Soft Washing in Toronto, ON — Safe, Effective Exterior Cleaning for Siding, Roofs & More
ViewClear Window & Exterior Cleaning offers professional soft washing for Toronto homeowners and property managers who need exterior surfaces cleaned without the risk of high-pressure damage. Using biodegradable solutions applied at low pressure, soft washing eliminates algae, mould, mildew, lichen, and organic staining at the source — not just on the surface. The result is a cleaner exterior that stays cleaner longer. Explore our full range of exterior cleaning services to see how soft washing fits into a complete property maintenance plan.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is an exterior cleaning method that relies on specially formulated, low-pressure chemical solutions rather than high water pressure to clean and sanitize surfaces. Unlike pressure washing, which uses mechanical force to blast away dirt, soft washing delivers a biodegradable cleaning agent that penetrates and neutralizes biological growth — algae, mould, mildew, lichen, and moss — at the root level. The solution is then gently rinsed away, leaving surfaces clean without the risk of etching, cracking, or forcing water behind cladding.
Soft washing is the appropriate method for surfaces that cannot tolerate high pressure: asphalt shingle roofs, vinyl and wood siding, stucco, EIFS, painted surfaces, cedar shakes, composite decking, and older masonry. It is not a substitute for pressure washing on concrete driveways or poured surfaces where mechanical scrubbing is needed. If you’re unsure which method is right for your property, our blog covers the differences in detail.
How is soft washing different from pressure washing?
Soft washing uses water pressure below 500 PSI — often as low as 100 PSI — while pressure washing typically operates between 1,500 and 4,000 PSI. The key difference is that soft washing relies on chemistry to do the cleaning work, while pressure washing relies on force. For delicate surfaces like roof shingles or painted wood, soft washing eliminates the risk of surface erosion, granule loss, or water intrusion that high pressure can cause.
What surfaces can be soft washed?
Soft washing is safe and effective on vinyl siding, wood siding, stucco, EIFS, painted brick, cedar shakes, asphalt shingles, metal roofing panels, fascia, soffits, fences, composite decking, and natural stone. Each surface type may require a different solution concentration or dwell time, which is why an on-site assessment is part of every ViewClear soft washing job. Surfaces like unsealed concrete or heavily textured pavers are generally better suited to pressure washing.
Does soft washing kill algae and mould permanently?
Soft washing eliminates the biological organisms causing staining rather than simply rinsing them off, which means results last significantly longer than pressure washing alone. The cleaning agents used — typically sodium hypochlorite-based solutions at appropriate dilutions — neutralize algae, mould, mildew, and lichen spores. However, “permanent” is not accurate: biological growth will return over time depending on shade, moisture, and local conditions. Most professionally soft-washed surfaces in the Toronto climate remain clean for one to three years before retreatment is needed.
Signs You Need Soft Washing
Soft washing is the right solution when biological growth or organic staining has taken hold on exterior surfaces. These are the clearest indicators that your property is ready for treatment:
- Black or green streaks on your roof. Dark streaking on asphalt shingles is almost always caused by Gloeocapsa magma algae, which feeds on limestone filler in shingles and accelerates deterioration if left untreated.
- Green or slimy film on siding. A green tint or slippery texture on vinyl, wood, or stucco siding indicates active algae or mildew growth, typically concentrated on north-facing or shaded walls.
- White or grey fuzzy patches on masonry. Lichen and moss colonize brick, stone, and mortar joints and, if left unchecked, can cause surface spalling and moisture retention.
- Persistent dark staining that doesn’t wash off with a garden hose. Organic stains bond to surface materials; water alone cannot remove them, and pressure washing risks surface damage before soft washing has been tried.
- Musty or earthy odour near exterior walls. A noticeable smell near siding, decking, or a fence line often signals active mould or mildew growth, even when discolouration is not yet visible.
- Discolouration returning quickly after cleaning. If staining reappears within weeks of a standard rinse, biological organisms were not eliminated — only displaced. Soft washing treats the root cause.
- Visible moss on roof edges or valleys. Moss retains moisture against shingles, accelerating wear and potentially voiding roofing warranties if growth is not removed correctly.
How Much Does Soft Washing Cost in Toronto, ON?
Soft washing pricing in Toronto depends on the size, type, and condition of the surfaces being cleaned — no honest provider can give a flat rate without assessing the property first. ViewClear provides free, no-obligation quotes based on a site assessment. To receive an accurate estimate, contact us with details about your property type, approximate square footage, and the surfaces you need cleaned.
The table below reflects the factors that typically influence soft washing pricing. No specific dollar figures are listed because pricing has not been confirmed for this page — contact ViewClear directly for a quote.
| Service / Situation | Typical Range | What Affects Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single-storey house siding | Quote required | Linear footage, surface material, staining severity |
| Two-storey house siding | Quote required | Height, access complexity, number of elevations |
| Roof soft wash | Quote required | Roof pitch, square footage, algae/moss severity |
| Fence or deck | Quote required | Surface area, material type, condition |
| Commercial exterior | Quote required | Building height, access equipment, surface area |
What’s typically included (confirm with ViewClear at time of booking):
- Pre-wetting of surrounding landscaping and hardscaping
- Biodegradable solution application to agreed surfaces
- Dwell time and low-pressure rinse
- Post-service walkthrough with technician
What may not be included (confirm at time of quote):
- Gutter cleaning or interior gutter flushing
- Window cleaning (available as a separate service — see our services)
- Repairs to damaged surfaces identified during assessment
- Repeat treatments for extreme biological infestations requiring multiple visits
Is soft washing covered by home insurance in Ontario?
