If you’ve noticed green algae, dirt, pollen, or mildew building up on your home’s siding, you may be wondering: How often should you wash your house?
For most homes in North Carolina, washing your home’s siding should be performed every 12 to 24 months. However, homes surrounded by trees, located in shaded areas, or exposed to high humidity may benefit from annual cleaning to keep algae and mildew from damaging the exterior.
Regular house washing not only improves curb appeal but also helps protect your home’s exterior from premature wear.
Why Does Your Home’s Exterior Get Dirty?
Your home’s exterior is constantly exposed to the elements. Over time, contaminants begin to accumulate, including:
- Algae
- Mold
- Mildew
- Dirt
- Pollen
- Spider webs
- Insect nests
- Air pollution
North Carolina’s warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for algae and mildew to grow, especially on the shaded sides of your home.
How Often Should You Wash Your House?
Most homeowners should follow this schedule:
- Every 12 months for homes surrounded by trees or with significant shade.
- Every 18–24 months for homes in full sun with minimal organic buildup.
- Immediately if you notice green algae, black streaks, or mildew growing on your siding.
Routine house washing helps prevent contaminants from becoming deeply embedded and keeps your home looking well-maintained year-round.
Can Rain Actually Clean Your Home’s Exterior?
No.
While rain can rinse away loose dust, it does not remove algae, mold, mildew, or pollen. In many cases, rain actually provides the moisture these organisms need to continue growing.
Professional house washing safely removes contaminants instead of simply wetting the surface.
Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: What’s the Difference?
Yes—for most homes.
At Paul Brothers Softwash, we use a soft washing process that combines low-pressure water with professional cleaning solutions designed to safely remove organic growth without damaging your siding.
Unlike high-pressure washing, soft washing cleans the surface while treating the root cause of algae and mildew growth, helping your home stay cleaner longer.
Soft washing is recommended for:
- Vinyl siding
- Fiber cement siding
- Painted surfaces
- Stucco
- Brick
- Wood siding (when cleaned properly)
What Are the Benefits of Professional House Washing?
Professional house washing offers several benefits, including:
- Improved curb appeal
- Removal of algae, mold, and mildew
- Protection against premature exterior deterioration
- Brighter, cleaner siding
- Increased pride in your home’s appearance
- A cleaner surface before painting or staining
Many homeowners also choose to have their exterior windows and concrete cleaned during the same visit for a complete exterior refresh.
Can House Washing Increase Home Value?
A clean exterior creates a strong first impression.
Whether you’re planning to sell your home or simply want to maintain its appearance, professional house washing can improve curb appeal and help your property look well cared for.
Why Choose Paul Brothers Softwash?
At Paul Brothers Softwash, we specialize in safely cleaning homes using professional soft washing techniques.
We don’t rely on high pressure that can damage siding. Instead, we use proven cleaning methods that remove algae, mold, mildew, dirt, and other contaminants while protecting your home’s exterior.
Our goal is simple: deliver outstanding results while treating every home with care and attention to detail.
Professional House Washing in Asheboro, Greensboro & Surrounding Areas
Paul Brothers Softwash proudly provides professional residential exterior cleaning throughout Asheboro, Greensboro, High Point, Randleman, Trinity, Archdale, Sophia, Franklinville, Ramseur, and surrounding North Carolina communities.
If your home’s exterior is looking dirty, stained, or covered in algae, we’re here to help.
Contact Paul Brothers Softwash today for a free estimate and let us restore your home’s beauty with safe, professional house washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you wash your house?
Most homes should be professionally washed every 12 to 24 months, depending on weather, shade, trees, and algae growth.
Is house washing safe for vinyl siding?
Yes. Professional soft washing is specifically designed to clean vinyl siding safely without the risk of damage associated with high-pressure washing.
Does house washing remove green algae?
Yes. Professional soft washing removes algae, mold, mildew, dirt, pollen, and other organic contaminants from your home’s exterior. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also provides helpful information about mold and mildew growth and why it should be removed from exterior surfaces.
What’s the difference between house washing and pressure washing?
Exterior house cleaning typically uses a soft washing method with low pressure and specialized cleaning solutions, while pressure washing relies on high pressure and is better suited for durable surfaces like concrete.