Frequently Asked Questions – Simple Clean LLC Power Washing Services

There's a real technical difference, and it matters for your property. Pressure washing relies on mechanical force — water pressure alone, usually in the 1,500–4,000 PSI range — to physically blast away dirt and buildup from hard surfaces like concrete and pavers. Soft washing works almost the opposite way: low pressure under 500 PSI does the delivery, while a specialized cleaning solution does the actual work, breaking down algae and mold at a cellular level rather than just knocking it off the surface. Choosing wrong isn't cosmetic — it's the difference between a clean surface and a damaged one.

For most homes in this area, figure somewhere between $350 and $800+. Single-story homes like ranchers and Cape Cods sit at the lower end, around $350–$450. Two-story colonials and split-levels — the most common home type we clean — run $425–$650. Larger or custom homes requiring ladder access for additions and architectural features start around $550–$800+. Full pricing detail lives on our Cost to Power Wash page.

That's a common story, and it's almost always a technique problem, not a power-washing problem. Siding damage happens when someone points high PSI directly at panels — water gets forced behind the siding, paint strips, or the surface etches. It's avoidable entirely by using the right method for the material. We don't run pressure equipment on siding, period. It gets soft washed, which cleans just as effectively without any of that risk.

That gap almost always comes down to what's behind the number. A rock-bottom quote often means no insurance, no certification, and equipment that's rented for the day rather than owned and maintained. If something goes wrong — damaged siding, an injury on your property — an uninsured operator leaves you exposed. Our pricing reflects certified technique and full insurance coverage, which is the difference between a discount and a liability.

Hiring a PWNA Certified contractor means working with a professional trained to use safe, industry-recognized methods for power washing, pressure washing, and soft washing. PWNA certification reflects a focus on proper technique, chemical handling, equipment knowledge, and safety standards—so surfaces get cleaned effectively without unnecessary risk.

Anything with seams, coatings, or porous texture — siding, trim, stucco and EIFS systems, asphalt shingle roofing, fencing, soffits, and fascia. The common thread is that these materials can trap or absorb water, or their finish can be stripped by force. Hard, sealed, non-porous surfaces like concrete, brick pavers, and stone can generally handle higher pressure without that risk.

Done correctly, power washing is completely safe for your siding — the damage people worry about almost always comes from too much pressure or the wrong method, not power washing itself. High PSI aimed directly at siding can force water behind panels, strip paint, or etch surfaces, which is exactly why we don't use pressure washing on siding at all. Instead, we soft wash — low pressure combined with a professional cleaning solution that lifts algae, mold, and grime at the source without ever risking water intrusion. Every property gets evaluated first so we match the method to the material, not the other way around.

Nothing generic — every quote is built from an actual evaluation of your property. That means home height and story count, how accessible each area is, what surface materials are involved, and any complicating factors like walk-out basements, additions, or landscaping that limits access. Two homes of similar square footage can land in different pricing tiers depending on how much of that evaluation adds complexity.

PWNA — Power Washers of North America — is the industry's training and standards body for exterior cleaning contractors. Certification isn't a one-time class; it covers surface identification, pressure and chemical selection by material type, safe handling of cleaning agents, and jobsite safety protocols. I don't just hold this certification — I currently serve on the PWNA Board of Directors, which means I'm involved in shaping the standards other contractors across the country are trained against, not just following them.

It typically works in your favor. Pairing a house wash with a driveway, patio, or deck cleaning usually costs less combined than booking each one separately, mainly because the setup and travel time are already accounted for once we're on-site.

Usually one of three things: they use too much pressure on a surface that can't take it, they skip the chemical dwell time needed for the solution to actually kill algae at the root (so it looks clean for two weeks, then comes right back), or they don't understand runoff and property protection, which can damage landscaping or violate local water regulations. These are exactly the technical points covered in PWNA training — it's less about equipment and more about judgment on each specific surface.

Less than you'd think. Most residential jobs wrap up in 1–3 hours — a smaller single-story home with light buildup might be closer to an hour, while a larger property combining siding, roof, and flatwork could run toward half a day. You'll get a specific time estimate as part of your quote, not a vague window.

Look for early graying or dark streaking on north-facing or shaded walls — that's usually algae getting a head start before it's visible everywhere else. As a general rule, most properties in this region need attention every 12–24 months, with homes under heavy tree cover trending toward the shorter end. Waiting until staining is obvious usually means more aggressive cleaning is needed to fully remove it.

It changes almost everything about the judgment calls. Two decades on job sites means recognizing algae growth patterns before they're obvious, knowing which chemical dilution a particular type of mildew needs versus a generic mix, and reading how a specific stucco or siding brand will react before ever turning on the equipment. That's knowledge you build from thousands of properties, not from a manual.

No — exterior cleaning doesn't require interior access, so most of our customers aren't even home when we're working. What we need is clear access to the areas being cleaned: gates unlocked, pets brought in, outdoor furniture cleared if it's in the way. Everything from the initial quote to the final invoice can be handled remotely if that's more convenient for your schedule.