Grime, mildew and stains build up a little at a time until one day the outside of your property looks years older. Exterior Mold & Mildew Removal for Wood Siding in California brings it back, usually in a single visit. On wood siding, the method we use is soft wash.
How we clean it
Cleaning solution: A mild house-wash mix; an oxygen-based cleaner when the wood will be stained.
Cleaning wood siding safely
Painted and stained wood siding grows mildew and loses its finish faster on the shaded and weather-facing sides. A soft wash cleans it without raising the grain, and is the usual first step before repainting or restaining.
Avoid: High pressure that raises fibers, gouges the wood or strips sound paint unevenly.
How often: Every 1-2 years, and before every repaint.
When to book exterior mold & mildew removal for wood siding
- Black, green or gray spots and film
- Slippery walkways and decks
- Musty smell near shaded walls
- Growth that returns soon after rinsing
What causes the dirt and stains
- Shade, humidity and poor air flow
- Organic debris and pollen
- Surfaces that stay damp after rain or sprinklers
Safe steps for homeowners
- Improve sun and air flow by trimming plants
- Keep gutters and sprinklers from soaking walls
- Clean small areas with an outdoor mildew cleaner, following the label
Not sure what you're looking at? The free stain identifier and safe pressure guide explain each stain and surface.
Why more pressure isn’t better
- Blasting growth off without killing it, so it grows back fast
- Mixing cleaning chemicals, which can release toxic gas
- Damaging plants with runoff
What happens on the day
- Identify surfaces and growth
- Protect plants and fixtures
- Apply a solution that kills the growth
- Rinse at low pressure
- Post-treat where helpful to slow regrowth
This service is for outdoor surfaces. Mold inside the home, in attics or in wall cavities needs a mold remediation specialist, not a pressure washing company.
How much does exterior mold & mildew removal for wood siding cost?
What moves the price:
- Size: square footage of siding, roof or flatwork
- Condition: heavy growth, old stains and peeling finishes take longer
- Access: number of stories, roof pitch, slopes and how close we can park
- Add-ons: sealing, gutter brightening and other services done in the same trip
These are typical U.S. ranges, not a quote. You get an exact price before any work starts. For a quick estimate, try the pressure washing cost calculator.
Other services for wood siding
Serving California and nearby towns
In California, stucco and siding mostly collect dust, cobwebs and sprinkler spots, while shaded walls can grow mildew after winter rains. A soft wash handles both without etching stucco.
Near the coast, salt air leaves a film on siding, windows, screens and railings that dulls finishes and speeds up corrosion on metal. Regular rinsing and washing help protect them.
Much of California has hard water. Sprinklers and misters leave white mineral spots on walls, windows, fences and pool tile, and those spots need a mineral-safe cleaner, not more pressure.
Some cities in California limit outdoor water use, including washing hard surfaces with a hose, especially during drought declarations. Pressure washers use far less water than an open garden hose, but rules vary, so it's worth checking your city's current restrictions. Wash water should also be kept out of storm drains.
We cover 841 cities and towns across California. Find exterior mold & mildew removal for wood siding in your city:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Jose
- San Francisco
- Fresno
- Sacramento
- Long Beach
- Oakland
- Bakersfield
- Anaheim
- Riverside
- Santa Ana
Exterior Mold & Mildew Removal for Wood Siding: frequently asked questions
How much does exterior mold & mildew removal for wood siding cost in California?
Exterior Mold & Mildew Removal for Wood Siding typically costs $250-$700 for typical exterior growth on a home, and usually takes 2-4 hours. The exact price depends on the size and condition, and you get it before any work starts. Call (555) 010-0000 for a free quote.
Do you use high pressure for exterior mold & mildew removal for wood siding?
For wood siding: soft wash, typically under 500 PSI; up to about 1,000 PSI with a wide tip for bare wood prep. What we avoid: high pressure that raises fibers, gouges the wood or strips sound paint unevenly. The cleaning solution does most of the work, followed by a gentle rinse.
Is exterior mold & mildew removal for wood siding safe for my plants and pets?
We pre-wet plants and lawns, keep cleaning solutions diluted to what the surface needs, and rinse landscaping again when we finish. Keep pets and children inside until surfaces are rinsed and dry.
How often should I schedule exterior mold & mildew removal for wood siding?
Every 1-2 years, and before every repaint. Shade, nearby trees, humidity and heavy traffic mean more frequent cleaning; sunny, dry spots can go longer. Our free cleaning frequency tool gives a recommendation for your climate.
What if it rains on the day?
Light rain doesn't stop most washing, but heavy rain, high wind, lightning and freezing temperatures do. If the weather isn't right, we reschedule at no charge. Our work is backed by a satisfaction guarantee.