If your home has a brick, stone, or stucco exterior, you already know these materials add character and charm, but they also require the right care. While pressure washing might seem like a quick solution for grime and algae, it can actually do more harm than good on delicate or porous surfaces. At Jeff’s Exterior Washing, we specialize in soft washing in Summerville—a low-pressure, highly effective method designed to clean your home’s exterior without damaging it.

In this blog, we’ll explore why soft washing services are the wiser, safer choice for brick, stone, and stucco.

1. Brick Can Crack Under Pressure

Brick is strong, but it’s also porous and prone to erosion. High-pressure washing can:

  • Strip away the mortar between bricks
  • Force water deep into the structure, causing mold and mildew
  • Crack or chip older, weathered brick

Soft washing gently applies a cleaning solution that penetrates the pores of the brick, killing mold, mildew, and algae at the source, without blasting or weakening the surface.

2. Natural Stone Needs a Delicate Touch

Whether you’ve got stone siding, pillars, or landscaping accents, stone is often textured and varied in density. Traditional pressure washing can:

  • Pit or etch the stone surface
  • Dislodge small stones or grout
  • Fade the natural coloring

With soft washing, we apply a biodegradable cleaner that lifts dirt, organic stains, and mildew from the surface. Then we rinse using low pressure—no risk of gouging or discoloration.

3. Stucco Is Easily Damaged by High Pressure

Stucco looks great, but it’s incredibly sensitive to water intrusion and abrasion. Pressure washing services can:

  • Crack or dent the surface
  • Strip paint or finish
  • Cause water to seep in and lead to rot behind the wall

Soft washing is the only recommended exterior cleaning method for cleaning stucco. Our process safely dissolves buildup and organic growth, keeping your stucco clean without flaking, streaks, or surface damage.

4. Soft Washing Kills Mold and Algae—Not Just the Surface Stains

The Southeast’s humidity makes Charleston homes especially vulnerable to mildew, mold, algae, and lichen growth. Power washing may blast away the visible stains, but it doesn’t always kill what’s underneath.

Soft washing uses specially formulated solutions that soak in and eliminate the source, not just the surface layer, so the results last longer, and your exterior stays cleaner.

5. Safe for Your Home—and Your Landscaping

Unlike high-powered pressure washers that can damage nearby plants, soft washing utilizes eco-friendly, diluted solutions and precise application techniques to protect your landscaping and siding simultaneously.

We always take the time to prepare your property, covering shrubs, rinsing plants, and ensuring a thorough cleanup.

Trust Charleston’s Soft Washing Pros for All Your Exterior Cleaning Services

At Jeff’s Exterior Washing, we’ve worked with countless Charleston home and business owners to clean and protect delicate materials the right way. Whether you’re dealing with mildew on your brick porch, staining on your stucco siding, or buildup on stone walls, we have your back. Soft washing is safer, smarter, and longer-lasting; we’re here to help you protect your most valuable investment.

Ready to schedule your soft wash? Get in touch today for a free estimate, and let’s gently bring your home’s exterior back to life.