FAQs

Soft washing uses low-pressure water delivery — similar in force to a garden hose — combined with professional-grade, biodegradable cleaning solutions to clean and sanitize exterior surfaces. Rather than blasting the surface layer of grime off with brute force, soft washing kills mold, algae, mildew, lichen, bacteria, and other organisms at the root, so staining doesn’t return nearly as quickly.

The method was developed over 20 years ago and is trusted by major facilities including Disney World, Universal Studios, and government buildings. Over 100,000 roofs have been cleaned using soft washing technology.

Pressure washing uses 1,500–3,000+ PSI of water force to blast contaminants off surfaces. It removes only the outer layer of biological growth without killing the underlying organisms — so staining returns quickly. High pressure also risks cracking roof tiles, stripping granules from shingles, forcing water behind siding, eroding mortar joints, and splintering wood.

Soft washing uses low pressure paired with cleaning solutions that eliminate organisms at the cellular level. Results last 4–6 times longer, and there’s zero risk of pressure damage to your surfaces or landscaping.

Soft washing results typically last 4–6 times longer than pressure washing — in most cases, well over a year before any regrowth appears. For roofs, Baker SoftWash backs this up with a 1-year guarantee and an optional 5-year spot-free warranty. Because we eliminate the staining organisms at the source rather than just rinsing the surface, regrowth is dramatically slower.

It’s not just cosmetic. Mold, mildew, algae, lichen, and bacteria are metabolically acidic — they actively break down the materials they live on. On asphalt shingles, this degrades the protective granule layer and significantly shortens your roof’s lifespan. On wood fences and decks, unchecked biological growth accelerates rot and structural deterioration.

Removing these organisms protects your investment and can save thousands in premature replacement costs.

A standard pressure washer can consume 180–480 gallons of water per hour. A typical soft wash uses roughly one-third of that — approximately 40–60 gallons total. And because results last 4–6 times longer, you need far fewer cleanings over the years, making soft washing the dramatically more sustainable choice.

No. Soft washing uses low pressure comparable to a garden hose, so there is no risk of cracking tiles, stripping shingle granules, or voiding manufacturer warranties. In fact, many roofing manufacturers specifically recommend soft washing over pressure washing for routine roof cleaning — it’s the safer, manufacturer-approved method.

We clean a comprehensive range of residential and commercial exterior surfaces:

• Roofs — all types (shingles, tile, metal, flat, cedar shake, slate)
• Vinyl, aluminum, wood, fiber cement, and stucco siding
• Brick, stone, masonry, and EIFS / synthetic stucco
• Driveways, sidewalks, and walkways
• Concrete patios, pavers, and pool decks
• Wood and composite decks
• Wood, vinyl, and metal fences
• Gutters — interior cleaning, exterior streaks, and protection installation
• Windows — interior and exterior
• Solar panels
• Awnings
• Parking lots and commercial concrete
• Retaining walls and timber / log exteriors

Don’t see your surface? Call us at 980.435.0489 — if it’s exterior and dirty, there’s a good chance we can help.

Yes — we clean virtually every residential and commercial roof type: asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tile, metal roofs, cedar shake, slate, and flat or low-slope commercial roofs. Soft washing is ideal for all of these because it achieves a thorough clean without the pressure that cracks tiles, dislodges shingles, or voids manufacturer warranties.

All of them. We clean vinyl, aluminum, wood, fiber cement (HardiePlank), stucco, EIFS synthetic stucco, brick, stone, concrete block, and log/timber exteriors. Soft washing is ideal for every siding type because the low pressure won’t crack, gouge, or force water behind the material — a real risk with high-pressure washing — and we adjust our solutions and technique for each material type.

Absolutely. We clean driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, patios, and all types of pavers — concrete, brick, and stone. We remove algae, mildew, oil stains, rust stains, tire marks, and general grime. For pavers, we also offer sealing services after cleaning to protect the surface and lock in that fresh look. Our methods keep paver joint sand in place and won’t erode the surface the way aggressive pressure washing can.

