Soft Washing Services in St. Augustine, FL

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing is a cleaning method specifically designed for surfaces that would be damaged by traditional high-pressure washing. Instead of relying on brute force, soft washing combines low-pressure water (typically 150-500 PSI) with professional-grade cleaning solutions to safely dissolve and remove organic growth like mold, mildew, algae, and lichen.

Think of it this way: pressure washing blasts contaminants off the surface, but soft washing actually kills them. This means the results last significantly longer—often 4 to 6 times longer than pressure washing alone.

Why St. Augustine Homes Need Soft Washing

St. Augustine's location on Florida's Atlantic coast creates a perfect storm for exterior contamination. Humidity levels regularly exceed 70%, rainfall is abundant, and temperatures rarely drop low enough to kill organic growth. Add salt air from the ocean, and you have conditions where mold and algae don't just survive—they flourish.

The black streaks you see on roofs throughout St. Johns County? That's Gloeocapsa Magma, a type of cyanobacteria that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. Left untreated, it doesn't just look bad—it actually shortens your roof's lifespan by holding moisture against the shingles.

Those green patches on north-facing walls? Algae growth that creates a dangerously slippery surface when wet. The gray discoloration on your stucco? Mold that can eventually work its way into your home's structure.

Regular soft washing isn't just about curb appeal (though your home will look incredible). It's about protecting your investment from Florida's relentless climate.

Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: What's the Difference?

Many homeowners assume all exterior cleaning is the same. It's not—and using the wrong method can cause serious damage.

Pressure Washing uses water at 1,300-3,500 PSI or higher. It's excellent for hard surfaces like concrete driveways and brick patios but can strip paint, damage wood grain, crack stucco, dislodge shingle granules, and force water behind siding where it causes rot and mold growth inside your walls.

Soft Washing uses water at 150-500 PSI combined with cleaning solutions that do the heavy lifting. The lower pressure is safe for roofing, siding, stucco, screens, and painted surfaces. Because soft washing kills organic growth rather than just removing it, results typically last 4-6 times longer.

At Ashore Exteriors, we're trained in both methods and always use the right approach for each surface. Your roof gets soft washed. Your driveway gets pressure washed. Your home gets the specific treatment it needs.

Our Soft Washing Process

Step 1: Property Assessment We start by walking your property and identifying all areas of concern. We note the types of surfaces, severity of growth, and any special considerations like nearby plants or water features.

Step 2: Preparation & Protection Before applying any solutions, we wet down landscaping and cover sensitive plants. We close windows and ensure pets are safely inside.

Step 3: Solution Application We apply our professional-grade cleaning solution using specialized soft wash equipment. The solution begins working immediately, breaking down organic growth at the cellular level.

Step 4: Dwell Time The cleaning solution needs time to work. Depending on the severity of contamination, this typically takes 10-20 minutes. We monitor the process carefully to ensure complete treatment.

Step 5: Low-Pressure Rinse Once the solution has done its job, we thoroughly rinse all surfaces with low-pressure water, removing the dead organic matter and any remaining cleaning solution.

Step 6: Final Inspection We walk the property with you to ensure every area meets our standards—and yours.

Why Choose Ashore Exteriors for Soft Washing in St. Augustine

Local Knowledge: We live and work in St. Augustine. We understand the specific challenges Florida's First Coast throws at your home and have developed our approach accordingly.

Proper Training & Equipment: Soft washing requires specialized equipment and knowledge of cleaning chemistry. We invest in professional-grade equipment and ongoing training to deliver superior results safely.

Insurance & Licensing: We're fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind that your property is protected.

Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind our work. If you're not happy with any aspect of our service, we'll make it right.