Nelson Painting is a painting contractor that provides soft washing for siding, roofs, and cedar shingles across Plymouth County, Barnstable County, and Bristol County

Low-Pressure, Mold-Killing Wash

Soft Washing That Kills Growth at the Root

Name: Why Soft Washing Beats Pressure Washing on Vinyl, Cedar, and Stucco
Uploaded: 2026-04-12
Duration: 14 min 20 s
Description: Pressure washing forces water under siding and tears up cedar fibers. Soft washing uses low pressure and a mold-killing solution that cleans from the surface inward — and stays clean for years longer. Watch the difference up close before you let anyone aim a pressure washer at your house.

Nelson Painting provides professional soft washing services for homeowners and businesses across Southeastern MA.

Low-Pressure Safe: Gentle on siding, roofs, and delicate cedar shingles.
Kills at the Root: Algae, mold, and mildew eliminated — not just rinsed off.
65+ Years Experience: Three generations of trusted exterior care since 1960.
Free Estimates: Honest pricing with no obligation or hidden fees.

Ready to restore your home's exterior? Get a free estimate today.

Call (508) 746-6432 Why Trust Us?

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100s of 5-Star Ratings on Platforms You Trust

Is This You?

Signs Your Property Needs Professional Soft Washing

Green algae creeping up your siding. Black streaks running down your roof. Mildew stains that come back no matter how many times you rinse them. If this sounds familiar, your home needs more than a garden hose and elbow grease — it needs a professional soft wash that eliminates organic growth at the root.

For Homeowners

Green algae creeping up your siding, black streaks running down your roof, mildew that comes back no matter how many times you rinse it — these are not just cosmetic problems. They are organic growth actively breaking down your home's exterior. Our soft wash kills the growth at the root and protects your siding, shingles, and cedar for years.

Learn more about residential painting →

For Property Managers

Algae-stained storefronts, dirty fascia, and weathered building exteriors send the wrong signal to tenants and customers. Soft washing restores curb appeal without the high-pressure damage that pressure washing causes to signage, awnings, and siding. We coordinate scheduling around your operations and offer maintenance contracts for HOAs and multi-unit properties.

Learn more about commercial painting →

Surfaces We Clean

Soft Washing Solutions for Every Exterior Surface

Different surfaces require different approaches. We tailor our cleaning solutions and techniques to match the material, ensuring a thorough clean without any risk of damage.

Vinyl siding, wood clapboard, and composite materials all collect algae, mildew, and grime — especially on north-facing walls and shaded areas. Power washing these surfaces risks forcing water behind the siding, causing hidden moisture damage and potential mold growth inside your walls.

Our soft wash approach applies a custom-mixed biodegradable solution at low pressure (under 100 PSI — less than your garden hose). The solution breaks down algae, mold, and mildew at the root, then we rinse everything clean with gentle water flow. The result is siding that looks freshly installed without any risk of water intrusion or surface damage.

For homes being prepped for painting, soft washing is an essential first step. It kills the organisms that cause paint failure and creates a clean bonding surface for primer and paint. As a painting company with 65+ years of experience, we understand exactly how surface preparation affects long-term paint adhesion.

Why Soft Wash Wins

Why Soft Washing Beats Pressure Washing on Vinyl, Cedar, and Stucco

Pressure washing forces water under siding and tears up cedar fibers. Soft washing uses low pressure and a mold-killing solution that cleans from the surface inward — and stays clean for years longer. Watch the difference up close before you let anyone aim a pressure washer at your house.

No High Pressure

Solution Does the Work

Algae + Mildew

Killed at the Root

14 min

Real-Time Demo

Vinyl, Cedar, Stucco

Safe on All Surfaces

In-House Crews Only

Our dedicated six-person crew handles every project personally. No subcontractors means consistent quality, direct communication, and the same trusted team from start to finish.

Free On-Site Estimates

Owner Marc Nelson personally walks your property to assess every detail. You receive a thorough written proposal — no vague ballpark figures, no hidden costs, no obligation.

