Exterior cleaning services
Every surface on your property needs a different touch. Here is what we clean, how we do it, and what to expect. Not sure what you need? Send a few photos and we'll tell you.
House washing
Siding collects dirt, pollen, mold and mildew, especially on the shady side of the house. Left alone, that growth dulls the color and holds moisture against the surface.
We wash houses with a mix of soft washing and controlled pressure. A cleaning solution breaks down the organic growth, then a low-pressure rinse carries it away without forcing water behind the siding or stripping paint. A basic rinse of your windows is included with every house wash.
Older vinyl that has sat in the sun can be oxidized, which leaves a chalky film that washing can reveal but not remove. We'll point it out during the walk-through so you know what to expect.
Surfaces we wash
- Vinyl siding
- Brick
- Stucco
- Wood siding and trim
- Porches and soffits
- Shutters and window frames
Roof cleaning
Those black streaks on shingle roofs are algae. Moss and lichen follow, and they can lift shingles and trap moisture. A roof should never be pressure washed, because it strips the protective granules.
We use a low-pressure soft wash with a solution that kills algae, moss and lichen at the root. We don't scrape or pull growth off by force. Some dead growth rinses away the same day. The rest fades with rain and sun over about 6 to 8 weeks, sometimes longer on heavy buildup. If it hasn't faded by then, call us and we'll take another look. Any touch-ups needed for the original treatment are included.
Roof types
- Asphalt shingle
- Tile
- Metal
Concrete cleaning
Driveways, sidewalks and patios slowly turn grey with dirt, tire marks, mildew and oil. We clean concrete with high-pressure equipment and a rotary surface cleaner, which gives an even finish without the zebra stripes a wand alone can leave.
Cleaning concrete does more than look good. It removes the growth that makes walkways slippery and the grime that breaks down the surface over time. It's a good first job before selling a house or hosting a party.
What we clean
- Driveways
- Sidewalks and walkways
- Patios and pool decks
- Garage aprons
- Steps and stoops
- Parking lots
Stain removal
Some marks need more than water. We treat each stain with a cleaning agent made for it, then wash it out without damaging the surface.
Honest note: deep, old oil stains and rust can lighten a lot without disappearing completely. We'll tell you during the quote which stains should come out fully and which will only fade.
Stains we treat
- Oil and grease
- Rust
- Mold and mildew
- Algae
- Dirt and tire marks
- Food and drink spills
Deck and fence cleaning
Decks and fences take a beating from weather, shade and sprinklers. We clean them at a pressure the material can handle, using a cleaning solution to lift mold, mildew and algae instead of blasting the surface.
We won't put high pressure on wood just to make it look brighter. That raises the grain and shortens the life of the boards. If a deck needs stripping before re-staining, we'll tell you that rather than damaging it.
Materials
- Wood decks and railings
- Composite decking
- Vinyl fences
- Wood fences
Gutter cleaning and brightening
Gutter cleaning clears out the leaves and debris inside so rainwater runs to the downspouts, not over the edge and down your foundation.
Gutter brightening cleans the outside face of the gutters, removing the grey film and black streaks so they look white again. It pairs well with a house wash.
Some gutters have deep oxidation, the "tiger stripes" that are etched into the paint. Washing can't remove those, and we'll tell you up front if yours have them.
Commercial exterior cleaning
Clean walkways and storefronts tell customers you take care of things. We work with business owners and property managers on storefronts, entrances, sidewalks, parking lots and building exteriors.
Tell us the property, the surfaces and when work can happen, and we'll put together a quote. Repeat cleanings are welcome.
Soft washing or pressure washing?
Most jobs use both. The difference is how much force touches the surface.
Soft washing
Low-pressure water, about what a garden hose puts out, combined with a cleaning solution that does the work. It kills mold, mildew and algae rather than just knocking it loose, so it stays clean longer.
Used on: roofs, vinyl and painted siding, stucco, wood fences and anything that high pressure could damage.
Pressure washing
High-pressure water for hard, durable surfaces. Pressure lifts embedded dirt, grease and grime that a solution alone can't reach.
Used on: concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, brick pavers and parking lots.
What washing can't fix
We'd rather tell you now than disappoint you later. These are things a wash won't remove or isn't the right fix for:
- Oxidation on siding or gutters ("tiger stripes")
- Paint splatters and paint that's already failing
- Tree sap
- Artillery fungus (tiny black spots)
- Vine remnants stuck to siding
- Areas higher than a 28-foot ladder can reach
The full list is in our service terms.
Before you book
How do I get ready for a wash?
Close all windows and doors tightly. Move cars, outdoor furniture, doormats and delicate potted plants away from the areas we're washing. Turn off outdoor outlets and fixtures at the breaker, take down window screens if you can, pick up after pets and keep pets and kids inside while we work.
Do you need my water?
Yes. We connect to an outdoor spigot and need steady pressure, around 40 PSI, so please don't run sprinklers or washing machines while we work. If you're on well water or have low pressure, tell us when you book and we can bring water for an extra charge. We bring our own power, so we never plug into your house.
Do I need to be home?
It helps to be there for the walk-through, so we can go over any existing damage together. If you can't be, we'll photograph what we find and send it to you before we start.
What stains can you remove?
Oil, grease, rust, mold, mildew, algae, dirt and food or drink spills, on concrete, siding and decks. Old, deep stains may lighten rather than vanish, and we'll tell you which ones before we start.
Is power washing covered by homeowner's insurance?
Usually not, since it's routine maintenance. All American Power Washing LLC carries its own insurance, so your property is protected while we work.
How do I pay, and is there a deposit?
We take cash, check or credit card. Payment is due when the work is done. To hold your date we take a deposit of 20 to 30 percent when you approve the quote, and it comes off your final bill.
What if the weather is bad?
If rain or an emergency gets in the way, we'll move you to the next available day and keep you posted.