Pressure washing and soft washing questions
Short answers to the questions homeowners ask us most. Each group links to the page with more detail.
Quotes and cost
How do I get a free quote?
Call or text (925) 708-4883, or use the quote form on this page. Send a few photos and your town. We reply with a price, or set a quick visit if the job needs a closer look. Quotes are free.
How much does pressure washing cost?
It depends on the job. The size of the area, the surface (concrete, pavers, a tile roof or siding), how much buildup there is and how easy it is to reach all change the price. A two-story wall or a steep roof takes more setup than a flat patio. We don't publish a price list. Ask for a free quote and we'll price your job.
Soft washing and pressure washing
Is pressure washing the same as power washing?
Most people use the two names for the same thing: cleaning with a machine that sprays water under pressure. We call it pressure washing. What matters more than the name is how much pressure goes on each surface. Concrete can take a strong wash. Roofs and house siding get a gentle, low-pressure soft wash.
What is soft washing?
Soft washing is a low-pressure way to clean surfaces that a strong spray can damage, like roofs and house siding. The water comes out gently instead of as a hard jet. We use it on tile roofs and house exteriors, and we use regular pressure washing on concrete.
Can pressure washing damage concrete or pavers?
It can if the pressure is too strong or the tip is held too close. That can scar concrete or wash sand out of paver joints. We match the pressure to the surface instead of using one setting on everything.
Will a soft wash hurt my plants or my paint?
Tell us about any plants you care about when you book. A soft wash uses low pressure, so it's gentler on paint, trim, windows and screens than a high-pressure spray.
Roofs and gutters
How do you clean a tile roof?
Heavy moss and lichen come off first, by hand, with brushes and gentle scraping. We take care not to damage the tiles. Then, when the roof needs it, we give it a soft wash, which means low water pressure. Send a few photos from the street or yard and we'll tell you what to expect.
What kinds of roofs do you clean?
Tile roofs. The roofs in our reviews are tile. If you have a different kind of roof, such as composition shingle, send us a photo and ask before you book.
Will moss grow back after you clean my roof?
Over time, it can. Moss and algae grow where a roof stays shady and damp, and most of our rain falls from November through March. A cleaning removes what's there now. We don't sell it as something that stops growth from coming back.
My insurance company flagged moss on my roof. What should I do?
Ask your insurer for the photo and exactly what they want fixed. If it's a cleaning issue and not damage, we can clean the roof. Take dated photos before and after and send them to your insurer. No one can promise what an insurer will decide, but clear photos help you make your case.
Do you clean gutters out, or just wash the outside?
We clean gutters out. Customers have booked it on its own and together with a roof cleaning. If you've seen water spilling over the edge or a downspout that doesn't drain, tell us when you book.
Driveways, pavers and decks
Can you get oil stains out of my driveway?
Often, most of it. Newer stains usually come out most easily. Old stains that soaked deep into the concrete may fade instead of disappearing. Send a photo of the stains when you ask for a quote and we'll tell you what to expect.
Do you clean pavers?
Yes. Several of our reviews mention paver cleaning, on driveways and backyard patios. Tell us roughly how big the area is and send a photo.
Do you clean decks?
Yes. Tell us what your deck is made of, like redwood or composite. Then send a photo so we can plan the job.
Wash water and water rules
Where does the dirty water go when you pressure wash?
It's a good question to ask any pressure washer. In Contra Costa County, only rain is supposed to go down a storm drain, because storm drains carry water to creeks, the Bay and the Delta untreated. The county's guidance for mobile cleaners is to block storm drains, contain and collect the wash water, and send soap-free rinse water into landscaping. Ask us how we'll handle the water at your home.
Am I responsible if wash water gets into the storm drain?
Partly, yes. Contra Costa County says people who hire a mobile cleaner are "ultimately responsible for any discharges from their contractor." In plain words: if your washer lets dirty water into the storm drain, it can come back on you. The county's clean water program says that can mean a citation or fines that add up daily. So before you hire anyone, ask where the wash water will go.
Is pressure washing allowed under local water rules?
Water rules come from your water supplier, and they differ by town. Several local rules list hosing down driveways, sidewalks and patios with drinking water as water waste, except when it's needed for health and safety. Examples are Brentwood Municipal Code 14.01.510, Contra Costa Water District's permanent prohibitions and EBMUD's Section 29. None of the rules we've read says how professional cleaning is handled, so we won't tell you it's exempt. If you're unsure, check with your water supplier.
Areas, timing and getting ready
What areas do you serve?
We're based in Brentwood, CA and work across East Contra Costa County, including Oakley, Antioch, Discovery Bay and Pittsburg. Our Google reviews also include jobs in Concord, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Lafayette and Orinda. Not sure if you're in range? Call or text (925) 708-4883.
When should I book?
For gutters, before the rainy season. Most of the year's rain here falls from November through March. For roofs, siding and concrete, book whenever the buildup starts to bother you, or before you host, sell or list your home. Ask about timing when you request a quote.
How often should I clean my house, roof or driveway?
There's no set schedule. It depends on shade, trees, sprinklers and how much the area gets used. Shady, damp spots grow moss and algae fastest, mostly during the wet months. Check the shady side of the house and roof after the rainy season. That's where buildup shows first.
What should I do before you arrive?
Move cars off the driveway. Close windows and doors on the sides we're washing. Bring pets inside. If you can, move small things like planters, mats and toys out of the way. Tell us about anything fragile, any outdoor outlets, and any plants you care about.
Businesses and HOAs
Do you work for businesses and HOAs?
Yes, we take commercial work such as storefront walkways, sidewalks and building entries. Property managers and HOA boards are welcome to ask for a quote. Tell us about the property and any times we need to work around, like when your customers are there.
Can you remove gum from sidewalks?
Yes, gum removal from concrete is part of our commercial work. Send a few photos of the area and a rough count of the spots, and tell us when foot traffic is lightest.
Free quote
How a quote works
- Send a few photos
- Get a price
- We do the work
Get a free quote
Tell us your name, number, town and what needs cleaning.
Want to add photos? Use the full quote form.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (925) 708-4883.