Before & After
Whether you’re prepping for paint, cleaning off seasonal grime, or maintaining your home’s curb appeal, exterior washing is key! But not all washing methods are created equal, especially here in New England, where historic homes, wood siding, and salty air are the norm.
Many homeowners assume power washing is the best solution, but in reality, soft washing is often the safer, more effective alternative – especially for delicate exteriors. Here’s why.
Soft Washing:
- Uses low-pressure water combined with specialized, eco-friendly cleaning solutions
- Gently breaks down dirt, algae, mold, and mildew at the source
- Safe for delicate surfaces like wood siding, cedar shingles, vinyl, painted exteriors, and historic trim
Power Washing:
- Uses high-pressure water (up to 3,000 PSI)
- Best suited for concrete, stone, and hardscapes (driveways, patios, retaining walls)
- Can strip paint, gouge wood, or damage siding if used incorrectly
Why Smyth Painting Company stands behind soft washing
Protects wood siding and trim:
Many homes in Rhode Island and across New England feature cedar shakes, clapboard, or painted wood siding. High-pressure water can erode these materials, strip paint prematurely, or force moisture deep into the wood—leading to warping, rot, and costly repairs.
Soft washing eliminates grime without compromising the integrity of your home’s exterior.
In places like Newport, Bristol, and Warren, many homes are 50, 100, or even 200+ years old. Their materials weren’t designed for modern pressure washing equipment. Soft washing gently restores these surfaces without risking permanent damage.
Homes closer to the coast also suffer from salt air buildup, which soft washing removes without grinding the salt crystals into your paint or siding.
Soft washing doesn’t just rinse mold and mildew away—it treats the root of the problem using biodegradable detergents. That means cleaner surfaces that stay clean longer, reducing the frequency of maintenance and preventing regrowth.
If you’re repainting your home, proper prep is non-negotiable. Soft washing ensures your surface is clean, free of organic growth, and ready for primers—without stripping or damaging your current paint or stain.
Soft wash systems use less water and lower pressure, reducing runoff and the risk of damaging your lawn, gardens, or flowerbeds. It’s a greener, gentler approach that keeps both your home and your landscape in top shape.
When Should you Soft Wash?
- Before exterior painting or staining
- When moss, algae or mildew appear on siding or trim
- As part of your annual or seasonal home maintenance
Your property is your biggest investment – and it deserves to be treated with care. Soft washing is the smartest and safest way to keep your exterior clean and protected especially in our unique New England climate.
