why Do St. Louis County Homes Need Regular House Washing?
Missouri's humid summers create ideal conditions for biological growth on exterior surfaces. Algae and mildew return season after season unless the spores are actively removed. Without periodic washing, these organisms penetrate paint and cause deterioration beneath the surface, eventually requiring costly repairs or full repainting. North-facing walls, shaded areas, and surfaces under overhangs are particularly prone to annual regrowth. A house wash every one to two years keeps biological growth from establishing itself and extends the service life of your siding and exterior paint.
Pairing House Washing with Window Cleaning
House washing and window cleaning work best when scheduled together. Because house washing applies cleaning solution that can leave residue on glass, windows should always be cleaned after the exterior has been washed and rinsed. Andy's Window Cleaning offers both services and schedules them in the correct sequence, so your home's entire exterior is refreshed in a single coordinated visit. Contact us to schedule house washing and window cleaning for your St. Louis County home.