Yes — deck cleaning is one of our most popular services. Wood decks accumulate mold, mildew, algae, and organic staining that makes them look gray and worn, but a soft wash can transform them dramatically. We clean pressure-treated lumber, cedar, redwood, and all major composite decking brands. Soft washing is far gentler than pressure washing on wood grain — it won’t raise fibers or cause splintering.

Yes — we offer professional window cleaning for residential and commercial properties, both interior and exterior. We also provide commercial window cleaning for larger buildings. Note: we are not liable for pre-existing damage to glass, frames, seals, or screens — please flag any known damage before we start.

Yes — and the improvement is often measurable. Dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and algae buildup block sunlight from reaching your solar cells, reducing energy output. Customers have seen power generation improvements of 1.5 kW or more after a professional cleaning. We use soft, non-abrasive methods and purified water that won’t scratch panels. Learn more about our solar panel cleaning services.

Yes on all counts. We clean gutter interiors and flush downspouts to ensure proper drainage. We also clean the exterior face of gutters, removing the black oxidation streaks — commonly called “tiger stripes” — that appear over time. We also install gutter protection systems to keep gutters cleaner between visits.

Note: we’re not liable for pre-existing gutter damage, clogged drains, broken fascia, or existing drainage issues — please let us know about any known problems before service day.

Absolutely. We clean vinyl, wood, aluminum, wrought iron, and chain-link fences. Mold and algae aren’t just unsightly — they accelerate deterioration. A soft wash removes the organisms causing the damage, and many customers are amazed at the transformation. Learn more about fence cleaning.

Yes — we offer parking lot cleaning services for commercial properties. We remove oil stains, algae, tire marks, and general grime from concrete and asphalt surfaces. A clean parking lot is often a customer’s first impression of your business.

Not a chance. We genuinely do it all. Our crews have cleaned everything from the house down the street to The Inn on Biltmore Estate — roughly two hours away in Asheville — one of the most iconic properties in the country. Whether you have a small starter home, a sprawling lakefront estate, an apartment complex, or a landmark commercial building, we have the equipment, crew size, and experience to handle it.

No job too big. No job too small. No distance too far for the right project. We serve Iredell County and all surrounding counties for everyday work — and we travel statewide for large commercial jobs like hotels, apartment communities, and multi-family properties. Give us a call and let’s talk about what you need.

Far from it. Baker SoftWash works on a wide variety of property types:

• Single-family homes — all sizes
• Luxury estates and lakefront properties
• Apartment and condo complexes
• Hotels and resorts (including landmark properties like The Inn on Biltmore Estate)
• Historic buildings and structures
• Office buildings and corporate campuses
• Retail centers, strip malls, and shopping plazas
• Restaurants and entertainment venues
• HOA communities
• Churches and schools
• Industrial and warehouse facilities
• Multi-unit and mixed-use residential buildings

If it has an exterior surface that needs cleaning, we can help. View our commercial services.

Yes — this is a significant part of our business. We partner with HOAs, property managers, and commercial real estate companies to provide regularly scheduled exterior cleaning for entire communities and multi-building properties. We offer recurring contracts — monthly, seasonal, or custom schedules — and work around occupancy to minimize disruption. Contact us for commercial and volume pricing.

This is one of the areas where soft washing truly shines. Historic buildings often have aged masonry, soft or hand-laid brick, fragile mortar, or ornamental stone that would be severely damaged by high-pressure washing. Because soft washing uses low pressure, it’s gentle enough for the most delicate historic surfaces while still achieving a thorough, deep clean. Learn more about our historic building cleaning services.

Yes. Multi-unit and multi-story work is well within our capability. We scale our crew and equipment to match the scope of the project and have completed large-scale cleanings on apartment communities, condominiums, and substantial commercial buildings. We can phase work across multiple visits to avoid disrupting residents. Learn more about multi-unit building cleaning.