Premium Paint Products

We use only the highest-quality paints and coatings built to withstand coastal humidity, salt air, and harsh New England winters. Better products mean longer-lasting results and fewer touch-ups.

Licensed & Fully Insured

Every crew member is covered by workers' compensation and general liability insurance. You never have to worry about exposure if something unexpected happens on your property.

65+ Years Family Owned

Your project benefits from over six decades of knowledge passed down through three generations. That kind of experience means fewer surprises, better problem-solving, and results that stand the test of time.

EPA Lead-Safe Certified

Many South Shore and Cape Cod homes were built before 1978 and may contain lead paint. Our EPA-certified crews follow strict protocols to keep your family safe during renovation work.

How It Works

Our Professional Soft Washing Process

Every soft washing project follows a proven seven-step process refined over decades of exterior cleaning experience. Here is exactly what to expect.

1

We start with a thorough walk-around of your property to identify every surface that needs attention. We assess the type and severity of growth (algae, mold, mildew, lichen, moss), note the surface materials (vinyl, wood, cedar, stucco, brick), and check for any areas that need special care like peeling paint, damaged siding, or delicate landscaping. This assessment determines the exact cleaning solution formula and approach for your home. Typical inspection time: 15 to 20 minutes.

2

Before any cleaning solution touches your home, we protect your landscaping. We pre-soak all plants, flower beds, and shrubs with fresh water, then cover sensitive plantings with protective sheeting. We also wet down your lawn in the work area. Our biodegradable cleaning solutions are plant-safe when properly diluted, but we take these extra precautions because your garden matters to us as much as your siding.

3

We mix a custom cleaning solution tailored to your specific surfaces and the type of growth present. Our formulas use sodium hypochlorite combined with surfactants and rinsing agents that are biodegradable and environmentally responsible. The concentration is adjusted based on surface material — cedar shingles get a gentler mix than vinyl siding, and heavily stained areas may need a stronger application. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

4

Using specialized soft wash equipment, we apply the cleaning solution at low pressure — typically under 100 PSI, which is less pressure than a standard garden hose. We work from the bottom up to prevent streaking and ensure complete, even coverage. Every surface receives thorough application, including under eaves, behind downspouts, and in the corners where growth concentrates.

5

This is where the real cleaning happens. The solution needs time to penetrate and kill organic growth at the root — not just bleach the surface. Depending on the severity of the growth and the surface type, dwell time ranges from 10 to 20 minutes. During this time, we monitor the solution and may reapply to areas with heavier staining. We also continue rinsing your landscaping to keep everything protected.

6

After the solution has done its work, we rinse your entire home with clean, low-pressure water. We work from the top down, flushing away the dissolved growth, dead organisms, and cleaning solution. For roofs, we follow ARMA-recommended rinse procedures to protect your shingle granules. Every surface gets a thorough rinse until the water runs clear and all cleaning residue is gone.

7

We walk the entire property with you to inspect the results. We check every surface for completeness, address any spots that need additional attention, and rinse your landscaping one final time. We also point out any maintenance concerns we noticed during the cleaning — like areas where paint is starting to fail or wood that may need repair. Most soft wash jobs take one to two hours for an average-sized home. The results typically last one to three years depending on your property's sun exposure and proximity to trees.

Get a Free Soft Washing Estimate Today

Stop scrubbing and start seeing results that last. Schedule your free property walk-through and we will have a detailed estimate to you within 24 hours — no pressure, no obligation.

Schedule Free Estimate Call (508) 746-6432

Trusted Since 1960

What Our Customers Say About Our Work

Three generations of Nelson Painting customers share their experiences. See why families across the South Shore and Cape Cod keep calling us back.

