House Washing in Shearwater, St. Johns FL: Soft Washing
For house washing in Shearwater, St. Johns FL, the right method is soft washing: a low-pressure application of a cleaning solution that treats mildew and algae on the walls, followed by a gentle rinse. H2O Pressure Washing is a family business based in Saint Johns, and Shearwater is right in our part of St. Johns County. Here is what grows on Shearwater homes, why we soft wash instead of blasting, and what to expect.
Where is Shearwater, and do you wash houses there?
Shearwater is a master-planned community in St. Johns County, off County Road 210 west of Interstate 95. Homes there carry St. Johns and St. Augustine addresses, and the community sits close to our base in Saint Johns. So yes, Shearwater is part of our regular service area, along with the rest of St. Johns, FL.
What is growing on the walls of my Shearwater home?
Most of the green, gray and black film on Northeast Florida homes is mildew, algae or a mix of the two, along with dirt and pollen that give them something to hold onto. Mildew grows best in warm, moist air and does well in shaded places with little air circulation. Our long, humid summers and the wet season from roughly June through September give it ideal conditions.
On a typical Shearwater home, the first places to turn are:
- North-facing walls, which get the least direct sun and stay damp longest
- Walls behind shrubs and trees, where air movement is low
- Areas near sprinkler heads, which get wet almost every day
- Under eaves and around light fixtures, where dirt and cobwebs collect
If you want to know exactly what you are looking at, our post on mold, mildew or algae on your house walks through the differences.
Why soft wash a house instead of pressure washing it?
Pressure washing is great for concrete. It is the wrong tool for most house walls. Stucco and painted siding can be marked by high pressure, and a strong stream aimed at seams, trim or window edges can push water behind the surface. General cleaning guidance for stucco and siding calls for low pressure, a wide spray pattern, a safe distance from the wall and a downward angle.
Soft washing does the work with the cleaning solution instead of force. The solution is applied at low pressure, given time to treat the growth, then rinsed off gently. Because it treats the growth rather than just knocking the top layer off, the walls tend to stay cleaner for longer than a plain rinse would leave them.
| Soft washing | High-pressure washing | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Stucco, painted siding, trim, soffits | Concrete driveways, walks, patios |
| How it cleans | Cleaning solution treats the growth, low-pressure rinse | Force of the water lifts dirt and growth |
| Risk on house walls | Low when done correctly | Marks, streaks and water forced behind the surface |
Our soft washing services page explains the method in more detail.
Is soft washing safe for my plants and landscaping?
It is when it is done with care. Cleaning solutions should be kept off plants, and standard guidance for exterior washing is to rinse nearby plants and grass before and after, especially on hot, sunny days. We pay attention to the beds along your walls and rinse as we go. If you have anything especially delicate, such as new plantings or potted plants against the house, point them out when we arrive.
How often should a house in Shearwater be washed?
For most homes in this climate, a house wash about once a year keeps growth from building up. Homes with heavy shade, a lot of irrigation against the walls or a north wall that never sees the sun may want it sooner. Our post on how often to pressure wash a home in Florida gives a surface by surface guide.
How much does house washing cost in Shearwater?
We quote each home after seeing it, rather than posting a flat number, because no two houses are the same. The things that change the price are:
- The size of the house and the number of stories
- The wall material, such as stucco or painted siding
- How much growth has built up
- How much landscaping sits against the walls
- Whether you add the driveway, walks or patio to the same visit
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer house washing in Shearwater?
Yes. H2O Pressure Washing is based in Saint Johns and serves St. Johns County, including Shearwater and the communities along County Road 210.
What is the difference between house washing and soft washing?
House washing is the job, cleaning the outside walls of the home. Soft washing is the method we use to do it, with low pressure and a cleaning solution instead of a high-pressure stream.
Will soft washing damage my stucco or paint?
Soft washing is the gentle option for stucco and paint. It relies on the cleaning solution and a low-pressure rinse, so it avoids the marks and water intrusion that high pressure can cause.
Do I need to be home for a house wash?
Ask us when you book. We need access to the walls and an outdoor water spigot, and we will confirm the details for your home when we schedule.
Can you clean the driveway on the same day?
Yes. Many homeowners pair a soft wash of the house with pressure washing of the driveway and walks so the whole exterior is done at once.
Schedule a house wash in Shearwater
Tell us about your home, which walls are showing growth and whether you want the driveway and walks done too, and we will give you a clear quote.
Request your free quote or call (904) 506-7656.