Soft Wash & Pressure Washing: The Basics

Learn a little bit about what we do and how professional exterior cleaning can beautify, preserve, and protect your property. You can also contact us directly and we'll answer any questions you may have!

Eastcoast SoftwashEastcoast Softwash is based in Rollinsford / Dover, New Hampshire. We provide soft wash and pressure washing services to homeowners and businesses throughout Seacoast New Hampshire and Southeastern Maine, as well as select towns in the New Hampshire Lakes and Massachusetts North Shore regions.

Below is a list of towns that we service.

New Hampshire Service Area

  • All Towns in Strafford County: Barrington, Durham, Farmington, Lee, Madbury, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Rollinsford, and Strafford
  • Most Towns in Rockingham County: Brentwood, Candia, Chester, Danville, Deerfield, East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Greenland, Hampstead, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, Kingston, New Castle, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, Newton, North Hampton, Northwood, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Raymond, Rye, Salem, Sandown, Seabrook, South Hampton, and Stratham
  • Select Towns in the New Hampshire Lakes Region: Alton, Barnstead, New Durham, Wakefield, and Wolfeboro

Maine Service Area

  • Most Towns in York County: Acton, Alfred, Arundel, Berwick, Biddeford, Buxton, Dayton, Eliot, Hollis, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lebanon, Limerick, Limington, Lyman, North Berwick, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Sanford, Shapleigh, South Berwick, Waterboro, Wells, and York

Towns Served in Massachusetts

  • Select Towns in the North Shore Region: Amesbury, Ipswich, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and Topsfield

Don’t see your town?

Contact us and we’ll let you know if we can get to you!

Just like the name implies, pressure washing uses high pressure (1300 to upwards of 4000 PSI) to physically blast away dirt and debris. Soft washing uses lower pressures (usually 60 to 300 PSI) along with specialized, eco-friendly cleaning solutions to clear away grime and kill mold, algae, and mildew at the root.

Both methods clear away destructive contaminants, improve the look of your property, and reduce pests. Because each method has unique strengths, we employ BOTH soft wash and power washing techniques to ensure that each job is handled to perfection.

Soft Washing Quick Facts

  • Soft washing pairs water with specialized, eco-friendly cleaning solutions clear away grime and kill mold, algae, bacteria, and mildew at the root.
  • Water is sprayed at lower pressures, generally 60 to 300 PSI (and not more than 500 PSI). Soft washing also uses 60 to 80% less water than traditional pressure washing.
  • The cleaning solution breaks down and kills off contaminants, even below the surface.
  • Because it kills off contaminants at the root, soft washing lasts 3 to 6 times longer than standard pressure washing.
  • Because it's gentle, soft washing is excellent for cleaning exterior surfaces that are in any way delicate, porous, or prone to denting, splintering, or etching. This includes painted surfaces, wood, masonry, vinyl and aluminum siding, cedar shakes, stucco, roof shingles and tiles. Soft washing is the official wash method recommended by asphalt shingle manufacturers.
  • Soft washing should be performed by a qualified processional who will properly assess your site, prepare the correct chemical solution, and apply the correct solution-pressure combination to ensure a safe, effective, lasting clean. We also protect your landscaping, which is essential when soft washing.

Pressure Washing Quick Facts

  • Water is sprayed at very high pressures (1300 to upwards of 4000+ PSI).
  • Dirt, grime, debris, and stubborn stains are physically blasted away by the force of the water.
  • Pressure washing is a fast, chemical-free way to remove heavy grime and oil stains, but it should be limited to hard, non-porous materials like concrete pavement and metal that is not prone to denting. If the surface has organic contaminants (algae growth, bacteria, moss, or mold), soft washing may be used for pre-treatment, since pressure washing will only displace those organisms (not kill them off).
  • If done improperly, pressure washing can lead to surface etching, denting, and splintering. It can shatter protective shingle granules and potentially force water into unwanted areas. Because of this, it's best to work with a professional who will perform a proper site assessment and choose the best cleaning method(s) for your particular project.

With an excellent return on investment, soft washing is extremely beneficial, clearing harmful mold, mildew, bacteria, and algae, extending material lifespan, and creating a healthier building envelope overall. The process itself is gentle and thorough so you're able to get a deep, long-lasting clean without causing any damage that a high-pressure wash or straight chemical application could cause.