5.0from 132 reviews

MD

Martha Denstedt

May 12, 2026

Google

My husband and I truly appreciate the work Matt, Tyler, Tim & Zach did painting the interior of our home. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional. The team was professional, courteous, punctual, and incredibly respectful of our home throughout the project. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident in every room. The finished work looks beautiful, and the care they took with preparation, cleanliness, and follow-through did not go unnoticed. It’s refreshing to work with people who clearly take pride in what they do. Your crew worked efficiently, communicated well, and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and positive attitude. They made what could have been a disruptive project feel smooth and stress-free.

MS

Marilyn Smith

July 10, 2025

Google

We recently had three painters work on the interior of our home, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. From start to finish, they were professional, courteous, and incredibly hardworking. They paid close attention to detail, respected our home, and made sure everything was spotless when they finished. The quality of their work truly transformed our space — it looks fresh, beautiful, and exactly how we envisioned it. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable, skilled painters who take pride in their work. Thank you for making our home look amazing! Thank you so much Bruce Sooy and Marilyn

KP

Kathleen Piwko

May 7, 2026

Google

We had the ENTIRE interior of our home painted by Nelson Painting. So happy with everything! Working with Marc and Nicole was seamless and we appreciated their professionalism and prompt responses to our questions. Very accommodating to our wishes and timelines and we were comfortable having them in our home. We will be using them again! Truly a family company that cares about their customers.

JH

Jim Holman

April 28, 2025

Google

I used Nelson Painting on a couple of occasions. One being a new build where they painted the entire interior of the home flawlessly! The other an outdoor job, fixing another contractor’s unacceptable work. Needless to say, it looks amazing now! The Nelson Family and Crew are punctual, accommodating and respectful of your proper. You will not regret hiring Nelson Painting! Thank you! Lori H.

MD

Marie Durante

March 5, 2026

Google

I have been a long time customer of Nelson Painting. I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, Mark and his team are reliable, professional, and incredibly easy to work with. They show up on time, communicate clearly throughout the project, and deliver exactly what they promise. The quality of their work truly stands out — clean lines, great attention to detail, and a flawless finish. They always treat my home with care and make sure everything is spotless before they leave. If you’re looking for a painting company you can trust to get the job done right, I highly recommend them!

NB

Nicole Burt

April 23, 2025

Google

Just had my house softwashed by Nelson Painting and the results are amazing! Looks like a brand new house! Marc Nelson was extremely easy to deal with and very responsive to texts and setting up our appointment. Very happy with their service and would recommend to everyone 😊 Thank you Nelson Painting!

JG

Jazmine Glasgow

August 2, 2025

Google

Marc & his crew did a softwash on our house and barn, they were fantastic. Great communication and work. They are definitely busy, but worth the wait for us!

BG

Bill Gallagher

July 29, 2024

Google

Nelson painting was great. Timely. Super quality painting. Marc made some color suggestions that made a huge design impact. Attention to detail second to none. Best painter I’ve ever hired.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Washing

Not sure if soft washing is right for your home? Here are the answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners across Southeastern Massachusetts.

General Questions

What is the difference between soft washing and power washing?

The fundamental difference is pressure and cleaning method. Power washing uses high-pressure water (1,300 to 3,100 PSI) to blast contaminants off surfaces. Soft washing uses low-pressure water (under 100 PSI) combined with specialized biodegradable cleaning solutions that kill organic growth at the root. Power washing is appropriate for hard surfaces like concrete driveways and stone patios. Soft washing is the safe choice for siding, roofs, cedar shingles, painted surfaces, and any material that could be damaged by high pressure. We offer both services and will always recommend the right method for your specific surfaces.

Is soft washing safe for plants and landscaping?

Yes, when performed by trained professionals. Our cleaning solutions are biodegradable and break down quickly in the environment. Before every job, we pre-soak all plants, flower beds, and shrubs with fresh water, cover sensitive plantings with protective sheeting, and continuously rinse vegetation during the cleaning process. After the job, we give your landscaping a final fresh-water rinse. In over 65 years of exterior cleaning, we have never had a landscaping damage complaint.

Does soft washing kill mold permanently?