We want to be completely honest with you: roof cleaning — and to a lesser degree, all exterior cleaning — does carry an inherent risk to nearby plant life. We will never promise you zero risk, and you should be skeptical of any contractor who does make that claim.

What we do guarantee is that we take every possible precaution to protect your landscaping. Our standard process includes:

• Pre-wetting all plants, shrubs, and lawn areas near the work zone before any solution is applied
• Applying cleaning solutions carefully, directing runoff away from sensitive areas wherever possible
• Thoroughly rinsing all surrounding plant life after cleaning to dilute and neutralize any contact
• Covering or shielding delicate plants upon request

If you have prized plants, exotic shrubs, a vegetable garden, or any areas of special concern — please tell us before service day. The more we know in advance, the better we can protect what matters to you.

Our biodegradable cleaning solutions are significantly diluted during application and break down quickly in soil. In most cases, established turf and grass tolerate the service well. If you have a newly seeded lawn, hydroseeded areas, or recently treated turf, please let us know ahead of time and we’ll take extra precautions in those zones.

Please flag this when you book. Edible plants, raised garden beds, and herb gardens deserve extra care. We’ll thoroughly pre-wet the area, be mindful of application angles and runoff direction, and rinse everything carefully after service. For garden beds very close to the work zone, we may recommend covering them with a tarp as an added precaution. We’d rather take the extra five minutes protecting your tomatoes.

For house washing, we ask that you trim any branches pressing directly against the siding before service day. For trees overhanging the roof, we pre-wet foliage and rinse it thoroughly after service. Mature, established trees generally handle the process without issue. If a tree is already stressed or diseased, let us know so we can work around it carefully.

Please mention any pools, ponds, koi ponds, fountains, or water features near the work area when you schedule. For pools, we direct runoff away from the water. For ponds or features with fish or aquatic plants, we take extra care — the biodegradable nature of our products helps, but concentrated solution in a small body of water with living creatures requires special attention. Early communication is key here.

Once our team completes the post-service rinse of surrounding plant and lawn areas — our standard final step — the area dries and dissipates quickly. Our biodegradable solutions break down rapidly when diluted with water. Pets and children can typically return to the yard once surfaces are dry — usually within 1–2 hours.

Artillery fungus grows in wood mulch beds and shoots tiny, tar-like spores onto nearby surfaces — typically light-colored siding, cars, and downspouts. The spores bond to surfaces over time. We’ll be straight with you: no cleaning method can guarantee 100% removal. We can significantly reduce their appearance, but some deeply bonded spores may remain.

The best long-term solution is replacing wood mulch near your home with stone or rubber mulch, which eliminates the fungus’s food source. Call us to discuss your specific situation and realistic expectations.

Yes. Our solutions are water-based, non-toxic, and 100% biodegradable — they won’t release hazardous chemicals into the area around your property. We ask that pets be kept indoors during service and for a short time afterward while surfaces dry. Children should also remain inside during active cleaning. Once surfaces are dry — typically 1–2 hours — your family can safely return to normal outdoor activities.

Very much so. All of our cleaning solutions are 100% biodegradable. We use roughly one-third the water of traditional pressure washing. And because results last 4–6 times longer, you’re not scheduling a cleaning every season — meaning fewer chemical applications and significantly less water usage over time.

The black streaks on gutters (“tiger stripes”) are caused by oxidation and runoff — and yes, we can remove them. For general oxidation on vinyl or metal siding, removal may require additional treatment beyond a standard soft wash and is available for an additional charge. Call us at 980.435.0489 to discuss your specific situation.

Yes. All Baker SoftWash technicians are professionally trained in soft washing technique, chemical handling, equipment operation, and property protection best practices. We carry comprehensive insurance coverage so your property is fully protected. You’re not hiring someone with a rented pressure washer — you’re hiring a trained, experienced team that does this every day.