Boost Curb Appeal

This is the most obvious benefit of soft washing and the reason why most people decide to do it. Cleaning the exterior of your home or business makes your property bright, welcoming, and beautiful. Cleaning your property can also boost property value, attracting buyers and giving them confidence that the property has been well maintained.

Clean Without Damage

  • When done by an experienced professional, soft washing is a perfect balance of water pressure and cleaning solution. Before beginning, we perform a site evaluation to assess the level of contamination and the condition of your surfaces. From there, we dial in the best cleaning plan for your home.
  • Because soft washing employs low pressure (less than 500 PSI), water does not get forced past siding and sheathing, behind walls, under shingles, or into soffit vents and gaps like it can with standard pressure washing.
  • Similarly, soft washing cleans without damaging caulking, mortar joints, paint, window seals, and other delicate building materials.
  • Soft washing is particularly important for roofing, where high-pressure washing can strip or shatter protective granules from asphalt shingles, crack tiles, or dislodge shingles. In fact, soft washing is the official, industry-recommended method for cleaning roofs.

Protect & Preserve Building Materials

  • Outdoor surfaces don't just collect dirt, they grow mold, bacteria, algae, moss, and lichen. This organic buildup traps moisture against your structures, causing rot, attracting insects, and breaking down materials.
  • Because soft washing kills off growth at the root, it significantly delays regrowth. Surfaces stay clean – and protected – much longer than they would with standard pressure/power washing.

Prepare for Finishing & Repairs

  • Clean surfaces will take on paint, stain, and refinishing much better than untreated surfaces. Soft washing clears away grime, residue, and dirt so new finishes adhere properly, look better, and last longer.
  • Clearing grime and buildup also helps reveal small cracks, rotting wood, crumbling mortar, and other hidden flaws, allowing you to repair and patch them before costly replacements are needed.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Soft washing can improve your home’s energy efficiency during hot months.

  • Black streaks attract radiant heat. When black streaks (caused by bacteria), mold, and moss build up on your roof, the darkened surfaces will attract more sunlight. Soft washing your roof and siding will remove that buildup and restore your exterior's solar reflectivity. Absorbing less radiant heat from the sun can keep your house cooler and reduce strain on your HVAC system.
  • Moss and lichen can create a steamy blanket. If you have thick layers of moss and lichen on your roof, they will act like a damp blanket, trapping moisture and heat against your home. Soft washing your roof clears that organic growth, allowing your home to breathe and shed heat normally again.

Clear & Deter Pests

Soft washing the exterior of your home or business will help deter pests for several reasons:

  • Soft washing eliminates food sources. Algae, moss, fungus, bacteria, lichen, mold, and built-up pollen are all attractive food sources for insects. Soft washing clears away grime and kills off organic growth at the root, clearing away the food source.
  • It prevents long-term rot. Organic growth on your roof and siding hold in moisture. Left untreated, this will lead to premature rot, which is a perfect habitat for insects and larvae.
  • It clears habitat. Soft washing clears away insect nests, egg sacs, and larvae that may be tucked away in eaves, soffits, and corners. Because it kills off organic growth at the root, softwashing helps prevent future infestations.
  • Preparing for Pest Control Treatments: If you have a significant pest problem and plan to call in a pest control service, softwashing is an excellent first step. Because everything has been cleared and sanitized, softwashing makes it much easier for follow-up barrier pest control treatments to be effective. It also makes it easier for pest control specialists to spot and repair possible entry points for larger visitors like mice and flying squirrels.

Create a Healthier Environment

  • Removing mold, mildew, allergens, and other contaminants allows the building envelope to dry out and breathe freely. It also clears air pollutants and spores that might otherwise drift indoors through windows and vents.
  • Removing slippery biofilms like moss, algae, and mildew helps to keep stairs, patios, decks porches, and walkways slip-free.

Yes. Soft washing the exterior of your home or business will help deter pests for several reasons.