Soft washing kills existing mold, algae, and mildew at the root — which is why results last much longer than power washing, which only removes the surface layer. However, because New England's coastal climate constantly introduces new spores and moisture, organic growth will eventually return. Most homeowners see results lasting one to three years before the next cleaning is needed. Regular soft washing on a maintenance schedule is the most effective way to keep your home's exterior clean long-term.

Is roof soft washing safe for asphalt shingles?

Yes — soft washing is the only cleaning method recommended by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA). Pressure washing a roof strips away the protective granule layer that shields your shingles from UV damage, which can void your warranty and shorten your roof's life. Our soft wash method uses approved chemical solutions applied at low pressure to kill the Gloeocapsa magma bacteria that causes black streaks without disturbing a single granule. Your roof comes out clean and your warranty stays fully intact.

What towns and cities does Nelson Painting serve?

Barnstable County

Barnstable, MA
Bourne, MA
Brewster, MA
Chatham, MA
Dennis, MA
Eastham, MA
Falmouth, MA
Harwich, MA
Mashpee, MA
Orleans, MA
Provincetown, MA
Sandwich, MA
Truro, MA
Wellfleet, MA
Yarmouth, MA

Bristol County

Acushnet, MA
Attleboro, MA
Berkley, MA
Dartmouth, MA
Dighton, MA
Easton, MA
Fairhaven, MA
Fall River, MA
Freetown, MA
Mansfield, MA
New Bedford, MA
North Attleborough, MA
Norton, MA
Raynham, MA
Rehoboth, MA
Seekonk, MA
Somerset, MA
Swansea, MA
Taunton, MA
Westport, MA

Plymouth County

Abington, MA
Bridgewater, MA
Brockton, MA
Carver, MA
Duxbury, MA
East Bridgewater, MA
Halifax, MA
Hanover, MA
Hanson, MA
Hingham, MA
Hull, MA
Kingston, MA
Lakeville, MA
Marion, MA
Marshfield, MA
Mattapoisett, MA
Middleborough, MA
Norwell, MA
Pembroke, MA
Plymouth, MA
Plympton, MA
Rochester, MA
Rockland, MA
Scituate, MA
Wareham, MA
West Bridgewater, MA
Whitman, MA

Residential Questions

Is the soft washing solution safe if my kids and pets play in the yard?

Our cleaning solutions are biodegradable and designed for residential use around families and pets. We ask that children and pets stay inside during the active washing and rinse cycle, which typically takes one to two hours. Once surfaces are rinsed and dry — usually within two to four hours after we finish — the yard is completely safe for normal activity. We always rinse surrounding grass, play areas, and pet zones with fresh water as a final step.

How do you protect my flower beds and landscaping during soft washing?

Before any solution touches your siding, we thoroughly pre-soak all plants, flower beds, and shrubs with fresh water so roots are saturated and less likely to absorb cleaning solution. Sensitive plantings near the house get covered with protective sheeting. Throughout the wash, a crew member continuously rinses vegetation with clean water. After the job, everything gets a final fresh-water rinse. Our approach has protected landscaping on thousands of homes over 65+ years without a single damage complaint.

How often should I have my home soft washed?

For most homes in Southeastern Massachusetts, we recommend soft washing every one to two years. Homes in heavily shaded areas, near water, or surrounded by trees may benefit from annual cleaning. Homes with more sun exposure and open yards can often go two years between treatments. Cedar shingle homes on Cape Cod and the South Shore typically need cleaning every 12 to 24 months due to the coastal humidity. We will assess your property and give you an honest recommendation based on your specific conditions.

Can you clean my screened porch and enclosed patio?

Yes, screened porches and enclosed patios are common add-ons for residential soft wash jobs. We use very low pressure and targeted application to clean the exterior framing, screens, and ceiling without over-spraying into the interior. For three-season porches with mildew buildup on ceilings and trim, we can soft wash the interior surfaces as well. We protect any outdoor furniture, lighting, and fans before starting and leave the space clean and ready to enjoy.

