FAQs

American Softwash

  • What is soft washing and how is it different from pressure washing?

    Soft washing employs low-pressure water delivery paired with professional-grade cleaning solutions to eliminate contaminants at their root. This method is particularly suitable for sensitive surfaces and delivers a more thorough, extended clean when compared to traditional high-pressure washing methods.
  • How long does a typical pressure washing service take?

    The duration varies based on the scope of your project. A small sidewalk section may require under an hour, while washing the complete exterior of a large apartment building could take a full day. We work efficiently to complete each job without unnecessary delays, as our objective is to save your time rather than consume it.
  • Do you provide other services in addition to residential pressure washing?

    Our service offerings extend beyond residential pressure washing. We also provide roof cleaning, window cleaning, and gutter cleaning services. These additional services utilize soft washing techniques and manual brushing methods rather than pressurized water application.
  • What is the difference between soft washing and pressure washing, and why does it matter?

    Pressure washing relies on high-PSI water alone to physically blast dirt off a surface. On siding, mortar joints, shingles, and aged wood, that force can drive water behind seams, crack grout, lift shingle granules, or strip paint—and because it only removes the visible dirt, it leaves the mold, mildew, and algae spores behind to regrow within months. Soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with professional-grade, biodegradable cleaning solutions that kill the organic growth at the root and lift contaminants safely, so the surface stays clean significantly longer without the risk of damage. Soft washing is our standard method for siding, roofing, and most delicate exterior surfaces.
  • Why do you use different methods for different siding materials?

    Vinyl, fiber cement (Hardie board), brick, stucco, wood, and EIFS (synthetic stucco) all react differently to pressure and chemistry. For example, EIFS can hide rigid foam beneath a thin coating and is vulnerable to impact and water intrusion, while wood siding absorbs moisture and can splinter or raise the grain under the wrong process. Before any job starts, our technicians identify the exact surface material, its condition, and any risk factors, then apply the cleaning method and solution built for that specific surface rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • Is it safe to soft wash a roof? Will it damage my shingles?

    Yes, soft washing is the only method that is safe and approved by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA). We use soft washing on asphalt shingle, metal, and TPO roofs. High-pressure washing on a roof can strip protective granules off asphalt shingles, dislodge tabs, and shorten the roof's lifespan, which is why we never use it there. Soft washing applies low-pressure, roof-safe detergents to eliminate the black streaking caused by algae (commonly called Gloeocapsa magma) without disturbing the roof surface, and the application rate is adjusted further based on roof pitch and accessibility.
  • Do you pressure wash concrete and driveways, and is that safe?

    Concrete and other flatwork are the exception where higher pressure is appropriate since concrete is dense and built to withstand moderate pressure, although different types of concrete can withstand different PSI levels. For ground-in dirt, tire marks, or organic marks, we use a degreaser-assisted process to break down and lift the residue before rinsing; for general dirt and grime, water alone is often sufficient. The method and pressure are matched to the surface and the type of marks rather than applied uniformly.
  • How do you clean windows, and do you remove screens?

    Our technicians use a structured process—starting with the highest windows and working down to the lower levels so any drips land on glass still to be cleaned, exterior first and interior second, so the interior pass serves as the final quality control. Screens are removed individually, brushed clean, and reinstalled as part of our standard service; deep screen cleaning (including a screen wash) is available as an add-on. We default to using fine-grade steel wool on heavily soiled exterior glass to safely remove embedded debris without scratching the windowpane, and we do not use razor blades unless a job specifically requires them and it has been approved.
  • How often should I have my house, roof, or windows cleaned?

    It depends on the surface and your home's exposure to trees, irrigation, and shade, but as a general guideline, most homes benefit from an annual house wash. Residential window cleaning is commonly performed twice a year—once in spring and once in fall—to stay ahead of pollen, weather buildup, and holiday-season grime. Commercial window cleaning runs on a much wider range of frequencies depending on the property type and traffic: storefronts and high-visibility commercial glass are often cleaned weekly to monthly to maintain a consistently professional appearance, while lower-traffic commercial buildings or office complexes may only need quarterly service. Roofs and gutters are typically inspected annually and cleaned as needed based on algae growth or debris accumulation. We build a maintenance schedule specific to your property and its usage during your free estimate rather than applying a generic interval.
  • What happens if I'm not satisfied with the results?

    Every job is backed by our satisfaction guarantee—if any part of the work falls short of what was scoped, we return and correct it at no charge. Every project is also documented with before-and-after photos through CompanyCam, so you have a visual record of your property's condition before we arrived and the result once we're finished, and our technicians are background-checked and uniformed before they're ever sent to a job. It's also important to set accurate expectations up front: while we can safely clean the vast majority of material types and contaminants, some marks is permanent. Things like deep-set rust, mineral marks that has bonded to a surface, UV-degraded sealants, or years of untreated organic growth can sometimes leave a surface visibly improved but not fully restored to its original color or finish because the damage has already altered the material itself rather than just sitting on top of it. This is something our sales consultants address at the time of the estimate so there are no surprises; our technicians reinforce it on-site if they identify a condition that wasn't visible during the initial walkthrough, and our team follows up after the job to confirm the client understands exactly what was achievable versus what was permanent before our arrival. Setting that expectation honestly, rather than overpromising, is part of how we protect the trust behind our guarantee.