House Washing in Durham Region — Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash

If your siding has dark streaking, green growth, or a general grey film that hasn't shifted after a few rainstorms, your home is ready for a professional wash. Durham Region's humid summers and clay-heavy soil create ideal conditions for algae, mildew, and organic buildup — especially on north-facing walls and homes with mature tree canopy.

Soft Wash vs Pressure Wash — What's the Difference?

Pressure washing blasts surfaces with high-pressure water — effective on concrete driveways and patios, but damaging on vinyl siding, stucco, older brick, and composite board. It can force water behind siding panels, lift caulking, and strip protective coatings from painted wood.

Soft washing uses low pressure combined with a biodegradable cleaning solution that breaks down algae, mildew, and organic growth at the surface level. It is the correct method for residential siding — it cleans thoroughly without surface damage, and the solution continues working after the rinse to slow regrowth.

How Much Does House Washing Cost in Durham Region?

Soft-wash house washing for a standard Durham Region detached home typically runs $250 to $450 depending on home size, siding type, and the degree of organic buildup. Homes that haven't been washed in several years — or properties with heavy north-facing mildew — may require a two-pass treatment that costs more. Most companies price per square foot of siding or by the linear foot of roofline.

Which Durham Region Homes Need It Most?

• Homes with north or west-facing walls that stay damp through spring and summer
• Properties in Oshawa's McLaughlin, Whitby's Port Whitby, and Courtice with heavy mature tree canopy
• Homes near clay-heavy open land where soil splash discolours lower siding panels
• Heritage properties in downtown Bowmanville and Pickering Village with older brick or stucco
• Any home showing black vertical streaking — that is algae-laden water running off asphalt shingles

How Often Should You Wash Your House?

Most Durham Region homes benefit from a soft wash every one to two years. North-facing walls in shaded lots may need annual attention. The best time to book is late summer or early fall — before the algae growth gets locked into the siding surface by frost. Bundling a house wash with a fall window cleaning and eavestrough clean saves on separate visits.