What Is Soft Washing?
I'm Ken McClary, owner of Wash NWA, and I provide professional soft washing services in Fayetteville, AR. If you're not familiar with soft washing, here's the short version: it's a cleaning method that uses low water pressure combined with specialized cleaning solutions to remove dirt, algae, mold, mildew, and bacteria from exterior surfaces.
Unlike traditional pressure washing, which relies on brute force to blast away grime, soft washing lets the cleaning solution do the heavy lifting. The water pressure I use during a soft wash is no stronger than a garden hose. The difference is the biodegradable cleaning solution that kills organic growth at the root, not just on the surface.
This matters because many surfaces around your Fayetteville home were never designed to handle high-pressure water. Vinyl siding, painted wood, stucco, roof shingles, window seals, and delicate trim can all be damaged by a pressure washer in the wrong hands. Soft washing cleans them thoroughly without any risk of damage.
Why Fayetteville Homes Need Soft Washing
Fayetteville sits in the heart of the Ozarks, surrounded by heavy tree cover and rolling terrain that traps moisture. The mature oaks, hickories, and pines throughout neighborhoods like Wilson Park, the Gulley Park area, and the historic districts near the Fayetteville Square create shade that keeps surfaces damp long after the rain stops. That's prime real estate for algae and mold.
Historic Homes and Older Construction
Fayetteville has some of the most character-rich homes in Northwest Arkansas. The neighborhoods around the University of Arkansas campus, the streets branching off Dickson Street, and the historic areas near the downtown square feature homes with original wood siding, painted brick, and architectural details that demand a careful touch. Pressure washing these surfaces can strip paint, gouge wood, and erode mortar. Soft washing cleans them safely while preserving the character that makes these homes special.
The University Area
Rental properties and homes near the U of A campus see heavy use and often develop significant exterior buildup. Landlords and homeowners in this area benefit from annual soft washing to maintain curb appeal and protect their investment. I work with several property owners in the university area who have me out every spring to reset their exteriors.
Humidity and Organic Growth
Fayetteville averages over 46 inches of rain per year. Combine that with summer humidity that regularly exceeds 80%, and you have a climate that practically manufactures mold and algae. Those dark streaks on your siding or the green film on your north-facing walls aren't cosmetic issues. They're biological growth that, left untreated, can deteriorate your siding and affect the air quality around your home.
Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing
Different tools for different jobs. I use both, depending on the surface.
Soft Washing
Best for: House siding, roofs, painted surfaces, wood, stucco, fences, gutters, and any surface that can be damaged by high pressure. Uses cleaning solution + low pressure.
Pressure Washing
Best for: Concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, brick pavers, and other hard surfaces that can handle 3,000+ PSI. Uses high pressure for deep cleaning.
Many companies in the Fayetteville area use one method for everything. That's a problem. If someone pressure washes your vinyl siding at full power, they can crack it, force water behind it, and void your warranty. If they soft wash your concrete driveway, they won't get the deep stains out.
I carry equipment for both methods and choose the right one based on what I'm cleaning. Most Fayetteville homes need soft washing for the siding and pressure washing for the driveway and walkways. I can do both in a single visit.
What I Soft Wash in Fayetteville
Any exterior surface that needs a gentle but thorough cleaning.
House Siding
Vinyl, wood, fiber cement, stucco, painted brick - I clean them all safely. Removes years of dirt, algae, mold, and mildew buildup without damaging the surface or finish.
Roofs & Gutters
Those black streaks on your roof are a type of algae called Gloeocapsa magma. Soft washing removes it without disturbing your shingles. I also clean gutter exteriors to remove the dark tiger-stripe staining.
Fences & Decks
Wood fences and decks in Fayetteville turn gray and green fast. Soft washing restores the natural wood tone and prepares the surface for staining or sealing if you choose to go that route.
Commercial Exteriors
Storefronts and office buildings along College Avenue, near the Square, and throughout Fayetteville benefit from regular soft washing. I work with business owners to keep their exteriors looking sharp.
My Soft Washing Process
Careful preparation, proper chemistry, and a thorough rinse.
Property Prep
I wet down surrounding landscaping and cover any sensitive plants near the house. I also close windows and note any areas that need special attention, like wood trim or older paint.
Apply Cleaning Solution
I apply my biodegradable cleaning solution from the bottom up, allowing it to dwell on the surface and kill algae, mold, and mildew at the root level. This is what makes soft washing last longer than pressure washing on these surfaces.
Low-Pressure Rinse
After the solution has done its work, I rinse everything from the top down with low-pressure water. This carries away all the dead organic material and cleaning solution, leaving the surface clean.
Final Inspection
I walk the entire perimeter of your home with you, checking every wall, eave, and corner. Any spots that need retreatment get it before I pack up. I also rinse your landscaping again as a precaution.
Service Areas Near Fayetteville
I'm based in Rogers and serve all of Northwest Arkansas.
Soft Washing Pricing in Fayetteville
Soft washing prices depend on the size of your home, the number of stories, and how much buildup is present. Here are typical ranges for Fayetteville properties:
- Small home (under 1,500 sq ft): $200 - $300
- Average home (1,500 - 2,500 sq ft): $300 - $450
- Large home (2,500+ sq ft): $450 - $650
- Fence cleaning: $100 - $250
- Roof soft wash: Quoted per project
- House + driveway combo: Discounted when bundled
I offer discounts when you combine soft washing with pressure washing for your driveway or patio in the same visit. Most Fayetteville homeowners save by doing both at once. Take a look at my gallery to see before-and-after results, or visit my services page for a complete list of what I offer.
Need Soft Washing in Fayetteville?
Text me a photo of your home's exterior and I'll send you a quote. Simple as that.
Or fill out my quote form and I'll get back to you.