If your house looks like it's wearing a green sweater, that's algae, mold, and mildew feeding off Kentucky's humidity. I'm Mike Inman, and I've been soft washing homes in Lexington since 2009. Over 8,000 properties later, I can tell you that nearly every house in Central Kentucky needs a good cleaning every 12 to 18 months — it's just what our climate does.
Soft washing is not the same as pressure washing. I use low pressure — about the same as a garden hose — combined with a professional-grade cleaning solution that kills algae, mold, and mildew at the root. The solution does the work, not the pressure. That's important because high pressure can drive water behind your siding, crack Hardie board, damage window seals, and strip paint. I clean vinyl, Hardie board, brick, stone, stucco, and painted wood safely. The solution is biodegradable, and I pre-soak all your plants and landscaping before and after to protect them.
Here's what happens on job day: I show up on time, walk the property with you if you're home, and point out any areas of concern. I mask off anything that needs protection — light fixtures, outlets, open windows. Then I apply the cleaning solution from the top down, let it dwell for 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse everything thoroughly. Most houses take 1 to 3 hours depending on size and how heavy the buildup is. You'll see the difference before I even rinse — the green and black just melts away.
Most Lexington homes fall in the $200 to $400 range. That depends on square footage, stories, how much buildup there is, and whether you need any extras like a detached garage or screened porch. I quote every job individually and the price I give you is the price you pay — no surprises.
A clean house isn't just about looks. Algae and mold hold moisture against your siding, which leads to rot and premature paint failure. Regular soft washing protects your investment and keeps your home looking the way it should. I'm fully insured up to $2 million, I carry an A+ rating with the BBB, and I have 226 five-star Google reviews from real customers right here in Lexington.
Common Questions About House Washing
Will the cleaning solution hurt my plants or pets? No. The solution is biodegradable, and I thoroughly soak all landscaping before and after the wash. Once everything is rinsed and dry, it's completely safe for kids, pets, and plants.
How often should I have my house washed? In Central Kentucky, every 12 to 18 months is typical. North-facing walls and areas shaded by mature trees may need attention sooner because they stay damp longer and grow algae faster.
Do I need to be home during the wash? Not at all. As long as I have access to a working exterior water spigot and you've closed all windows, I can take care of everything while you're at work. I'll text you before-and-after photos when I'm done.
Is soft washing safe for all types of siding? Yes. I adjust my solution strength and technique based on your siding material — vinyl, Hardie board, brick, stone, stucco, or painted wood. Low pressure means no damage.