How Much Does it Cost to Soft Wash a House in Florida?

- February 10 2025
- South Florida Soft Wash
Keeping your home’s exterior clean isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s essential for maintaining the integrity and longevity of your property. Florida’s humid climate creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and algae to thrive on your home’s surfaces. Regular exterior cleaning can prevent long-term damage, enhance your home’s appearance, and even increase its value.
Many homeowners in Florida are turning to soft washing as a safe, effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional pressure washing. If you’re considering soft washing your home but aren’t sure about the cost, this guide will break down everything you need to know.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses specialized solutions to break down dirt, algae, mold, and other contaminants without the harsh force of pressure washing. Power washing combines pressure and heat, which can damage certain materials. Unlike pressure and power washing, soft washing is designed to clean without causing harm to your siding, roof, or other exterior surfaces.
Why Choose Soft Washing Over Pressure or Power Washing?
While pressure washing and power washing both use high-pressure water to remove dirt and grime, soft washing takes a different approach that provides several advantages:
- Safer for Surfaces: Soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with cleaning agents to remove contaminants without damaging surfaces like stucco, vinyl, or wood. High-pressure methods can lead to cracked siding, stripped paint, and even water intrusion.
- More Effective Against Organic Growth: Soft washing treats the root cause of mold, mildew, and algae by using eco-friendly cleaning solutions that kill these organisms instead of just blasting them away. Pressure washing can remove visible stains but often doesn’t eliminate the underlying issue, leading to faster regrowth.
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions: Soft washing uses biodegradable chemicals that are safe for landscaping, pets, and the environment. Power washing relies solely on water pressure, which can lead to wasted water and ineffective cleaning without added chemicals.
- Longer-Lasting Results: Because soft washing removes organic growth at the source, it provides a longer-lasting clean compared to pressure washing. Homeowners typically need to pressure wash more frequently to maintain similar results.
- Ideal for Roofs and Delicate Materials: Pressure washing is too harsh for certain surfaces, such as shingles and painted wood. Soft washing is specifically designed to clean these materials without causing damage, making it the preferred method for roof cleaning.
How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a House vs. Soft Wash
If you’re considering professional cleaning, you might wonder how much it costs. The national average to pressure wash a house can range any where from $0.15 to $0.75 per square foot. So, if your home is around 2,000 square feet, you could expect pay up to $1,500. However, your home's size, location, siding material, and the complexity of the cleaning will impact the final estimate from a professional.
Most professional soft wash cleaners provide upfront estimates between a range of $400 to $1,200 depending on the size of your property and specific services request.
DIY vs. Professional Exterior Cleaning Costs
For the weekend warrior who wants to tackle the job of exterior cleaning themselves, there are the items you’ll need to get the job done right.
Whether you choose soft washing, pressure washing, or power washing to remove dirt, algae, or mold, there are upfront costs to consider before you get started:
- Pressure Washer Rental: $50 – $150 per day
- Soft Washing Equipment Rental: $200 – $500
- Detergents & Cleaning Solutions: $30 – $100
- Safety Gear (for roof cleaning): $50 – $150
- Additional Equipment (hoses, extension wands, ladders): $50 – $200
While DIY might seem cost-effective, improper use of a pressure washer can lead to costly damage to your home’s exterior, requiring repairs that exceed the cost of hiring a professional.
For those who want to invest their time and resources elsewhere, like spending time with family or enjoying a hobby, hiring a professional is a great option.
Factors That Impact the Cost to Soft Wash a House
Several factors influence the final price of a soft wash service:
- Size of Your Home – Larger homes require more cleaning solution and time.
- One-Story vs. Two-Story Homes – Multi-story homes require special equipment and added labor.
- Type of Siding – Some materials (stucco, vinyl, or brick) require different cleaning techniques.
- Location – Prices vary based on demand and the cost of living in your area.
- Services Requested – Full exterior cleaning vs. targeted services (roof, driveway, windows, fencing).
National Average Cost to Soft Wash a House by Square Footage
To help homeowners budget for exterior cleaning, it’s useful to understand the typical costs associated with soft washing based on home size. While pricing depends on factors like location and surface material, the following table provides a general guideline on what to expect for different square footage ranges.
Home Size |
Average Cost |
Under 1,000 sqft |
$300 – $600 |
1,000 – 2,000 sqft |
$400 – $800 |
2,000 – 3,000 sqft |
$600 - $1000 |
3,000+ sqft |
$800 – $1,500+ |
Average Cost to Soft Wash a House in Florida
Florida homeowners often face increased mold, mildew, and algae buildup due to high humidity. The cost of soft washing in Florida generally falls within the national averages but may be on the higher end due to year-round demand.
Service Type |
Average Cost in Florida |
Full Exterior Cleaning |
$400 - $1,200 |
Roof Only |
$250 - $800 |
Windows Only |
$100 - $300 |
Fencing |
$150 - $500 |
Driveway |
$100 - $400 |
Get Started with a Free Estimate from South Florida Soft Wash
Soft washing is a worthwhile investment to maintain your home’s beauty and structural integrity. If you’re ready to refresh your home’s exterior, contact South Florida Soft Wash for a free estimate today. Our professional team is ready to help make your home shine while protecting it from long-term damage.