The Science Behind the Clean

It's Not Dirt. It's Alive.

Mold, mildew, algae, bacteria — they embed into your surfaces. Pressure alone just moves it around.

It's alive

Most exterior staining is organic—mold, mildew, algae, and bacteria growing on your surfaces

It has roots

Organic growth embeds into pores and crevices—surface cleaning alone doesn't reach it

It comes back

If you only remove the visible layer without killing the organism, it regrows within weeks

Why Soft Washing Is the Answer

The right method makes all the difference.

Kills at the source

Biodegradable cleaning solutions eliminate mold, algae, and bacteria—not just rinse them away

Protects your surfaces

Low pressure means no risk of damage to siding, paint, roofing granules, or delicate materials

Stays clean longer

Because we kill the growth instead of just moving it, results last months—not weeks

Surface Guide

Understanding Your Surfaces

What we clean, why it's dirty, and how we fix it.

Concrete

Pressure Wash

Common stains

Oil, grease, tire marks, rust, organic stains, dirt buildup

Our process

Pre-treat → surface clean at 2,000-2,500 PSI → post-treat to kill remaining organics & brighten for an even glow

Why this method

Concrete handles pressure safely; removes embedded stains chemicals can't alone

Oil vs Grease

Oil stains can only be lightened—not fully removed—unless we're contacted immediately. Perfection is not guaranteed. We recommend using cat litter to absorb fresh oil ASAP. Grease (especially from foot or food traffic) can typically be removed.

Pavers

Pressure Wash

Common stains

Organic stains, dirt, efflorescence, weed growth, oil

Our process

Pre-treat → surface clean at controlled PSI → post-treat to kill organics & brighten

Why this method

Pavers handle pressure well; cleans deep between joints where growth hides

Add-On Available

We offer re-sanding as an add-on service to restore joint sand after cleaning.

Brick

Soft Wash

Common stains

Organic stains, efflorescence (white salt deposits), dirt

Our process

Apply cleaning solution → dwell time to kill growth → gentle rinse

Why this method

Pressure erodes mortar and damages brick face; soft wash is safe

Vinyl Siding

Soft Wash

Common stains

Organic stains, pollen, dirt, oxidation

Our process

Apply biodegradable solution → kills growth at root → low-pressure rinse

Why this method

High pressure forces water behind siding and dents vinyl

Wood

Soft Wash

Common stains

Organic stains, graying, dirt, tannin bleed

Our process

3-step: alkaline cleaning solution → rinse under 1,000 PSI with the grain → brightener to restore color & balance pH

Why this method

Pressure splinters fibers; brightener restores natural wood tone

Stucco

Soft Wash

Common stains

Organic stains, dirt, rust stains, hard water spots

Our process

Apply cleaning solution → dwell to penetrate texture → soft rinse

Why this method

Pressure chips and cracks stucco finish

Retaining Walls

Soft Wash

Common stains

Organic stains, dirt, efflorescence, organic growth

Our process

Apply cleaning solution → dwell time to kill growth → gentle low-pressure rinse

Why this method

Pressure damages block faces and erodes mortar joints

Roofing

Never Pressure

Shingle, tile, metal, slate, cedar shake — same process for all

Common stains

Black streaks (Gloeocapsa magma), organic stains

Our process

ARMA-approved soft wash solution → kills bacteria completely → no rinsing needed

Why this method

Pressure blasts off granules and voids warranties

Windows

Hand Cleaned

Common stains

Hard water minerals, pollen, dirt, oxidation, screen debris

Our process

Professional squeegees → cleaning solution → frames, sills, tracks included

Why this method

Pressure cracks seals and forces water into frames

Gutters

Hand Cleaned

Common stains

Tiger stripes, oxidation, dirt, organic stains, interior debris

Our process

Interior cleanout → Gutter Whitening add-on hand washes exteriors

Why this method

Gutter paint is fragile; hand washing protects the finish

Limestone & Natural Stone

Soft Wash

Common stains

Organic stains, efflorescence, rust, hard water deposits

Our process

pH-balanced cleaning solution → dwell time → gentle low-pressure rinse

Why this method

Limestone is soft and porous; pressure etches the surface and causes permanent damage

Flagstone

Soft Wash

Common stains

Organic stains, dirt, leaf stains, tannin

Our process

Apply cleaning solution → dwell to penetrate natural texture → soft rinse

Why this method

Flagstone layers can separate under pressure; soft wash cleans safely

Know Your Enemy

Types of Stains

Identifying what's on your surfaces helps us choose the right treatment.

Green moss growing on a roof between the tiles

Organic Staining

Mold, mildew, algae, moss, lichen & black streaks (Gloeocapsa magma). Living organisms that thrive in humid, shaded areas and embed into surfaces.

Engine oil drips onto the parking lot

Oil & Grease

Dark spots on driveways and garages from vehicle leaks. Penetrates deep into concrete pores.

A close-up view of a weathered drainpipe on a building exterior, showing signs of rust and peeling paint, with gravel and grass at its base

Rust Stains

Orange-brown discoloration from metal furniture, fertilizer, or irrigation systems. Bonds to surfaces.

Efflorescence white salt deposits on surface

Efflorescence

White chalky deposits on brick and concrete. Caused by water pulling minerals to the surface as it evaporates.

Oxidation chalky residue on painted surface

Oxidation

Chalky residue on painted surfaces from sun damage or high-pressure washing on old/cheap paint. If you wipe your finger on it, it feels chalky like old paint.

Oxidized and weathered wood showing gray discoloration

Oxidized & Weathered Wood

Silver-gray weathered wood from UV damage and moisture. Indicates breakdown of wood fibers.

Tannin stains from organic material

Tannin Stains

Brown or rust-colored streaks from leaves, acorns, or wood. Common under trees and on decks near organic debris.