Soft Wash Cedar Shingles on Martha’s Vineyard: The Safe Restoration Method
Quick Summary: Cedar shingles are delicate and require a specialized cleaning approach. High-pressure washing can damage wood fibers and force water behind siding. At Vineyard Power Washing, we use a low-pressure “soft wash” technique specifically designed for the Vineyard’s humid, salty climate to safely remove lichen and algae without eroding your home’s natural protection.1
The Unique Challenge of Vineyard Siding
If you own a home on Martha’s Vineyard, you know the struggle of maintaining cedar shingles. Our island’s specific micro-climate—high humidity, frequent salt spray, and shade from oak and pine trees—creates the perfect breeding ground for organic growth.1
Homeowners often face a dilemma: you love the classic “silver-gray” patina that weathered cedar develops, but you hate the black streaks, green moss, and yellow lichen that eventually take over. The black streaks are often Gloeocapsa magma (a type of algae), while the crusty yellow or green growths are lichens that actually root into the wood fibers.2
Cleaning these shingles requires a delicate balance. You need to kill the biological growth without stripping away the wood’s surface fibers or destroying the beautiful gray oxidation that protects the shingle.
Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: The Critical Difference
Many inexperienced contractors or DIY enthusiasts make the mistake of using high pressure (power washing) on cedar. This is dangerous for two reasons:
- Fiber Damage: High pressure blasts away the soft “spring wood,” leaving the surface fuzzy and rough. This is called “furring,” and it drastically shortens the life of the shingle.1
- Water Intrusion: High-velocity water can be forced up and under the shingles, getting trapped against the moisture barrier and leading to hidden rot.
The solution is Soft Washing. This method relies on chemistry, not force. We use specialized, biodegradable detergents that kill the algae and lichen at the root, allowing us to rinse the siding with water pressure no stronger than a garden hose.1
Comparison: Methods for Cleaning Cedar
| Feature | Soft Washing (Recommended) | High Pressure Washing (Avoid) |
| Pressure (PSI) | 60 – 300 PSI (Garden Hose strength) | 1,500 – 4,000 PSI |
| Cleaning Mechanism | Chemical sanitization (kills spores) | Mechanical blasting (shears surface) |
| Risk to Cedar | Zero risk of fiber damage | High risk of furring/etching |
| Longevity | Results last 2-3 Years | Growth returns in 6-12 Months |
| Safety | Safe for windows and seals | Risk of broken seals/glass |
**
Our Soft Wash Process
Our approach is tailored to the specific needs of Vineyard properties, focusing heavily on property protection.
- Plant Protection First: We know how valuable your landscaping is. Before we spray a drop of cleaner, we pre-soak all nearby plants, shrubs, and grass with fresh water. We also cover delicate flowers if necessary. The pre-soaking fills the plant cells with water so they cannot absorb the cleaning solution.1
- The Application: We apply our Soft Wash solution gently from bottom to top. This solution dwells on the surface for 10-15 minutes, breaking down the bond between the lichen and the wood.1
- The Low-Pressure Rinse: We rinse the siding thoroughly with fresh water. You will see the algae melt away, revealing the clean wood texture beneath.
- The Lichen Note: If you have heavy, crusty lichen (often found on roofs and shaded walls), it may turn white and detach over the following weeks rather than coming off instantly. This is normal and prevents us from having to gouge the wood to remove it immediately.1
(Note: If you are seeing moss on your roof as well, visit our Roof Soft Washing page to learn about our specific roof treatments.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will soft washing remove the silver-gray color of my cedar? Not necessarily. A standard soft wash is designed to remove organic growth (mold, mildew, algae) while leaving the weathered gray patina intact. However, if you prefer the “new wood” look, we can use a wood brightener as an additional step to restore the natural cedar tone.
Is the cleaning solution safe for my hydrangea and gardens? Yes, when applied by professionals. We follow a strict protocol of pre-wetting and post-rinsing all vegetation. This dilutes any runoff to harmless levels, ensuring your landscaping remains safe during the house washing process.
How often should I wash my cedar shingles on Martha’s Vineyard? Due to the coastal humidity and salt spray, most Vineyard homes benefit from a soft wash every 12 to 24 months. Homes in heavily shaded areas (like West Tisbury or Chilmark) may need annual attention to keep lichen at bay.
Ready to restore your home’s curb appeal?
Don’t let lichen shorten the life of your siding. Get a free estimate today and let us safely clean your Vineyard home.