Safe, Low-Pressure Cleaning for Roofs, Siding & Delicate Surfaces
High pressure damages roofs and painted surfaces. Our soft wash method kills algae, mold, and mildew at the root — results that last years, not months.
Why Soft Washing Is the Right Choice for Most Exterior Surfaces
High-pressure washing is powerful — but power isn't always the answer. For roofs, vinyl siding, stucco, painted wood, and other delicate surfaces, high pressure strips coatings, forces water behind cladding, and can void manufacturer warranties.
Soft washing uses low-pressure water delivery combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions that penetrate and kill algae, mold, mildew, lichen, and bacteria at the root. The result is a deeper, longer-lasting clean — without the risk of surface damage.
Therm-O-Jet has been cleaning NJ homes and commercial properties since 1981. Our self-contained trucks carry their own water supply — no hookup to your property needed.
Surfaces We Soft Wash
If high pressure would damage it, soft washing is the answer.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
ARMA-recommended low-pressure method that kills algae and mold at the root without stripping granules.
Vinyl & Aluminum Siding
Gentle enough for painted and vinyl surfaces — removes black streaks, green algae, and oxidation.
Stucco & EIFS
Soft wash is the only safe method for stucco and synthetic exteriors that high pressure would crack or pit.
Wood Fences & Decks
Cleans without raising grain or splintering wood fibers — ideal prep before staining or sealing.
Painted Surfaces
Low pressure preserves paint integrity while removing mildew, chalking, and biological staining.
Gutters & Fascia
Removes tiger-stripe staining and biological growth from gutters and fascia boards safely.
Our Soft Washing Process
Four steps. No shortcuts. No damage.
Inspect & Assess
We evaluate the surface type, staining severity, and any areas needing special care before we start.
Pre-Treat Landscaping
Surrounding plants and landscaping are pre-wetted and protected before any cleaning solution is applied.
Apply Cleaning Solution
Biodegradable solution is applied at low pressure, penetrating and killing algae, mold, and mildew at the root.
Dwell & Rinse
Solution dwells to break down organic growth, then is rinsed thoroughly with low-pressure water.
Why Choose Therm-O-Jet for Soft Washing in NJ?
Soft Washing FAQs
What is soft washing and how is it different from pressure washing?
Soft washing uses low water pressure combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions to safely remove algae, mold, mildew, lichen, and organic staining from delicate surfaces. Pressure washing uses high-pressure water alone, which can damage roofing shingles, vinyl siding, and painted surfaces. Soft washing is the industry-recommended method for roofs and most residential exteriors.
Is soft washing safe for my roof shingles?
Yes. Soft washing is the method recommended by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) for cleaning asphalt shingles. High-pressure washing can strip granules and void manufacturer warranties. Our low-pressure application with appropriate cleaning agents kills algae and mold at the root without damaging your shingles.
How long does soft washing last compared to pressure washing?
Because soft washing kills the biological growth at the root rather than just blasting it off the surface, results typically last 2–5 years on roofs and 1–3 years on siding — significantly longer than pressure washing alone.
Do you serve all of Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, and Essex counties?
Yes. Therm-O-Jet provides soft washing services throughout all four counties in northern New Jersey, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Paramus, Ridgewood, Jersey City, Hoboken, Paterson, Clifton, Newark, Montclair, and all surrounding municipalities.
Are the cleaning solutions you use safe for plants and landscaping?
We use biodegradable, environmentally responsible cleaning solutions and take precautions to protect your landscaping, including pre-wetting plants and rinsing after treatment. Our technicians are trained to minimize any impact on surrounding vegetation.
Ready for a Safer, Longer-Lasting Clean?
Call or message us for a free soft washing estimate anywhere in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, or Essex County.