Soft washing is a maintenance service, not a repair, and is generally not covered by standard home insurance policies in Ontario. However, if biological growth has caused documented property damage — such as mould penetration behind siding — some policies may cover remediation costs. Check your specific policy or speak with your broker; ViewClear can provide a written service record for documentation purposes.
How long does a soft washing job take?
A typical residential soft washing job in Toronto takes between two and five hours, depending on the size of the property and the number of surfaces being treated. Larger homes, multi-storey buildings, or properties with severe biological growth may require a full day. Your technician will provide a time estimate during the on-site assessment before work begins.
How soon can I use my deck or exterior areas after soft washing?
Most soft-washed surfaces are safe to walk on or use within 30 to 60 minutes of the final rinse, once the surface has dried. Roof surfaces should not be accessed immediately after treatment. Your technician will advise on any surface-specific wait times before leaving the property.
Why Choose ViewClear Window & Exterior Cleaning?
ViewClear is a Toronto-based exterior cleaning company focused on window and exterior cleaning for residential and commercial properties across the city. Learn more about our team and approach on the about ViewClear Window & Exterior Cleaning page.
- Local expertise: We work specifically in Toronto and understand the local climate conditions — freeze-thaw cycles, humidity, and seasonal algae growth patterns — that affect exterior surfaces in this region.
- Appropriate equipment: Soft washing requires dedicated low-pressure delivery systems and correctly diluted solutions. We do not use repurposed pressure washing equipment at reduced settings.
- Surface-specific approach: Different materials require different solution concentrations and dwell times. We assess each surface before applying any product.
- Transparent quoting: Every quote is based on a real assessment of your property. We do not provide flat-rate pricing that ignores actual site conditions.
- Clear communication: You are told what will be cleaned, what is excluded, and what to expect — before work begins, not after.
Note: Years in business, certifications, and verified review counts will be added to this section once confirmed. See the “Missing information” block at the top of this document.
Soft Washing FAQ
How do I know if my roof needs soft washing or replacement?
Soft washing is appropriate when shingles are structurally intact but stained by algae, moss, or lichen. If shingles are cracked, curling, missing granules in large areas, or at the end of their rated lifespan, cleaning will not address the underlying issue — a roofing contractor should assess the structure first. ViewClear will flag visible surface damage observed during our assessment and recommend you consult a roofer if replacement appears more appropriate than cleaning.
Will the cleaning solution harm my plants or landscaping?
We pre-wet all surrounding plants, grass, and garden beds with water before applying any cleaning solution, and we rinse them again after the treatment. The biodegradable solutions we use are diluted to concentrations appropriate for the surface being treated. While pre-wetting and rinsing significantly reduces risk, we recommend covering particularly sensitive plants or container gardens — your technician can advise during the site visit.
How should I prepare my property before soft washing?
Close all windows and doors, including basement windows. Move potted plants, outdoor furniture, and vehicles away from the work area. If you have a pet door, block it during the service. We handle pre-wetting of landscaping, but removing loose items from the work zone helps us work efficiently and protects your belongings.
How often should exterior surfaces be soft washed?
Most residential surfaces in Toronto benefit from soft washing every one to three years, depending on sun exposure, tree canopy coverage, and proximity to moisture sources. North-facing walls and shaded roofs accumulate biological growth faster than south-facing, sun-exposed surfaces. After your first service, your technician can recommend a maintenance interval based on what was observed on your specific property.
Do you offer a warranty or satisfaction guarantee on soft washing?
Warranty and guarantee terms are confirmed at the time of booking and will be outlined in your service agreement. Contact ViewClear directly to ask about the specific terms that apply to your job before scheduling.
Can soft washing be done in cold weather?
Soft washing is most effective when ambient temperatures are above 10°C, as cleaning solutions work more slowly in cold conditions and rinse water can freeze on surfaces. In Toronto, the practical soft washing season typically runs from late spring through early autumn. We can advise on scheduling when you get a free quote.
What happens if I’m not satisfied with the results?
Contact ViewClear directly as soon as possible after the service. We will assess the concern, determine whether a retreatment or adjustment is warranted, and work with you to resolve the issue. Specific resolution terms are outlined in your service agreement prior to the job starting.
Book Your Soft Washing in Toronto, ON
ViewClear Window & Exterior Cleaning serves residential and commercial properties across Toronto, ON. Every soft washing job starts with a free, no-obligation assessment so you know exactly what will be cleaned, how it will be done, and what it will cost — before any work begins.
To book or get a quote:
- Call: 647-262-1019
- Online: Use our contact form
After you reach out, a member of our team will confirm your details, schedule a convenient time for the on-site assessment, and provide a written quote. Once you approve the quote, we schedule the service at a time that works for you.
Last updated: June 2026
