Frequently asked questions.
Everything we get asked the most — soft wash vs. pressure wash, what's in our cleaning solution, plants and pets, and how to book.
What is soft washing and how is it different from pressure washing?
Soft washing uses low pressure and specialized cleaning solutions to safely remove organic growth like moss, algae, and mildew. Unlike traditional pressure washing — which relies on high pressure to blast away dirt — soft washing kills growth at the root so it doesn't come back as quickly. It's the right method for delicate surfaces like roofs, siding, and painted wood.
What chemicals do you use for soft washing?
The main active ingredient is sodium hypochlorite (the same chemical in household bleach), diluted with water and a small amount of soap. The soap helps the solution cling to surfaces instead of running straight off, so the cleaner can actually work.
Will the cleaning solutions harm my plants or pets?
We take several steps to protect your landscaping. Plants are rinsed before, during, and after the service. Water dilutes the cleaning solution, and once diluted it drains safely into the ground. Pets should stay indoors during the service as a precaution — once the area has been rinsed it's safe again.
How often should I get my roof cleaned?
Most roofs benefit from a professional cleaning every 1–3 years, depending on shade, nearby trees, and moisture exposure. Regular cleaning prevents moss from damaging shingles and can extend the life of your roof.
How often should I get my gutters cleaned?
We recommend at least twice a year to keep drainage working properly and your gutters in good shape — typically late spring (after the last big leaf drop) and late fall.
What areas do you service?
Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Birch Bay, Sudden Valley, Everson, Nooksack, Deming, and surrounding Whatcom County communities.
What roof treatment options do you offer?
Two: a zinc powder treatment for preventive maintenance when there's not much active growth (apply yearly to keep moss from establishing), and a full soft wash with sodium hypochlorite when a roof has visible moss, algae, or heavy buildup. A proper soft wash typically keeps a roof moss-free for 3–5 years.
Do you use high pressure on roofs?
Never. High pressure damages shingles, voids warranties, and shortens roof life. We use a specialized soft washing process that safely removes moss and algae without harming the roofing material.
What's your pricing model?
Custom quotes. Pricing depends on the size of the property, the surfaces being cleaned, and the level of buildup. Every property is different — we'd rather give you an accurate number than a generic one.
How do you get on roofs safely?
We use proper safety equipment and professional techniques — specialized footwear, ladder stabilizers, and fall protection harnesses when needed. In many cases we can treat the roof from ladders or the ground using specialized soft-washing equipment, so we're not on the roof at all.
Are you insured?
Yes — fully licensed, bonded, and insured for both residential and commercial work in Washington.
Do you do commercial work?
Yes. We love working with local businesses to boost curb appeal and keep commercial properties looking sharp.
How do I book?
Call, text, or email — or click "Get a quote" and fill out the form. We'll look up the property, send you an estimate as soon as possible, and schedule at your convenience.
What kinds of roofs can you clean?
Asphalt, metal, clay and concrete tile, slate, cedar shake, composite/synthetic shingles, and flat systems like TPO, PVC, and torch-down. Each material needs a slightly different approach — we adjust our process and solutions to clean safely without damaging the roof.
What does a full gutter cleaning include?
We hand-clear leaves, needles, moss, and debris out of every run, flush the downspouts with water to confirm flow, and bag and haul the debris off-site. We also do a quick visual check for loose hangers, separated joints, or other things you should know about — no pressure to fix, just a heads-up.
Do you use a vacuum or hand-clean gutters?
We hand-clean. Vacuums miss the wet, packed debris that causes most clogs, and they don't let us inspect the gutter as we go. Hand-cleaning takes a little longer but it actually solves the problem.
Can clogged gutters really cause damage?
Yes — and in the PNW it happens fast. Water that can't drain backs up under your roof edge, soaks into fascia boards, and overflows next to your foundation. Two years of skipped cleanings can turn into thousands in repairs. This is the highest-ROI maintenance task on most homes.
What siding materials can you soft wash?
Vinyl, fiber cement (Hardie), wood, stucco, brick, and painted siding all soft-wash safely. We adjust pressure and chemistry per material — vinyl is forgiving, wood needs lower concentration and faster rinsing.
Why do my north-facing walls turn green?
North-facing walls get less direct sun, so they stay damp longer. That moisture plus airborne spores grows algae and mildew on siding — the green/black film you're seeing. A soft wash kills it at the surface and slows regrowth.
How long does a house wash take?
A typical single-story home is 2–3 hours; two-story homes run 3–5 hours depending on size and how much buildup is on the siding.
What surfaces should be pressure washed, not soft washed?
Concrete and stone — driveways, patios, walkways, retaining walls, stairs. These hard surfaces handle higher pressure and need it to lift embedded dirt, oil, and tire marks. Soft wash is for delicate surfaces; pressure wash is for concrete.
Will pressure washing damage my concrete?
Not when it's done right. We use the correct tip and distance for the surface — too close or too narrow a tip can etch concrete. Surface cleaners (the round attachments that look like floor buffers) give an even finish without leaving lines.
Can you remove oil stains from a driveway?
Most of them — we pre-treat with a degreaser, let it dwell, and then pressure wash. Old, deep stains may lighten but not disappear entirely; we'll tell you upfront what to expect when we look at the property.
Do you clean both interior and exterior windows?
Yes — exteriors always, interiors on request. Exteriors get the most weather and need the most work. Interior cleaning is great as an add-on when you're prepping for listings or hosting.
How do you handle hard water spots on glass?
We treat them with a glass-safe mineral remover before cleaning. Hard water spots (white circles from sprinklers, gutter overflow, or screen oxidation) bond to glass and won't come off with normal cleaning — they need a separate treatment step.
Do you clean screens and tracks too?
Screens get rinsed and brushed if needed — included with exterior window cleaning. Tracks are a deeper job; we'll do them on request as an add-on.
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