The Best Way to Wash Your House: A Step-by-Step Guide for Florida Homes

Discover the best way to wash your house in Florida. Learn step-by-step how to remove algae, mold, and mildew while protecting your home and landscaping.

Introduction

Your home’s exterior is constantly under attack from Florida’s heat, humidity, and frequent rains. Algae, mold, mildew, and lichen thrive in these conditions, leaving your siding stained, your gutters streaked, and your curb appeal fading. Regular house washing not only restores beauty but also protects your home from costly long-term damage.

This guide will show you the best way to wash your house step by step — including tips on treating stubborn stains and protecting your landscaping along the way.

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Why Regular House Washing Is Important

• Stops algae, mold & mildew growth before it spreads

• Protects siding & paint from premature wear and rot

• Boosts curb appeal and home value instantly

• Prevents allergens like mold spores from spreading around your home

• Helps spot damage early so you can address repairs before they become major

For Florida homes, we recommend a professional wash at least once a year — more often if your home sits under trees or receives heavy shade and moisture.

House Washing vs. Power Washing: What’s the Difference?

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A lot of people ask us about “power washing a house.” Technically, power washing means using high-pressure water (sometimes with heat) to blast away dirt. While this works well for hard surfaces like concrete driveways, it can damage siding, windows, and trim.

That’s why at Sunshine AquaWash, we use a soft washing method — a low-pressure rinse combined with professional cleaning solutions. This safely removes algae, mold, mildew, and stains without risking damage to your home.

So if you’re searching for “house power washing near me,” what you really need is a professional soft wash house cleaning.

Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

• Soft wash system or low-pressure pressure washer

• House wash solution (siding-safe bleach/detergent mix)

• Pump-up sprayer (for spot treating heavy algae, mold, mildew, or lichen)

• Soft bristle brush with extension pole

• Garden hose

• Ladder (for reach, if necessary)

• Safety gear: gloves, protective glasses, non-slip shoes

Plant Protection Tip: Don’t cover plants in Florida’s heat — it can bake them. Instead, rinse plants before, during, and after the wash and redirect runoff away from landscaping using plastic tubing or downspout bags.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash a House

1. Pre-rinse siding and landscaping with clean water.

2. Apply detergent solution with a soft wash system or sprayer, working from the bottom upward to avoid streaking.

3. Spot treat stubborn stains: Use a pump-up sprayer with a bleach-water mix to directly treat heavy algae, mold, mildew, or lichen. Allow a few minutes of dwell time.

4. Lightly brush problem areas if needed, using a soft bristle brush.

5. Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom using low pressure to avoid damage.

6. Final rinse plants and grass to neutralize any overspray.

7. Inspect your siding for missed areas and reapply treatment as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much pressure — this can damage siding, force water behind panels, and strip paint.

• Failing to rinse plants — residual bleach can burn leaves or grass.

• Letting detergent dry on hot sunny days — always work in sections and rinse promptly.

• Forgetting windows and soffits — these areas often collect algae and need attention too.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

While some homeowners try DIY house washing, there are risks. Two-story homes, fragile siding, and tough stains require more than just a store-bought pressure washer.

DIY Pros:

• Lower cost upfront

• Good for small touch-ups

DIY Cons:

• Risk of siding, window, or roof damage

• Safety concerns with ladders and equipment

• Inconsistent results

Hiring a Professional Like Sunshine AquaWash:

• Experienced with Florida’s algae and mold challenges

• Use soft wash techniques safe for all siding types (Stucco, Vinyl, Brick, Stone, Hardie Board, etc.)

• Provide thorough plant protection and runoff control

• Save you time and effort while delivering spotless results

David Moore, Owner Sunshine AquaWash using Soft Wash House Wash in Bradenton FL

Ready to Refresh Your Home’s Exterior?

Regular house washing keeps your home beautiful, protected, and HOA-compliant. Don’t waste weekends battling algae and mildew — let the pros handle it for you.

📞 Call Sunshine AquaWash today at (813) 421-2790

💻 Or request your free quote online: www.sunshineaquawash.com/contact

See more before and after photos on our Pinterest House Washing Page: https://pin.it/7udCC78eX

We proudly serve Bradenton, Palmetto, Ellenton, Parrish, Lakewood Ranch, and surrounding Florida communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About House Washing

1. How often should I wash my house in Florida?

We recommend at least once per year. Homes under trees or in shaded, damp areas may need it more often to prevent algae and mold growth.

2. Is power washing safe for my siding?

Not always. High-pressure power washing can damage siding and force water behind it. That’s why we use soft washing— low pressure with professional cleaning solutions — to safely clean vinyl, stucco, brick, and Hardie board siding.

3. What’s the difference between house washing and roof cleaning?

House washing focuses on siding, windows, gutters, and soffits, while roof cleaning targets algae and stains on shingles or tile. Both services help extend the life of your home’s exterior.

4. Do I need to prepare my home before a house wash?

We recommend moving vehicles out of the driveway, removing items close to the house, and making sure windows and doors are shut tightly. We’ll take care of protecting plants and landscaping.

5. Will house washing remove stains like rust or oil?

House washing removes dirt, algae, mold, and mildew. For specialty stains like rust or oil, we offer additional treatment services.

6. How much does house washing cost?

Pricing depends on the size of the home, condition of the siding, and add-on services. Most Florida homes fall between $350 – $800. Contact us for a free quote.