Living near the coast in Virginia Beach has plenty of perks. But between humidity, salt air, shade from trees and long stretches of damp weather, the outside of your home takes a beating. Green algae on the north side of the house, black streaks, mildew on the trim and dirt splashed up from the garden bed are all common sights in Hampton Roads.
When it is time to clean your home's exterior, one of the first questions homeowners ask is: Should I soft wash or pressure wash my siding? Here is how the two methods differ and how to choose the right one for your home.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing uses a high-pressure stream of water to blast away dirt, grime and buildup. It is powerful and effective on hard, durable surfaces.
Where pressure washing shines:
Concrete driveways and sidewalks
Patios
Some commercial concrete areas
For concrete, Shine Time uses hot water pressure washing and specialty degreasers when needed, along with commercial-grade surface cleaners for a consistent finish.
The downside: High pressure is not the right tool for every surface. On siding, high pressure can force water behind panels, and on softer or more delicate materials it can cause damage.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing uses low pressure combined with cleaning solutions that break down dirt, mold, mildew and algae. Instead of relying on force, the cleaning solution does the heavy lifting, and the surface is then rinsed gently.
Where soft washing shines:
Vinyl siding
Brick
EIFS (synthetic stucco)
Roofs
Other exterior surfaces that should not be blasted
At Shine Time, our house washing uses low-pressure cleaning methods and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to remove dirt, mold, mildew and algae from siding and building exteriors.
Which Method Is Right for Your Siding?
For most home siding, soft washing is the safer, smarter choice. Here is why:
It is gentle on your home. Low pressure reduces the risk of damaging siding, trim or seals.
It treats organic growth. Mold, mildew and algae are common in coastal Virginia. Cleaning solutions help break them down rather than just knocking them off the surface.
It works on many surfaces. Vinyl, brick, EIFS and other materials can all be cleaned with low-pressure methods.
That said, most homes benefit from both methods: soft washing for the house and roof, and pressure washing for the driveway, sidewalks and patio.
What About Roofs?
Black streaks on a roof are a common sight in Hampton Roads. Our soft wash roof cleaning uses methods designed for roofing surfaces to remove black stains, algae and organic buildup, improving curb appeal without aggressive high-pressure cleaning.
Special Cases: Cedar Siding and Stubborn Stains
Cedar siding: Wood siding needs extra care. Our Cedar Siding Restoration uses specialized cleaning solutions for delicate wood surfaces to remove dirt, mold, mildew, algae and weather-related discoloration, and can address discoloration from previous cleaning treatments.
Rust, graffiti and other stubborn stains: Some exterior stains require more than traditional pressure washing. Our Specialty Stain Removal service tackles rust, graffiti and other difficult stains.
When to Wash Your House
House washing is a great idea:
When you see green, black or gray growth on your siding
Before selling your home, to boost curb appeal
Before painting. A quality exterior paint job requires a clean surface, so we power wash every exterior before painting it.
As routine maintenance to keep your home looking its best
Other Exterior Surfaces Worth Cleaning
Siding is often the first thing homeowners notice, but it is rarely the only surface that needs attention. Driveways, sidewalks and patios collect dirt, mildew and stains that make a clean house look unfinished. Wood decks and fences can turn gray and slippery as mildew and algae build up. Roofs develop dark streaks, and windows collect salt film and water spots, especially close to the ocean.
Shine Time offers concrete, wood and roof cleaning, window cleaning with maintenance plans, cedar siding restoration and specialty stain removal, so it is easy to plan everything in one visit. Combining services can make sense because clean siding next to a stained driveway or dirty windows stands out more than ever.
How to Prepare for House Washing Day
A little preparation helps the crew work efficiently and protects your belongings. Close all windows and doors, and make sure exterior outlets and light fixtures have their covers in place. Move patio furniture, grills, planters, toys and decorations away from the walls. Park vehicles away from the house and out of the driveway if it is also being cleaned. Keep pets indoors during the work, and let the crew know about any fragile plants, recently painted areas, loose siding or trim, or known leaks around windows so they can take extra care in those spots.
After the wash, walk around the house with the crew if you can. It is a good chance to point out any areas you want checked and to ask how often your home should be washed given its shade, landscaping and distance from the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will pressure washing damage my vinyl siding?
High pressure can be too aggressive for siding. That is why Shine Time uses low-pressure cleaning methods with eco-friendly cleaning solutions for house washing.
Can you clean my driveway and my house at the same visit?
Shine Time offers house washing, concrete cleaning, roof washing, window washing, and deck and fence cleaning. Ask about combining services when you request your estimate.
Do you serve areas outside Virginia Beach?
Yes. We serve Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News and Suffolk.
Get a Free House Washing Estimate
Ready to make your home shine? Learn more about our house washing and power washing services, or contact us for a free estimate. Planning a fresh coat of paint, too? See our painting services.
Shine Time Powerwash & Paint 1229 Jensen Drive, Suite 102, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-731-0338 | admin@shinetimeinc.com