Soft Washing for North Shore & Northwest Suburb Homes and Estates
Lakeview Cleaning Service provides professional soft washing to homeowners across Chicago's North Shore and northwest suburbs — from Kenilworth and Winnetka to Libertyville and Barrington. Soft washing is the safe, effective alternative to power washing for brick, limestone, stucco, painted wood, and any exterior surface that high pressure could damage. We remove mold, mildew, algae, and organic staining thoroughly and safely — without risk of water intrusion or surface damage. Fully insured. Free estimates. Call (847) 322-1322.
What Is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a low-pressure exterior cleaning method that combines gentle water flow with biodegradable, eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Unlike power washing or pressure washing — which rely on high-pressure water force — soft washing lets the cleaning solution do the work. It kills and removes mold, mildew, algae, lichen, bacteria, and organic staining at the source rather than simply blasting it away.
The result is a deeper, longer-lasting clean. Because the source of the growth is treated — not just the surface appearance — soft-washed exteriors stay cleaner longer than power-washed ones. And because no high pressure is used, there is zero risk of damaged mortar, cracked brick, water intrusion behind siding, or stripped paint.
When to Use Soft Washing Instead of Power Washing
Soft washing is the correct method whenever the surface is not a hard, impermeable material like
concrete or asphalt. This includes the majority of exterior surfaces on North Shore homes:
- Brick — high pressure erodes mortar and can force water behind the facade
- Limestone and natural stone — porous and easily damaged by pressure
- Stucco — pressure can crack the finish and allow water intrusion
- Painted wood siding — pressure strips paint and can split boards
- Cedar and Hardie board siding — requires gentle treatment
- Roof surfaces — soft washing is the only safe roof cleaning method
- Historic and estate homes — any specialty finish or architectural detail
- Fencing (wood or vinyl) • Decks prior to staining
Soft Washing for North Shore Houses and Historic Homes
The North Shore communities of Kenilworth, Winnetka, Lake Forest, and Glencoe are home to some of the most architecturally significant properties in Illinois. Many were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s and feature limestone facades, leaded glass, hand-laid brick, and specialty exterior finishes that require expert care. Lakeview Cleaning Service has 20+ years of experience working on these properties. We understand that a $5,000 power washing mistake on a historic limestone facade is not an option. We use soft washing exclusively on these surfaces — with appropriate cleaning solutions, correct dwell times, and low-pressure rinse techniques that protect your property while delivering a complete clean.
Soft Washing for Northwest Suburb Homes
Homeowners in Libertyville, Barrington, Glenview, Northbrook, and the wider northwest suburbs face the same exterior cleaning challenges as North Shore properties — mature trees depositing sap and pollen on siding, north-facing walls developing green algae and black mold staining, and brick and stucco finishes dulled by years of organic buildup. Our soft washing service removes all of this safely and completely, restoring the appearance of your home's exterior without any risk of damage. We serve all of these communities with the same level of care and professionalism as our North Shore clients.
What We Soft Wash
Areas We Serve — Soft Washing
We provide soft washing services throughout Chicago's North Shore and northwest suburbs, including:
North Shore
Kenilworth, Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Highland Park, Northbrook, Evanston, Skokie, Glenview
Northwest Suburbs
Libertyville, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Lake Zurich
Not sure if we cover your area? Call (847) 322-1322 and we'll confirm.
What is soft washing and how is it different from power washing?
Soft washing uses low-pressure water and biodegradable cleaning solutions to clean exterior surfaces.
Power washing and pressure washing use high-pressure water force. Soft washing is the correct method for
brick, limestone, stucco, wood siding, and roofs — surfaces that would be damaged by high pressure. It also
kills mold and algae at the source, so results last longer than a pressure wash.
Is soft washing safe for brick and limestone?
Yes — soft washing is the recommended method for brick and limestone. High-pressure washing can erode
mortar joints, pit stone surfaces, and drive water into the structure. Soft washing cleans thoroughly at low
pressure using cleaning solutions that break down organic growth without any mechanical damage to the
surface.
How long does soft washing last compared to power washing?
Soft washing typically lasts 4–6 times longer than a standard pressure wash because it treats and kills mold,
mildew, and algae at the root rather than just removing surface staining. A soft-washed exterior can stay
clean for 2–5 years depending on the surface, environment, and tree coverage.
Can you soft wash a roof?
Yes. Soft washing is the only safe method for cleaning roofs. High-pressure washing damages shingles,
voids manufacturer warranties, and can force water under the roofing material. Our soft wash roof cleaning
removes black streaks (Gloeocapsa magma algae), moss, lichen, and mildew safely without any damage to
the roofing material.
Do you soft wash homes in Kenilworth, Winnetka, and Lake Forest?
Yes. We regularly service estate and historic properties throughout Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, and Lake
Forest. Many of these properties feature limestone facades, hand-laid brick, and specialty finishes that
require soft washing exclusively. We have 20+ years of experience on these surfaces.
Do you serve Libertyville and Barrington for soft washing?
Yes. We serve Libertyville, Barrington, and the wider northwest suburbs for soft washing, power washing, and
window cleaning. Call (847) 322-1322 to schedule a free estimate.
How much does soft washing cost?
Soft washing pricing depends on the size of the property and surfaces to be cleaned. Most residential soft
washing jobs for North Shore homes range from $350 to $800+. We provide free, no-obligation estimates —
call (847) 322-1322 to schedule.
Are your soft washing solutions safe for landscaping?
Yes. We use biodegradable, eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for landscaping, plants, and pets
when properly applied and rinsed. We take care to pre-wet surrounding plant material before cleaning and
rinse thoroughly after to protect your landscaping.