Clearing Away Pests & Habitat

  • Soft washing eliminates food sources. Algae, moss, fungus, bacteria, lichen, mold, and built-up pollen are all attractive food sources for insects. Soft washing clears away grime and kills off organic growth at the root, clearing away the food source.
  • It prevents long-term rot. Organic growth on your roof and siding hold in moisture. Left untreated, this will lead to premature rot, which is a perfect habitat for insects and larvae.
  • It clears habitat. Soft washing clears away insect nests, egg sacs, and larvae that may be tucked away in eaves, soffits, and corners. Because it kills off organic growth at the root, soft washing helps prevent future infestations.

Preparing for Pest Control Treatments

If you have a significant pest problem and plan to call in a pest control service, soft washing is an excellent first step. Because everything has been cleared and sanitized, soft washing makes it much easier for follow-up barrier pest control treatments to be effective. It also makes it easier for pest control specialists to spot and repair possible entry points for larger visitors like mice and flying squirrels.

Soft washing is extremely beneficial for your home and is an excellent way to protect your investment. The process itself is gentle and thorough so you're able to get a deep, long-lasting clean without causing the damage that a high-pressure wash or straight chemical application could cause.

Soft washing is gentle and thorough.

  • When done by an experienced professional, soft washing is a perfect balance of water pressure and cleaning solution. Before beginning, we perform a site evaluation to assess the level of contamination and the condition of your surfaces. From there, we dial in the best cleaning plan for your home.
  • Because it uses low pressure (less than 500 PSI), water does not get forced past siding and sheathing, behind walls, under shingles, or into soffit vents and gaps like it can with standard pressure washing.
  • Similarly, soft washing cleans without damaging caulking, mortar joints, paint, window seals, and other delicate building materials.
  • Soft washing is particularly important for roofing, where high-pressure washing can strip or shatter protective granules from asphalt shingles, crack tiles, or dislodge shingles. In fact, soft washing is the official, industry-recommended method for cleaning roofs.

Soft washing has long-term structural benefits.

Soft washing protects and preserves building materials. Outdoor surfaces don't just collect dirt, they grow mold, bacteria, algae, moss, and lichen. This organic buildup traps moisture against your structures, causing rot, attracting insects, and breaking down materials. Soft washing kills off organic contaminants at the root, not just removing visible growth, but killing it off and clearing spores.

Because soft washing kills off growth at the root, it significantly delays regrowth. Surfaces stay clean – and protected – much longer than they would with standard pressure/power washing.

It also prepares surfaces for finishing & repairs.

  • Clean surfaces will take on paint, stain, and refinishing much better than untreated surfaces. Soft washing clears away grime, residue, and dirt so new finishes adhere properly, look better, and last longer.
  • Clearing grime and buildup also helps reveal small cracks and other flaws, allowing you to repair and patch them before costly replacements are needed.

Yes, soft washing can improve your home’s energy efficiency during hot months.

Black streaks attract radiant heat.

When black streaks (caused by bacteria), mold, and moss build up on your roof, the darkened surfaces will attract more sunlight. Soft washing your roof and siding will remove that buildup and restore your exterior's solar reflectivity. Absorbing less radiant heat from the sun can keep your house cooler and reduce strain on your HVAC system.

Moss and lichen can create a steamy blanket.

If you have thick layers of moss and lichen on your roof, they will act like a damp blanket, trapping moisture and heat against your home. Soft washing your roof clears that organic growth, allowing your home to breathe and shed heat normally again.

Yes. We follow very specific protocols to ensure you, your property, landscape, and pets are safe. We pre-soak landscaping, use proper dilution ratios, and thoroughly rinse all areas after cleaning to ensure safety for plants, wildlife, and pets.

Soft washing is a science and should be performed by a qualified professional who will properly assess your site, prepare the correct chemical solution, and apply the correct solution-pressure combination to ensure a safe, effective, lasting clean.

Yes. We provide soft wash and pressure washing services to property management companies, HOAs, commercial groups, retail plazas, mixed-use developments, industrial parks, medical complexes, and more. When partnering with a multi-tenant property, we will perform a full site review and a provide a clear, detailed plan to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Learn more about our commercial exterior cleaning services →

Yes! Whether you have customers, clients, patients, guests, or tenants, we work around your schedule and take care to minimize disruption to your business operations. We will coordinate with you to perform our work during off hours or slow traffic periods whenever possible.

Residential Exterior Cleaning

Restore curb appeal and protect your investment! We clean homes of all sizes, driveways, patios, siding, roofs, fencing, and more—and estimates are always free.