How to Prepare Your Home for a Professional Soft Wash Service

Hey there, neighbors. Here at The MS. Contracting, we know that your home is likely your biggest investment. When you schedule a soft wash for your siding or roof, you aren't just cleaning off dirt; you are protecting the longevity of your building materials. While our team handles the heavy lifting, there are a few small things you can do to help the day go smoothly and ensure the best possible results for your Birmingham-area home.

Close and Secure Your Windows and Doors

It might seem like common sense, but it is the most important step in the preparation process. Soft washing uses a specialized cleaning solution and low-pressure water to gently remove algae, mold, and mildew. While we are very careful, we want to make sure no moisture finds its way inside your home. Before we arrive, take a walk around your house and double-check that every window is closed tightly and locked. If you have older windows with manual latches, ensure they are snug. Don't forget to check the back door, the garage entry, and any basement windows that might be hidden by bushes.

Clear the Perimeter and Tidy the Yard

To do a thorough job, we need to be able to walk freely around the entire perimeter of your house. We recommend moving any items that sit directly against the siding or on the porch. This includes potted plants, patio furniture, children's toys, and decorative yard art. If you have heavy items you can't move, just let us know ahead of time, and we can work around them or help shift them slightly. Also, please make sure all pet waste is cleared from the lawn. It makes the workspace safer and cleaner for our crew as we move hoses and equipment through your yard.

Manage Your Outdoor Electronics

While most outdoor outlets are equipped with waterproof covers, it is always a good idea to unplug any decorative lights, extension cords, or sound systems before a wash. If you have a doorbell camera like a Ring or Nest, don't worry—these are generally built to withstand rain and light spraying. However, if you have any sensitive electronic equipment or exposed wiring, please let Mack know so we can take extra precautions to cover those areas with plastic sheeting.

Keep Kids and Pets Inside

We love the families we serve here in Columbiana, but for safety reasons, we ask that children and pets stay inside for the duration of the cleaning process. We use professional-grade cleaning solutions that are highly effective at killing organic growth. While these are safe when used properly, it is best to keep everyone inside until the project is finished and the area has been thoroughly rinsed. Once the siding is dry, your four-legged friends are free to roam the yard again.

Provide Access to a Water Spigot

Since we are a local owner-operator business, we work efficiently to get your home looking new again. To do that, we need a reliable water source. Please ensure that your outdoor water spigots are turned on and accessible. If you know of any issues with your exterior plumbing, such as a leak or a finicky handle, just give us a heads-up when we arrive. We bring our own high-quality hoses, so you don't need to worry about providing anything but the water itself.

Communicate Any Special Concerns

Every home in the Birmingham metro area is unique. If you have a specific area of concern—like a particularly stubborn patch of moss on the roof or a delicate garden bed near the foundation—tell us about it. We take great pride in our plant protection protocols, but knowing your priorities helps us provide the exact level of service you expect from The MS. Contracting.

Taking these few minutes to prep your home ensures that the soft wash process is fast, safe, and effective. If you have any questions about how to get ready, or if you are ready to get your home back to its best condition, give Mack Slaughter a call today at 334-524-4664. We would be happy to discuss your project and provide a free, no-obligation quote for your house, roof, or driveway.