Commercial Questions

Can you soft wash a multi-story office building or commercial property?

Yes. Our commercial soft washing equipment reaches up to four stories without lifts or scaffolding, which keeps costs down and eliminates access issues. For taller structures, we coordinate with lift equipment as needed. We have cleaned office buildings, medical facilities, retail centers, and industrial properties throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. Commercial soft washing removes the same algae, mildew, and pollution staining that affects homes — just on a larger scale.

Do you offer HOA and condominium association soft washing packages?

We work with multiple HOAs and condo associations across the South Shore and Cape Cod. We offer community-wide packages where every unit gets soft washed on a coordinated schedule — which is more cost-effective than individual homeowner bookings. We handle resident communication, unit-by-unit scheduling, and before-and-after documentation for the board. Many associations put us on an annual contract so the entire community stays uniformly clean.

Can you clean commercial awnings, signage, and storefronts?

Absolutely. Fabric and vinyl awnings, exterior signage, and storefront facades all benefit from soft washing because the low pressure cleans without damaging graphics, lettering, or fabric. High-pressure washing can shred awning material and peel sign faces — soft washing is the only safe method. We clean the awning or sign, rinse the surrounding building face, and leave your business looking professional and inviting. This is a popular add-on for retail and restaurant clients.

Can you schedule around our business hours to avoid customer disruption?

Yes, we offer flexible scheduling for commercial soft washing to avoid disrupting your business operations and customer experience. Soft washing is significantly quieter than power washing, so even during business hours the noise impact is minimal. For restaurants and medical offices where foot traffic and cleanliness perception are critical, we coordinate timing down to the hour. Let us know your preferred window and we will build the schedule around your needs.

Have a question we did not cover? We are happy to help.

Call Us Directly Send Us a Message

Serving Southeastern Massachusetts

Full-Service Painting, Staining, and Property Care Across Plymouth, Barnstable, and Bristol Counties

From the South Shore to Cape Cod and the South Coast, our crew handles interior and exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, carpentry, deck and fence staining, power washing, soft washing, and water and smoke damage restoration for homes and businesses up to 30 miles from our West Plymouth headquarters. Need directions? Use the map below to find us at 15 Roberts Rd, Unit D, Plymouth, MA 02360.

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Nelson Painting, Inc.

AddressPlymouth, MA

Phone(508) 746-6432

HoursMon-Sun: 6AM-8PM

Soft Washing That Kills Growth at the Root

100s of 5-Star Ratings on Platforms You Trust

Signs Your Property Needs Professional Soft Washing

For Homeowners

For Property Managers

Soft Washing Solutions for Every Exterior Surface

Why Soft Washing Beats Pressure Washing on Vinyl, Cedar, and Stucco

In-House Crews Only

Free On-Site Estimates

Premium Paint Products

Licensed & Fully Insured

65+ Years Family Owned

EPA Lead-Safe Certified

Our Professional Soft Washing Process

Property Inspection

Landscape Protection

Custom Solution Mixing

Low-Pressure Application

Dwell Time

Gentle Rinse

Final Walkthrough

Get a Free Soft Washing Estimate Today

What Our Customers Say About Our Work

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Washing

General Questions

What is the difference between soft washing and power washing?

Is soft washing safe for plants and landscaping?

Does soft washing kill mold permanently?

Is roof soft washing safe for asphalt shingles?

What towns and cities does Nelson Painting serve?

Residential Questions

Is the soft washing solution safe if my kids and pets play in the yard?

How do you protect my flower beds and landscaping during soft washing?

How often should I have my home soft washed?

Can you clean my screened porch and enclosed patio?

Commercial Questions

Can you soft wash a multi-story office building or commercial property?

Do you offer HOA and condominium association soft washing packages?

Can you clean commercial awnings, signage, and storefronts?

Can you schedule around our business hours to avoid customer disruption?

Full-Service Painting, Staining, and Property Care Across Plymouth, Barnstable, and Bristol Counties

Nelson Painting, Inc.