How Long Does Exterior House Washing Take?

The short answer: most single-family homes take 2 to 4 hours for a full exterior soft wash. A big two-story with lots of soffits and stonework can push into a full day.

What we're actually doing in that time

A professional soft wash isn't just spraying — it's a five-step process:

Setup and protection (15–30 min): tarps over plants, closing windows, marking outlets and vents
Pre-rinse (15 min): light water pass to cool the siding and knock loose debris
Apply solution (30–45 min): low-pressure spray of the biodegradable cleaning mix from bottom to top
Dwell time (10–15 min): the solution kills algae, mildew, and mold at the root — this is the step that separates soft wash from pressure blasting
Final rinse (45–60 min): thorough top-to-bottom rinse, gutter faces and downspouts included

What makes it faster

Single-story home
Vinyl or aluminum siding (rinses fast)
Minimal landscaping to protect
Sunny, warm day (solution activates faster)

What makes it slower

Two- or three-story
Cedar or painted wood (needs gentler pressure and more careful rinsing)
Heavy landscaping around the foundation
Attached decks, screened porches, or elaborate soffits
Detached garage or outbuildings included

What you should do during the wash

Honestly? Whatever you want. You don't need to be home. If you are:

Close windows before we arrive — we double-check, but two sets of eyes is better
Bring pets inside — the solution is safe once dry, but wet pets tracking it around is a mess
Move patio furniture away from the walls we're cleaning
Skip watering the lawn the morning of — dry ground absorbs runoff better

When is it "done"?

Siding will look wet for 30–60 minutes after we leave. Once it dries, you'll see the real result. Solution keeps working for a few days after — small streaks or spots often clear up in the first rain.

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