DIY Soft Washing: Safely Clean Your Roof and Exterior Walls

May 10

Why Soft Washing Is Your Coastal Superpower

Soft washing is the gentle giant of exterior cleaning, using low-pressure water (under 1000 PSI) and specialized cleaners to zap dirt, algae, and mildew without damaging your roof or walls. It’s a game-changer for your home’s coastal charm:

Beachy Glow-Up: A clean exterior sparkles, vibing with your enclosure’s 20x20 No-See-Um or Florida Glass screens and patio decor.
Material Savior: Gentle cleaning prevents shingle cracks or siding damage, saving $1,000–$5,000 in repairs.
Storm-Ready: A spotless roof and walls shed hurricane rain (140–150 mph winds), protecting your enclosure and patio.
Health Boost: Killing mildew keeps your lanai’s air fresh in New Port Richey’s humid climate.
Budget Boss: DIY soft washing costs $30–$100, a steal compared to $300–$1,000 for pro services.
Curb Appeal: A pristine exterior can boost your home’s value by 5–10% in Florida’s hot market.

Let’s soft wash your way to a coastal masterpiece that’s tough enough for any storm!

Gear Up: Tools and Materials

No need for a pro’s arsenal to nail this project. Grab these essentials from hardware stores or online:

Pressure Washer: 1500–2000 PSI with adjustable nozzle ($100–$250).
Soft-Wash Nozzle: Wide-angle, low-pressure tip (40-degree, $5–$10).
Soft-Bristle Brush: For scrubbing without scratching ($5–$15).
Spray Bottle: For applying cleaners ($2–$5).
Bucket: For mixing solutions ($5–$10).
Garden Hose: For rinsing ($20–$50).
Ladder: 6–8 ft extension ladder, sturdy for roof access ($50–$150).
Work Gloves: Protect hands from cleaners ($5–$15).
Safety Glasses: Shield eyes from splashes ($5–$10).
Screwdriver: Phillips #3 for 5/16” head Tapcon screws ($3–$10).
Cordless Drill: For screw swaps ($50–$100).
Drill Bit: 3/16” x 6” for Tapcon screws ($5–$10).
Eco-Friendly Cleaner: Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner ($10–$15).
White Vinegar: For algae and mildew ($3–$5).
Tarp: To protect patio, plants, or enclosure ($10–$20).
Broom: For sweeping debris ($10–$20).

We’re vibing with Simple Green for eco-friendly cleaning and Karcher for pressure washers—perfect for Florida’s salty, stormy air.

DIY Soft Washing: Step-by-Step

Ready to make your roof and walls shine like a New Port Richey coastal crown jewel? Follow these steps to soft wash like a pro:

Step 1: Clear the Coastal Deck

Start by clearing your patio, stashing furniture, wind chimes, or potted plants to keep ‘em safe from splashes. Lay a tarp to shield your pool enclosure’s screens (like 18x14 mesh or Florida Glass) and patio deck from overspray. Slip on gloves and safety glasses to dodge cleaners or debris. Set up a 6–8 ft extension ladder on flat ground, ensuring it’s stable and reaches your roof (typically 10–20 ft high). Anchor it to avoid wobbles—safety’s non-negotiable!

Step 2: Check Your Enclosure’s Swagger

Give your pool enclosure a quick vibe check before you climb. Scan the aluminum frame for corrosion or dents, wiping with Simple Green and a soft cloth to nix salt and grime. Peek at those 5/16” head x 3” Tapcon screws—tighten loose ones with a Phillips #3 screwdriver or swap rusted ones using a cordless drill and 3/16” x 6” bit. Rinse hurricane cables with fresh water to keep ‘em storm-ready. Ensure screens are tear-free to protect your patio during cleaning.

Step 3: Scout the Grime Scene

Climb the ladder (have a buddy spot you if possible) and eyeball your roof and exterior walls. Look for green or black algae, mildew, dirt, or leaf stains—Florida’s humidity loves to party up there. Check roof shingles, tiles, or metal for damage, and note siding (stucco, vinyl, or brick) condition. Inspect wall areas near gutters or under trees, where algae thrives. Work in 5–10 ft sections to keep it manageable, avoiding enclosure screens to prevent overspray.

