What Is Soft Washing? Why It’s the Best Way to Clean Your Home’s Exterior in Bellingham, Friday Harbor, and beyond
If you’ve noticed algae, moss, mildew, or grime building up on your home’s siding, deck, or roof, you might be wondering what the safest way is to clean it. The answer? Soft washing—a powerful yet gentle cleaning method that’s ideal for homes in Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, and the San Juan Islands.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning technique that uses a specialized cleaning solution to safely remove organic buildup from delicate surfaces like:
Vinyl siding
Stucco
Wood decks and fences
Outdoor furniture
Roofs (especially shingle or tile)
Painted surfaces
Unlike pressure washing, which can damage surfaces if used incorrectly, soft washing is safe for your home and highly effective at killing mold, mildew, moss, and algae at the root.
Why Soft Washing Matters in Northwest Washington
In the Pacific Northwest, where we see a lot of moisture and overcast skies, conditions are perfect for organic growth like moss and algae. These organisms don’t just look bad—they can actually cause damage over time.
For example:
Moss on your roof can lift and deteriorate shingles
Algae on siding can cause staining and deterioration
Mildew can affect the air quality near windows, doors, and vents
If you live in Whatcom or San Juan County, regular soft washing can help extend the life of your home’s exterior and keep it looking fresh year-round.
Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing—What’s the Difference?
Water Pressure:
Soft washing uses low pressure (under 500 PSI), while pressure washing uses high pressure (1,500–4,000 PSI).
Best For:
Soft washing is best for siding, roofs, fences, outdoor décor, and more delicate surfaces.
Pressure washing is best for concrete, driveways, patios, and other hard surfaces.
Cleaning Method:
Soft washing uses a cleaning solution followed by a gentle rinse.
Pressure washing relies on the force of water to blast away dirt.
Risk of Damage:
Soft washing has a very low risk of damage.
Pressure washing can damage paint, wood, shingles, and older surfaces if done incorrectly.
We Soft Wash in Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale & the Islands
Squeegee Monkey provides expert soft washing services throughout Whatcom County and San Juan County. Whether you have a home on the beach in Friday Harbor, a backyard deck in Lynden, or siding in the shade of Bellingham’s evergreens, we can clean it safely and thoroughly.
We are fully insured and trained to handle even the most delicate surfaces.
Get a Free Soft Washing Quote Today
Our team is ready to restore your home’s exterior to like-new condition. Mention this blog post and receive 10% off your first soft washing service.
👉 Click here to schedule your free quote
