What is the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?

Pressure washing uses higher-pressure water to clean durable surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, patios, and concrete surfaces. Soft washing uses low pressure combined with professional cleaning solutions to safely remove algae, mold, mildew, and organic buildup from delicate surfaces like roofs, siding, fences, and painted surfaces.

At Foothills Exterior Cleaning Services, we evaluate every surface first to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method. Our goal is always to clean your property properly without causing damage.

If you’re looking for pressure washing in Greenville SC or Simpsonville SC, we’re happy to help assess your property.

What exactly is soft washing?

Soft washing is a low-pressure exterior cleaning process that removes organic growth like algae, mold, and mildew from surfaces without using damaging pressure.

Instead of blasting dirt away with high pressure, the cleaning solution safely breaks down the organic growth at its source, providing longer-lasting results.

Soft washing is commonly used for:

• Roof cleaning

• House washing

• Vinyl siding cleaning

• Stucco cleaning

• Fence washing

Soft washing is especially important in Upstate South Carolina, where humidity and shade create ideal conditions for algae growth.

Why should roofs never be pressure washed?

Pressure washing a roof can cause serious damage by:

• Removing protective shingle granules

• Forcing water under shingles

• Shortening the life of the roof

That’s why professional companies use soft washing for roof cleaning instead of pressure washing.

If you’re searching for roof cleaning in Greenville SC or roof cleaning in Simpsonville SC, our soft wash system safely removes algae and black streaks while protecting your roof.

What causes the black streaks on my roof?

Those black streaks are caused by a type of algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. This algae feeds on limestone found in roofing shingles and thrives in warm, humid climates like South Carolina.

If left untreated, the algae can continue spreading and staining the roof.

Our professional roof cleaning process kills the algae and removes the staining, restoring the appearance of your roof.

Is house washing safe for my home?

Yes, when done properly.

At Foothills Exterior Cleaning Services, we use a soft washing method designed specifically for homes, which safely removes:

• Algae

• Mold

• Mildew

• Pollen

• Dirt and grime

This method cleans your home without the risks that come with high pressure.

If you’re looking for house washing in Greenville SC or house washing in Simpsonville SC, we’d be happy to help restore your home’s appearance.

Do you use bleach when washing homes or roofs?

Yes — we use Sodium Hypochlorite, which is the main active ingredient found in bleach.

This professional cleaning solution is widely used throughout the exterior cleaning industry because it effectively removes algae, mold, and organic buildup from roofs and siding.

In most situations, homeowners have nothing to worry about, because we take several precautions to protect your property. Our technicians are trained professionals who properly dilute and apply cleaning solutions while protecting landscaping and surrounding surfaces.

There are only a few rare situations where we may adjust our process, such as:

• Homes with organic pigmented paints

• Galvanized metal roofs

• Clients with strong sensitivities to bleach products

If any of these apply to you, we’re happy to discuss alternative approaches.

What surfaces can be pressure washed?

Pressure washing works best on durable surfaces such as:

• Driveways

• Sidewalks

• Patios

• Pool decks

• Concrete slabs

• Brick surfaces

Concrete cleaning is one of the most common services we provide for homeowners looking for pressure washing in Greenville SC and Simpsonville SC.

Many customers are amazed by how much cleaner their driveway looks after professional cleaning.

What surfaces should be soft washed instead?

Soft washing is ideal for surfaces that could be damaged by high pressure, including:

• Roof shingles

• Vinyl siding

• Painted wood

• Stucco

• Exterior trim

• Fences

Our technicians always evaluate each surface before cleaning to ensure we use the correct method for the best results.

Is house washing safe for plants and landscaping?

Yes. Protecting landscaping is an important part of our process.

Before we begin cleaning we take several precautions including:

• Pre-wetting plants and landscaping

• Applying cleaning solutions carefully

• Thoroughly rinsing the area afterward

Our goal is to leave your home cleaner without harming your landscaping.

How long do house washing results last?

Results can vary depending on factors like:

• Shade

• Tree coverage

• Moisture levels

• Weather conditions

Most homes in the Greenville and Simpsonville area benefit from professional house washing every 12–24 months to maintain curb appeal.

Homes surrounded by trees may need cleaning more frequently.

How often should I have my home pressure washed?

Most homeowners choose to have their home cleaned every one to two years.

Routine exterior cleaning helps:

• Maintain curb appeal

• Prevent heavy staining

• Protect exterior materials

Many of our clients schedule regular maintenance cleanings to keep their homes looking their best.

Can pressure washing increase my home’s curb appeal?

Absolutely.

Exterior cleaning is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to improve curb appeal.

Cleaning services like house washing, driveway cleaning, and roof cleaning can dramatically improve the appearance of your home — especially if you’re preparing to sell or host an event.

Do you clean driveways and sidewalks?

Yes. Driveway and concrete cleaning is one of our most popular services.

We remove:

• Dirt

• Mold and algae

• Tire marks

• Organic stains

Pressure washing can make a driveway look years newer in just a few hours.

Do you clean fences and decks?

Yes. We clean both wood and vinyl fences, as well as decks and other exterior wood surfaces.

Depending on the condition of the material, we may use soft washing or controlled pressure washing to safely clean the surface.

Do you offer commercial pressure washing?

Yes. Foothills Exterior Cleaning Services provides professional cleaning for:

• Office buildings

• Storefronts

• Restaurants

• HOAs

• Multi-family housing

• Commercial facilities

Keeping your property clean helps create a professional appearance for customers and employees.

What areas do you service?

We proudly provide exterior cleaning services throughout Upstate South Carolina, including:

• Greenville

• Simpsonville

• Greer

• Mauldin

• Fountain Inn

• Taylors

• Travelers Rest

• Anderson

• Spartanburg

If you’re unsure whether we service your area, just give us a call.

How do I get a quote?

Getting a quote is quick and easy.

In many cases, we can provide a fast estimate without even visiting the property using satellite measuring tools.

You can:

• Call or text 864-713-9274

• Request a quote through our website

• Send us photos of the areas you’d like cleaned

Our team responds quickly and will walk you through the process.

How long does exterior cleaning take?

Most residential exterior cleaning projects take between one and four hours, depending on the size of the home and the services being performed.

Larger properties or multi-service projects may take longer.

Our goal is always to work efficiently while making sure every detail is done right.

What types of payments do you accept?

We accept several convenient payment options, including:

• Credit cards

• Debit cards

• Cash

• Check

Credit and debit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee charged by the card processor. Because of this, many clients prefer to pay with cash or check to avoid the fee.

If you have questions about payment options, we’re always happy to help.

Still Have Questions?

If you have questions about pressure washing, house washing, roof cleaning, or exterior maintenance in Greenville, Simpsonville, or anywhere else in the Upstate, we’re always happy to help.

📞 Call or Text: 864-713-9274

At Foothills Exterior Cleaning Services, we treat every home like it’s our own — using the right cleaning method for every surface and delivering results you can be proud of.