ServicesExterior Soft Wash
Exterior Soft Washing in Saratoga Springs
We wash the siding, trim and walls on every side of your house with low pressure and a mild solution. Mildew, algae and gutter streaks come off without stripping paint or forcing water behind the siding. It is careful upkeep that keeps the outside of your home clean and helps the materials last.
A gentle soft wash for siding, trim and walls
Siding takes the weather every day of the year. Shaded north walls grow a green film of algae, mildew spreads in gray and black spots, and overflowing gutters leave dark streaks down the trim. None of it shows up overnight, but over a few seasons it dulls the house and holds moisture against paint, vinyl and wood.
Our soft wash uses low water pressure and a mild cleaning solution, then a gentle rinse. A pressure washer can force water behind siding, lift paint and caulk, and etch soft trim. We avoid that. The solution does the work, the growth comes off, and the surfaces are left clean and intact.
What the work covers
- 01
Siding on all sides
We wash the front, sides and back of the house, vinyl, wood or fiber cement, so every wall comes back to an even color instead of just the side facing the street.
- 02
Trim, fascia and soffits
Window trim, corner boards, fascia and soffits get a gentle wash and rinse, with care around caulk and painted edges so the finish stays put.
- 03
Mildew, algae and north-side film
The green film on shaded north walls and the dark mildew spots under eaves get a solution that kills the growth, not just the surface stain, so it is slower to come back.
- 04
Gutter streaks and walls
Black streaks on gutter faces and the runoff stains below them are treated and rinsed, along with foundation walls splashed with dirt from the beds.
- 05
Lighting lenses as an add-on
If you have permanent lighting along the roofline, we can wipe the lenses and track while we are up there. Ask for it when you call and we will add it to your quote.
Questions about Exterior Soft Wash?
Call(518) 757-9353Signs your lighting is due for a cleaning
Whites look yellow or uneven
A film on the lens warms the color and softens brightness. When some sections look different from others, dirt is usually the reason.
Green or black streaks on the trim
Mildew and algae favor shaded, north-facing eaves. Left alone, they hold moisture against the trim and the track.
Nests and webs in the channel
These show up at night as dark spots between lights. They also trap debris that keeps the channel damp.
Dull color after pollen season
Late spring leaves a yellow dust on everything. One cleaning restores the brightness you paid for.
A few years since installation
Even a well-kept system benefits from a routine wash and a close look at its clips and seals.
How a cleaning visit runs
- 1
Walk the run together
We look at the full length of your lighting from the ground and the ladder, note any buildup or wear, and tell you what we plan to do.
- 2
Protect and power down
We switch the system off at the controller, cover nearby plants that need it and set ladders with pads so they do not mark gutters or siding.
- 3
Soft wash and hand detail
Low pressure and a mild solution do most of the work. Stubborn spots on lenses get a soft cloth rather than more force.
- 4
Rinse, dry and test
After a light rinse and time to dry, we power the system back up and cycle through colors and scenes in the app with you so you can see the result.
- 5
Notes for next time
We tell you what we saw and suggest a sensible interval for your home, based on shade, trees and how quickly film builds up.
What shapes the price
Every home is quoted on its own, and you hear the number before we start. The price comes down to how much lighting there is, how hard it is to reach and how much buildup we find. A system that is cleaned on a regular schedule usually takes less time on each visit.
- Length of the run
- More linear feet of lighting means more lenses and more track to clean.
- Height and roof pitch
- Two-story eaves, steep pitches and tight side yards take more setup and more careful ladder work.
- Amount of buildup
- Light pollen rinses away quickly. Years of mildew on a shaded side takes slow, careful hand detailing.
- What the check turns up
- If a clip or seal needs attention, we explain it and quote it separately. Nothing is added without your say.
Questions about cleaning permanent lighting
Will water damage my permanent lights?
Not with the way we clean. Outdoor lighting is built to handle rain, and a low-pressure soft wash puts on far less force than a storm. We keep the system powered off during the wash and let it dry before switching it back on.
How often should the lights be cleaned?
Most homes do well with a cleaning once a year. Homes under heavy tree cover or with shaded north-facing eaves may want it more often. We will suggest an interval after we see how your system holds up.
When is the best time of year to schedule?
Late spring, after pollen settles, and early fall, before the holiday season, are both good choices. Fall timing means your lights look their best when you use them most.
Do I need to be home during the visit?
It helps to be around at the end so we can test the colors and scenes together in the app. If you cannot be, we can arrange access to the controller ahead of time and walk you through the results afterward.
Is the cleaning solution safe around plants and pets?
We use a mild solution, cover sensitive plants nearby and rinse as we go. We do ask that pets stay inside while we work, mainly so they are clear of ladders.
Can you clean lighting someone else installed?
Usually, yes. Tell us what system you have when you call for your quote, and we will let you know what to expect. We also handle permanent exterior lighting installation if you are planning a new run.
Keep your roofline lights bright for years
A short call gets you a free quote for cleaning your permanent lighting. We will ask a few questions about your home and the length of the run, then give you a clear number.