House Washing

Soft washing uses low pressure (under ~300 PSI) plus a biodegradable cleaning solution that kills algae, mold, and mildew at the root. Pressure washing uses high-pressure water (1,300+ PSI) to physically blast dirt off harder surfaces like concrete. Siding, soffits, and stucco should almost always be soft washed — high pressure forces water behind panels, strips paint, and etches stucco. Wet Jet soft washes house exteriors and reserves pressure washing for hardscapes.

Once a year is the standard recommendation for most homes. In Northeast Ohio's humid, lake-effect climate — and especially for homes in wooded or shaded settings — every 9–12 months is ideal to stay ahead of green algae and mildew. Homes near the lake, under heavy tree cover, or with north-facing walls that rarely see direct sun often benefit from a wash every spring plus a touch-up in early fall.

Yes — when it's done wrong. Too much pressure (over ~1,600 PSI), the wrong nozzle, or spraying upward under the laps can crack panels, force water behind the siding, and cause hidden mold. That's exactly why we soft wash vinyl instead of pressure wash it. Our low-pressure rinse plus a sodium-hypochlorite cleaner removes algae, mildew, and dirt without ever risking siding damage or warranty issues.

Green discoloration is almost always algae (gloeocapsa or chlorophyta), and dark streaks are typically mold, mildew, or tannin runoff. They thrive on north-facing and shaded walls in humid climates — exactly what Northeast Ohio delivers May through September. A professional soft wash kills the organism at the root with a sodium-hypochlorite solution, then rinses clean. Bleach-and-water DIY treatments work short-term but usually return within months because they don't fully neutralize the spore base.

No, when the job is done correctly. Before we apply any cleaning solution, we soak surrounding shrubs, flower beds, and lawn with plain water — that pre-saturation prevents the diluted bleach from being absorbed by roots. We also tarp sensitive plantings, bag downspouts when needed, and rinse the foundation area on the way out. Damage to landscaping almost always comes from DIY jobs using undiluted bleach without these precautions.

Mid-spring through early fall, with daytime temps consistently between 50°F and 80°F. In Northeast Ohio, late April through June is peak season — winter salt and grime is still on the siding, plants are mostly dormant, and pollen hasn't fully settled. September is the second-best window: it strips off summer mildew before freeze-thaw season and lets the house head into winter clean.

Yes, but carefully — and rarely with the high pressure most people picture. Brick itself is durable, but the mortar joints aren't; pressure above 1,500 PSI can erode mortar, force water into the wall cavity, and cause hidden moisture damage. We typically soft wash brick with a cleaning solution and a controlled rinse at 500–1,200 PSI from 12–18 inches away, which lifts decades of grime without touching the mortar.

Most single-family homes take 1–3 hours. A small ranch under 1,500 sq ft is often done in about 90 minutes; a two-story 2,500+ sq ft home runs 3–4 hours, longer if there's heavy algae, intricate trim, or hard-to-reach gables. Add 30–60 minutes if you're bundling gutter brightening or window rinse, which most of our customers do.

No. As long as we have access to an exterior water spigot and a clear path around the house, you don't need to be home. Most of our customers schedule the wash for a workday and come back to a clean house. We do ask that you close and latch all windows, bring in pets, and let us know about any sensitive plantings before we arrive.

Yes — it's one of the highest-ROI moves a seller can make. Industry estimates put exterior cleaning's contribution to perceived value at 5–10%, and one Clever Real Estate study found that washing the house, windows, and driveway adds about $10,000 to the average listing price. On a $300–$500 service, that's a return most renovation projects can't touch. We frequently get last-minute calls from realtors prepping listings — it's the cheapest curb-appeal lever there is.