Serving the Greater Charlotte Area

House washing that's actually safe for your siding.

High pressure on siding causes water intrusion, blown caulk, and chipped paint. We use soft washing — low pressure plus a siding-safe cleaning solution — to remove algae, mildew, pollen, and grime without any of the damage.

On this page: what soft washing is, what surfaces we clean, our process, how we protect your plants, pricing, and FAQs.

House soft washing in Charlotte by Rooster Property Care

What is soft washing — and why does it matter for Charlotte homes?

Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that relies on specially formulated, biodegradable detergents to do the heavy lifting — not raw water force. The cleaning solution breaks down algae, mold, mildew, and oxidation at the cellular level, then gets gently rinsed away at garden-hose pressure. It's the industry-standard method for residential exteriors, and it's the only way we clean siding.

Charlotte's humid subtropical climate is a breeding ground for organic growth. Warm, shaded north-facing walls collect green algae. Hardiplank and vinyl pick up black streaks (Gloeocapsa magma). Brick and stucco trap pollen for months. A soft wash handles all of it safely and leaves a result that lasts longer than high-pressure blasting, because the detergent kills the organisms at the root instead of just pushing them around.

Surfaces we soft wash

Vinyl siding

The most common exterior in Charlotte. We remove green algae, oxidation, and pollen without warping or forcing water behind the panels.

HardiPlank / fiber cement

Durable material, but painted surfaces still need a gentle approach. Our low-pressure method preserves the paint while removing buildup.

Brick & stone

Mortar joints are porous and vulnerable to high pressure. We pre-treat with a masonry-safe solution and rinse gently to keep the mortar intact.

Stucco & EIFS

Stucco is softer than most people realize. High pressure chips and cracks it. Soft washing cleans the surface without compromising the finish.

Our 6-step house washing process

1. Property walkthrough

We circle the house looking for loose siding, failing caulk, open windows, cameras, outlets, pets, and plant beds. If we spot anything that needs attention before we start, we'll let you know.

2. Plant & property protection

We pre-wet all landscaping, cover sensitive plants when needed, and position our equipment to avoid trampling flower beds. The detergents we use are biodegradable, but a pre-soak adds an extra layer of safety.

3. Apply cleaning solution

We apply our house wash mix from the bottom up. This prevents streaking and ensures even coverage. The solution dwell time is typically 5–10 minutes, giving it time to break down algae, mold, and dirt at the surface level.

4. Gentle rinse (top-down)

Once the solution has done its work, we rinse from the top down at low pressure — typically under 500 PSI. This follows the natural path of rainwater and prevents water from getting behind the siding.

5. Detail areas

Shutters, trim, soffits, window frames, and any stubborn spots get individual attention. If we see spider webs, wasp nests, or cobwebs in the eaves, we knock those down while we're up there.

6. Final check + completion photos

We walk the full perimeter again, rinse plants a final time, and send you before-and-after photos via text or email — great for your files, your HOA, or your landlord.

Recent house washes around Charlotte

Vinyl • HardiPlank • Brick • Stucco

House before soft washing — green algae on vinyl sidingBefore
House after soft washing — clean vinyl sidingAfter
Soft washing vinyl siding in CharlotteVinyl siding (soft wash)
Soft washing brick exterior in CharlotteBrick exterior

Why soft washing beats high-pressure for house exteriors

Pressure washing has its place — driveways, concrete, pavers. But siding, trim, painted wood, and most exterior finishes aren't built to take 3,000+ PSI of direct water force. Here in Charlotte, we see the aftermath of DIY or inexperienced pressure washing jobs all the time:

  • • Water forced behind vinyl siding, causing mold inside walls
  • • Blown-out caulk around windows and door frames
  • • Chipped paint on HardiPlank and trim boards
  • • Etched or scarred brick and mortar
  • • Streaking and "tiger stripes" from uneven pressure

Soft washing avoids every single one of these problems. The detergent does the cleaning — not brute force.

Soft wash vs. pressure wash

Pressure (PSI)Under 500 vs. 2,500–4,000
Cleaning agentYes (biodegradable) vs. water only
Risk to siding / paintMinimal vs. high
Lasts12–18 months vs. 3–6 months
Kills organisms?Yes (at root) vs. no (surface only)

How pricing works for house washing

House wash pricing depends on square footage, height, how much buildup is present, and whether there are extras like shutters, dormers, or tricky landscaping to protect. We quote the full price up front after reviewing your address — no surprises on service day.

  • Single-story ranch: most affordable — flat walls, easy access
  • Two-story with soffits/trim: mid-range — requires extension equipment
  • Large/custom with dormers: higher — more surface area and detail work
  • Add-ons: gutters, windows, driveway — cheaper when bundled same-day

Customer-first promise

100% happiness or we come back.

If something dries uneven, if we missed a section, or if you just want a second look — let us know and we'll return at no cost. That's our standard, not a marketing gimmick.

Fully insured. Local crew. Real person answering calls during business hours.

What's included in a house wash?

  • • Pre-soak of all plants, grass, and landscaping around the house
  • • Full exterior soft wash (all reachable siding, dormers, trim, soffits)
  • • Eaves, spider-web, and cobweb knock-down during the wash
  • • Window frame & shutter cleaning (exterior)
  • • Post-rinse of plants and hardscapes to dilute any residual solution
  • • Before/after photos texted or emailed on completion
  • • Satisfaction guarantee — we'll come back if anything's off

Want to add gutters, windows, a driveway, or a patio? Just mention it when you request a quote — bundling saves you money and us a trip.

House washing FAQ

Is soft washing safe for vinyl siding?

Absolutely. We use pressures lower than a garden hose. The cleaning solution does all the work, so there's zero risk of water intrusion or panel damage.

How often should I wash my house exterior?

In the Charlotte area, most homes benefit from a wash every 12–18 months. Heavily shaded homes or north-facing walls may need it once a year.

Will the chemicals harm my plants?

We use biodegradable solutions and pre-soak all landscaping before and after. In years of doing this, plant damage is virtually unheard of.

How much does a house wash cost in Charlotte?

It depends on size and height. Most single-story homes start in the low hundreds; two-story homes are typically a bit more. We confirm the price before scheduling.

Do I need to be home?

No — just make sure windows are closed and we can reach a working outdoor spigot. We'll text you photos when we're done.

Who do I call if I have questions?

Our Charlotte office picks up during business hours. Call or text (704) 396-4825 and a real person will answer.

Ready for a fresh-looking house?

Send your address and we'll quote a soft wash that actually makes sense for your home.