Soft washing in Beaverton, Oregon removes the green algae, mildew and grime that build up on siding through the wet months, using low water pressure and a cleaning solution instead of force. Call 971-385-8011 to request a quote from Gorilla Property Services.
What is soft washing?
Soft washing cleans by chemistry rather than pressure. We apply a cleaning solution at roughly garden-hose pressure, let it sit long enough to break down and kill the growth, then rinse it away gently. Because the solution kills the algae and mildew rather than just knocking the top layer off, the surface stays clean longer than it would after a plain rinse.
Surfaces that call for a soft wash
- Vinyl and fiber cement siding
- Painted wood siding, trim and fascia
- Stucco
- Soffits and eaves
- Fences and deck railings with a painted or stained finish
High pressure on these materials can strip paint, gouge wood, crack stucco or force water behind the siding, where it causes problems you will not see until later.
Why siding turns green in Beaverton
From October to May, Beaverton walls rarely get a chance to dry out completely. Steady rain, short winter days and the shade from tall trees keep the north and east sides of many homes damp for months. Algae and mildew thrive in those conditions. The first sign is usually a green film along the bottom of the siding, on the side facing away from the sun, or under the eaves where the air does not move much.
Homes on wooded lots or close to a neighbor’s house tend to see it first. Left alone, the growth spreads and darkens, and it can hold moisture against painted wood long enough to shorten the life of the paint.
How we soft wash a house
- We walk the outside of the house and note the siding type, any loose boards or failing paint and anything near the walls that needs care.
- Doors and windows are closed, and outdoor items near the walls are moved where needed.
- The solution is applied from the bottom up so it does not streak.
- It is left on the surface long enough to work.
- Everything is rinsed from the top down at low pressure.
We match the strength of the solution to the surface and how heavy the growth is. Light film on vinyl needs much less than thick mildew on shaded painted wood.
When to soft wash in Beaverton
Spring and early summer are the most popular times. The worst of the rain is over, the growth from the winter is easy to see, and a dry stretch lets the siding dry properly afterward. Late summer works well too, especially before painting, so the new paint goes onto a clean, dry surface.
| Situation | Good time to book |
|---|---|
| Green film after the rainy season | Spring or early summer |
| Planning to repaint | A few weeks before the painters arrive |
| Getting the house ready to sell | Before the listing goes live |
Soft washing and pressure washing together
Most properties need both. Soft washing handles the siding and other delicate surfaces, while pressure washing handles concrete driveways, walkways and patios. Doing them on the same visit cleans the whole exterior at once.
Request a soft washing quote
Let us know what your siding is made of, roughly how big the house is and where the growth is worst, and we will get back to you with a quote. Call 971-385-8011 or use the form on this page.
