Frequently Asked Questions
What does the house washing service include?
Our house washing service includes cleaning all siding, fascia, and the face of the gutters to remove mold, mildew, algae, dirt, grime, organic debris, and cobwebs.
Some stains cannot be removed through standard house washing, including:
• Artillery fungus (small black dots on siding, see FAQ below)
• Stains from vents
• Mineral or run-off stains
• Chimney stains
• Rust stains
• Paint splatter
• Creosote or oil stains
House washing does not include cleaning of the following unless previously requested:
• Roofs
• Decks
• Fences
• Patios
• Walkways
• Driveways
• Sheds
These services can be added separately.
Occasionally gutters may have tiger striping or oxidation stains that do not come off during a standard wash. These may require our gutter brightening service, which is offered as an additional service.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare?
Before we arrive, please make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked, and exterior lights are turned off.
If you have any foundation drainage issues, windows, doors, or other areas that leak during rain, please let us know ahead of time.
Please ensure there is an exterior water source available for us, preferably near the driveway as our professional washing system remains mounted in the truck.
For house, deck, and patio washing, we appreciate any loose items being moved away from the home including
• Plants and planters
• Knickknacks or decorations
• Children’s toys
• Furniture pressed against the house
Heavier items such as tables, grills, and chairs we usually move while we work then move the back when finished.
What are the little black dots all over my siding?
The small black dots are usually artillery fungus, which commonly grows in mulch. Unfortunately artillery fungus permanently stains siding and cannot be removed through standard house washing. Replacing contaminated mulch is usually the best way to prevent future staining.
Do you use my water for pressure washing?
Yes. We typically connect to an exterior water spigot during the service. Our house washing skid remains mounted in the truck so we prefer a spigot closest to the driveway. We do offer mobile service for a fee.
Will pressure washing kill my plants?
No. We take precautions to protect landscaping by pre-wetting plants, using proper dilution ratios, and rinsing thoroughly during and after the cleaning process.
During extreme heat or drought conditions, we recommend additional watering after the service to keep plants healthy.
How long will my house stay clean, and what happens if it rains after the wash?
Most homes stay clean for 1-3 years, depending on factors such as shade, moisture, and surrounding trees. Rain will not affect the results once the house washing process is complete. Our process removes organic growth at the root which will keep your siding cleaner longer.
Do you wash aluminum siding?
Yes. Aluminum siding can be safely cleaned using our soft washing process. which removes mold, mildew, algae, and dirt without using damaging high pressure. However often times aluminum siding is older and has many stains from pitting aluminum, and oxidation over the years which cannot be removed.
Will weather affect my appointment?
Light to moderate rain does not affect the house washing, and we can still perform most exterior cleaning services.
However heavy rain, lightning, high winds, or freezing temperatures may require us to reschedule for safety and best results.
I am on a well is that an issue?
No. We only use the water your well naturally provides as your system produces it. Most homes we service have adequate water supply to complete the service. If you have low water pressure or a shallow well, please let us know ahead of time and we can bring our own water if needed.
Do I have to be home during the service?
For exterior cleaning services you do not need to be home during the appointment.
For first time customers, we always enjoy meeting you in person if you are available, but it is not required.
For interior window cleaning, we do request that someone be home during the service.
Will soft washing clean my windows?
House washing will rinse and remove most loose dirt from your windows, but is not a substitute for professional window cleaning. Most windows come out fairly clean after the rinse but some spotting or streaking may remain depending on water hardness and how dirty the windows were beforehand.
How long will the service take?
Most homes take 1-3 hours, depending on the size, level of mold and grime, and accessibility.