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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

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.

Request Free Estimate

No obligation. Fast and easy.

We'll contact you within 24 hours to discuss your project needs.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Residential Questions

Commercial Questions

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

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.

HoursMon-Sun: 6AM-8PM
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