Step 4: Pre-Treat with Coastal Power

Mix Simple Green Oxy Solve (1:10 ratio) in a bucket for general cleaning. For hardcore algae or mildew, fill a spray bottle with a 1:1 white vinegar-water mix—this stuff’s a beast! Spray vinegar on grimy spots on the roof and walls, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush in circular motions. For larger areas, apply Simple Green with the brush, working in 3–5 ft sections. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, which can damage shingles, siding, or enclosure screens.

Step 5: Soft Wash the Roof Like a Pro

Attach a 40-degree soft-wash nozzle to your 1500–2000 PSI pressure washer. Fill the washer’s detergent tank with Simple Green (follow product dilution). Hold the nozzle 12–18 inches from the roof at a 45-degree angle, starting at the peak and working down to avoid lifting shingles. Spray in slow, overlapping passes, covering 3–5 ft sections. Let the cleaner sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with a garden hose (low pressure, under 800 PSI) from top to bottom, keeping water away from the enclosure’s base track to protect 5/16” head x 3” Tapcon screws. Work carefully to avoid slipping—roof safety is key!

Step 6: Soft Wash Exterior Walls

Switch to the wall section, using the same 40-degree nozzle and Simple Green mix. Hold the nozzle 12–18 inches from the wall, spraying in 3–5 ft sections from top to bottom to prevent streaking. For stucco or vinyl, use light pressure to avoid etching; for brick, slightly higher pressure is okay. Let the cleaner sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with the hose, keeping spray clear of enclosure screens or windows. Scrub stubborn spots with the soft-bristle brush and vinegar mix, then rinse again. Protect nearby plants with the tarp to avoid cleaner runoff.

Step 7: Final Rinse and Check

Rinse the roof and walls thoroughly with the hose, ensuring no cleaner residue lingers—it can attract dirt or harm plants. Check gutters for runoff, ensuring they’re clear (see our gutter-cleaning guide!). Inspect the enclosure’s base track and 5/16” head x 3” Tapcon screws for splashes, wiping with Simple Green if needed. Verify screens are undamaged and free of overspray. Clear the tarp and return patio furniture, wind chimes, and plants, arranging to highlight your sparkling exterior.

Step 8: Seal the Coastal Deal

For extra protection, consider applying a water-repellent sealant (like Thompson’s WaterSeal, $20–$50) to walls after drying (24–48 hours). Use a sprayer or roller for even coverage, following product instructions. This shields against future algae and UV damage, keeping your exterior coastal-chic. Let cure for 48 hours before heavy rain or use.

Keep It Pristine: Maintenance Tricks

Clean Annually: Soft wash every 12 months, especially pre-hurricane season (June 1–November 30), to tackle Florida’s algae and mildew.
Spot-Treat Algae: Check monthly for green patches, zapping with vinegar to stop spread.
Reseal Every 2 Years: Reapply sealant to walls for ongoing protection, following step 8.
Enclosure TLC: Rinse 5/16” head x 3” Tapcon screws and hurricane cables every 6 months. Swap rusted screws with a 3/16” x 6” bit.
Storm Smarts: Before hurricanes, secure furniture, wind chimes, or decor indoors. Trim trees to dodge debris and check roof post-storm.

Hot Picks: Products We’re Obsessed With

Cleaner: Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner ($10–$15, Home Depot).
Vinegar: Heinz White Vinegar ($3–$5, Publix).
Sealant: Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear ($20–$50, Lowe’s).
Pressure Washer: Karcher K1700 Electric (1800 PSI, $150–$200, Amazon).

Don’t Blow It: Avoid These Blunders

High-Pressure Fails: Over 2000 PSI damages shingles or siding—stick to soft washing.
Harsh Chemicals: Bleach wrecks roofs, walls, or enclosure screens—use eco-friendly cleaners.
Ladder Wobbles: Unstable ladders lead to falls—anchor on flat ground with a spotter.
Storm Slips: Dirty roofs shed debris onto enclosures during hurricanes—clean pre-season.

Screening DunRite