South Florida Soft Wash Blog

Preparing Your Home for Soft Washing: Expert Tips for Homeowners

Written by South Florida Soft Wash | June 09, 2025


When your home’s exterior starts to look dirty, it might be tempting to grab the hose or rent a pressure washer. However, high pressure can actually do more harm than good, especially on delicate surfaces like siding or shingles. Soft washing is a safe and effective alternative to clean your home’s exterior. It uses low-pressure water and eco-friendly solutions to gently remove buildup without damaging surfaces.

Getting your home soft washed is one of the easiest ways to refresh its exterior and protect it from long-term wear. But to get the best results, some preparation is needed. In this blog, we’ll share a few simple ways to prepare your home to help you make the most of your next cleaning.

1. Schedule Your Appointment at the Right Time

Booking your soft washing service at the right time helps everything run more smoothly and ensures the best possible results. Be sure to take a quick look at the weather forecast before choosing a day. Rain or strong winds can interfere with the cleaning solutions and make it harder for surfaces to dry properly.

It’s also a good idea to avoid scheduling other home services on the same day. Leaving space between services like landscaping, painting, or pest control helps prevent any interruptions and keeps the soft washing process on track. If you can, aim for a dry, calm morning. It gives the cleaning plenty of time to do its job and dry before the day’s over.

2. Close All Windows and Doors

Before your soft washing appointment, take a quick walk around your home and make sure all windows and doors are fully closed. This helps keep any water or cleaning solution from getting inside. It’s also a good idea to check for any leaks, cracks, or poorly sealed areas around your home and make temporary fixes if needed. It’s a simple step, but it goes a long way in keeping the inside of your home dry.

3. Remove or Cover Outdoor Furniture and Decorations

Once your windows and doors are sealed up, the next step is to clear the area around your home. Move patio furniture, grills, potted plants, doormats, and anything else that’s close to the exterior walls.

For items that are too heavy or fragile to move, like large planters or decorative pieces, cover them with plastic or a waterproof tarp to keep them safe from any overspray. Making a little space around your home helps protect your belongings and allows for a more thorough clean.

4. Protect Electrical Components

While you’re getting everything in place, it’s a good idea to check for any exposed electrical features around your home. Cover outdoor outlets, light fixtures, doorbells, and any other components with plastic or waterproof tape to help keep moisture out. If you're concerned about sensitive areas, turning off power to outdoor zones can add an extra layer of protection. Taking this step helps avoid any electrical issues and keeps things running safely once the wash is done.

5. Trim Nearby Landscaping 

Take a look around your home for any trees, bushes, or plants that might be in the way. Trimming back overgrown branches or hedges makes it easier to access surfaces and helps get a more thorough clean. If you have shrubs or flowers close to walls or windows, try to create a little space by gently trimming them back or tying them away from the house. This helps protect your landscaping and gives the team room to work.

6. Communicate Any Problem Areas

If there are any spots you’re concerned about, such as tough stains, mold buildup, or delicate surfaces, be sure to point them out before the service begins. Letting your technician know ahead of time helps set clear expectations and gives them a chance to adjust their approach if needed.

Transform Your Exterior with South Florida Soft Wash

Taking the time to prepare your home helps set the stage for a successful soft washing service. To get the best results, it also takes the right team and the right approach.

At South Florida Soft Wash, we know that every home is different, and so is every cleaning job. Our approach is detailed, surface-safe, and built to treat your property with the care it deserves. Contact us today to get a free quote and see how smart prep and expert care can restore your home’s exterior.