Pricing varies based on property size, the surfaces being cleaned, and the level of contamination present. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for every job. Get a free estimate here or call us at 980.435.0489. Most customers find our pricing very competitive for the quality and longevity of results we deliver.

We back our roof cleaning with two levels of coverage:

1-Year Guarantee: If microbe regrowth appears on your roof within one year of cleaning, we return and clean it again — complimentary, no questions asked.

5-Year Spot-Free Warranty: If any discoloration appears on your roof within five years of treatment, we’ll re-clean it at a prorated rate.

That’s how confident we are in the soft washing process. Learn more about our roof cleaning services.

Three easy ways: Book online anytime, call us at 980.435.0489, or request a free estimate through our website. We’re responsive and can typically get an estimate to you within 24 hours of your first contact.

We accept cash, personal checks (made out to Baker SoftWash), and all major credit cards. Payment is collected by our technician upon completion of service.

Yes! We reward customers who refer friends, family, and neighbors. When someone you refer books and completes a service, you get rewarded. Visit our Referral Rewards page for current details. Word of mouth is the biggest compliment we receive — and we like to say thank you for it.

Baker SoftWash is based in Statesville and serves Iredell County and surrounding counties, covering a large portion of the greater Charlotte metro and Piedmont region:

• Iredell County — Mooresville, Statesville, Troutman, Harmony, Lake Norman
• Mecklenburg County — Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mint Hill
• Rowan County — Salisbury, Spencer, China Grove, Landis, Rockwell
• Cabarrus County — Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Midland
• Lincoln County — Lincolnton, Denver, Stanley
• Catawba County — Hickory, Newton, Conover, Claremont

Not sure if you’re in our area? There’s a good chance you are — just call us at 980.435.0489 and we’ll confirm right away.

Large commercial project outside our normal service area? We travel for the right job. We’ve completed large-scale commercial work as far as The Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC — roughly two hours away. Hotels, apartment complexes, multi-family properties, HOA communities — if the scope warrants it, we’ll come to you. Call us to discuss your project.

• Close all doors and windows tightly — we don’t want water entering your home
• Remove door mats, exterior décor, potted plants, and window sill items
• Push outdoor furniture, grills, and other items at least 10 feet from the walls
• Trim any tree branches pressing directly against the house
• Bring pets inside along with food and water bowls
• Ensure a functional outdoor water source (hose bib) is accessible to our crew
• Remain indoors during the service — required for insurance purposes
• Arrange payment for upon service completion (cash, check, or credit card)

See our full Prepare for Service guide for complete details and terms and conditions.

You don’t need to be home as long as our team has clear access to the areas being cleaned and any gates are unlocked. However, if you are home, please remain indoors during active service — required for insurance purposes. Many customers choose to be present for the first appointment to walk through any specific concerns with the crew beforehand.

Duration depends on property size and the number of services being performed. Most standard residential soft washes are completed in a single visit. Our crews work efficiently — many customers are pleasantly surprised by how quickly we finish. We’ll give you a time estimate when booking so you can plan your day.

Light rain generally doesn’t prevent a soft wash and has little effect on the process. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, or high winds may be a safety concern and can require rescheduling. We monitor weather closely and will contact you as early as possible if we need to move your appointment. Rescheduling is simple and we work to get you back on the calendar quickly.

We operate at the highest standards and always work to leave your property in better condition than we found it. That said, there are pre-existing conditions we cannot be responsible for:

• Pre-existing damage to windows, frames, siding, sills, or screens (cracks, torn screens, damaged seals, etc.)
• Previous damage to pavers, concrete, stonework, brick, or tile
• Oxidation on vinyl or metal siding (treatable separately for an additional charge)
• Pre-existing gutter damage, clogged drains, broken fascia, or poor drainage
• Water intrusion from pre-existing broken window or door seals

If you’re aware of any existing damage before service day, please let us know so we can document it and align on expectations upfront. See our full terms and conditions here.