Why Picking the Right Soft Washing Company in Greenwich Is Tricky
If you live in Greenwich, CT — whether it’s in Old Greenwich, Cos Cob, Riverside, or Belle Haven — you already know this: our homes take a beating from salty coastal air, tree pollen, and unpredictable New England weather. The result? Mold, mildew, algae, and general grime that make even million-dollar homes look tired.
And when you finally decide to get that “instant facelift” for your home’s exterior, you realize there are dozens of companies promising to be the “best” in town. The problem? Not all of them know the difference between a proper soft wash and blasting your siding with high-pressure water (aka, the “paint-peeler”).
Before you hand over your money — let’s talk about how to choose a legit pro and avoid the common traps homeowners in Greenwich fall into.
Step 1: Understand What REAL Soft Washing Is
Before we get into hiring tips, here’s the truth:
- Soft washing uses low-pressure pumps combined with specialized cleaning solutions to remove dirt, algae, and mildew without damaging your home’s exterior.
- It’s perfect for siding, roofs, patios, fences, and delicate surfaces.
- It’s NOT the same as pressure washing — that’s like comparing a spa facial to sandblasting your skin.
Local example:
We once cleaned a cedar-shake home in Riverside where the previous “pro” had pressure-washed the shingles. The result? Frayed wood fibers, stripped stain, and $8,000 in repairs. Soft washing restored the look without further damage.
Step 2: Ask the 5 “Deal-Breaker” Questions
Before you hire anyone, ask these:
- Do you use true soft washing equipment or just turn down the pressure washer?
(If they say they “just lower the pressure,” that’s a red flag.) - What cleaning solutions do you use, and are they safe for plants and pets?
(In Greenwich, landscaping can be worth tens of thousands — you don’t want it ruined.) - Are you fully insured?
(Make sure they carry BOTH liability and worker’s comp.) - Do you have local references?
(Bonus if they’ve worked in your specific neighborhood.) - What’s included in your price?
(Some companies upcharge for every extra surface.)
Step 3: Spot the “Too Good to Be True” Pricing Trap
If someone offers to soft wash your whole house for $199 in Greenwich… run.
Why? Real pros:
- Use commercial-grade equipment.
- Bring insured, trained techs.
- Spend 2–4+ hours doing the job right.
That $199 special usually means:
- They’re uninsured.
- They’ll skip steps.
- They’ll use high pressure that could damage your property.
Step 4: Picture the Before & After
Before:
You pull up to your home in Belle Haven after work. Your once-white siding is streaked with algae. The roof looks dark and blotchy. The back patio has slippery green slime. You feel like the house is aging before your eyes.
After:
The siding is bright and fresh. The roof looks like new. The patio is clean and safe. Your neighbors in Greenwich stop by to ask who you hired. And every time you pull in the driveway, you feel a little more proud.
Step 5: Hire Local for Accountability
One of the best ways to avoid getting ripped off is to hire a locally invested company.
A true Greenwich-based soft washing business:
- Relies on word-of-mouth in town.
- Has a reputation to protect.
- Will stand behind their work because you could bump into them at the coffee shop.
Step 6: The “One-Day Audit” Trick
If you’re still unsure, book them for a small job first — like a patio or fence — and see:
- Are they on time?
- Do they protect plants and landscaping?
- Do they clean up afterward?
- Does the surface look 100% better?
If they pass, hire them for the big job.
Final Word: Your Home Deserves the Right Care
In Greenwich, homes aren’t just buildings — they’re investments and legacies. A proper soft wash can add curb appeal, extend the life of your materials, and make you fall in love with your property again.
Just make sure you hire someone who knows the difference between gentle but effective and cheap but destructive.
💡 Pro Tip: At Greenwich House Wash, we specialize in protecting high-value homes with a true soft washing process. We’re fully insured, plant-safe, and have cleaned properties from Old Greenwich to backcountry estates. Call us today and get your free estimate — so your home can look its absolute best.
