The safe way to wash a Florida home
If you have lived on the Gulf Coast for more than a year, you have watched it happen: the north side of the house turns green, black spots creep across the soffits, and the whole exterior starts looking tired. That is not just dirt. It is living organic growth, mostly algae, mold, and mildew, and it thrives in our humidity.
Blasting it with high pressure is the wrong answer. High pressure can strip paint, crack vinyl, gouge soft wood, and force water behind siding where it causes real damage. That is why McPherson Pressure Washing uses a soft washing process for home exteriors: low pressure, professional-grade cleaning solutions, and a thorough rinse. The solution does the work, killing the growth at the root instead of just knocking the surface layer off. Your house stays cleaner longer, and nothing gets damaged.
What we wash
- Vinyl siding, the most common siding in Santa Rosa and Escambia County, and the one most prone to green algae
- Brick and stucco, which trap grime and mildew in their texture
- Hardie board and painted wood, cleaned gently to protect the finish
- Soffits, fascia, and gutters, where mildew loves to hide
- Porches, entryways, and garage doors, the details that make the whole house pop
Our house washing process
- Walkthrough and prep. We inspect the exterior, note any problem areas, close windows, and pre-wet your landscaping.
- Soft wash application. We apply our cleaning solution from the ground up so it dwells evenly and breaks down growth on contact.
- Low-pressure rinse. Everything gets rinsed top to bottom until the water runs clean.
- Final walkthrough. We walk the house with you and touch up anything that needs it before we leave.
Why annual house washing matters in Florida
A house wash is not just about looks. Algae and mildew hold moisture against your siding, which shortens its life and can lead to expensive repairs. Regular washing also protects your home's value: real estate agents consistently list exterior cleaning as one of the highest-return projects before selling. And if you have an HOA in neighborhoods around Pace or Pensacola, staying ahead of growth keeps the violation letters out of your mailbox. Not sure how often to schedule it? Here is how often Florida homes need washing.
Frequently asked questions
Is soft washing safe for vinyl siding?
Yes. Soft washing was developed specifically for surfaces like vinyl siding that high pressure can damage. We use low pressure, similar to a garden hose, combined with professional cleaning solutions that break down mold and algae on contact. Here is a full breakdown of pressure washing vs soft washing.
Will house washing hurt my plants?
No. We pre-wet and rinse all landscaping before, during, and after every wash, and we use plant-safe application rates. Protecting your flower beds and shrubs is a standard part of our process on every job.
How long does a house wash take?
Most single-story homes take 1 to 2 hours and most two-story homes take 2 to 3 hours, depending on size and buildup.