There is a deeply satisfying feeling to stand back and view the freshly cleaned exterior of your home. You know it's a job well done when it has been restored to its original beauty and shine. While many parts of your home could be damaged by power washing, soft washing is the alternative for getting rid of nasty dirt and grime.

Soft washing is a technique using special equipment and water under low pressure. It is frequently used in combination with a gentle "bleaching" solution and surfactant. It is ideal for materials that cannot withstand brutal force, such as roofing materials, stucco and stained or painted surfaces.

5 Signs Your Home Needs Soft Washing

There are no hard and fast rules for when to soft wash your home, but when you can detect certain conditions with the naked eye, you'll know the time is right.

1. Streaky Roof. Those dark streaks that show up on your roof are not necessarily dirt. Streaking is caused by algae, mildew, mold and moss growing on your roofing materials. They impose severe wear and tear on your tiles and shingles.
2. Stains and Discoloration. These can be caused by accumulating organic debris, exposure to environmental pollution and contact with chemicals and oils. The enzymes and chemicals damage the surface finishes on walls, fences and decks.
3. Moldy Patches. During humid summer weather, especially in areas with many trees, your home's exterior walls and living space do not have a chance to thoroughly dry. Mold or mildew eats away at the building materials. It sends out toxic spores, creating health hazards.
4. Accumulated Debris. Nature will continue its attempt to reclaim your home, covering it with tree sap, twigs and leaves, pollen and insect webs. All of this attracts moisture, setting off a cycle of destruction and havoc.
5. Dull and Dirty. Like anything else that exists out of doors, your home is in the direct path of the wind and rain. Both leave dirty deposits behind that attract more dirt and diminish your home's curb appeal.

Soft Washing Requires Technical Expertise

There is a science to soft washing a home. The right balance of pressure and chemical application is needed to clean the surfaces and avoid damaging nearby plants, trees and lawns. Soft washing is an important step for winterizing your home, so it's important to have it done professionally before the cold weather arrives. Talk to the professionals! At Maintain It All, we have the expertise to soft wash your home, as well as power wash when it is appropriate.