How to Prepare for Your Power Washing Service
Your appointment is on the calendar, and we can’t wait to get your home looking its best. A few minutes of prep on your end makes service day smoother, safer, and faster for everyone.
This guide walks you through what to do before we arrive, what to expect while we work, and how we take care of your property along the way. Whether you’ve booked a house wash, roof cleaning, or a patio and walkway cleaning, the same simple steps apply.
Your Pre-Service Checklist
Finish these steps a day or two before your appointment. A prepared property lets us start on time and keep our full attention on the cleaning.
Close All Windows and Doors
Exterior washing puts a high volume of water against your home. Close and latch every window and door before we arrive, because one left open even slightly can let water inside.
Provide Full Access to the Work Area
Unlock gates and clear the paths to every area on your work order. We can only clean the areas we can reach.
Confirm Working Water Spigots
We connect to your outdoor spigots for every job. Make sure they turn on and let us know where they are located.
Clear Decks and Patios
Move grills, furniture, planters, and outdoor decorations off any surface we’re cleaning. Water can damage fragile items, and we don’t take responsibility for moving or storing personal belongings.
Secure Trash and Recycling
Keep bins, cardboard, and recyclables closed and away from the work area so nothing gets soaked or scattered.
Keep Children and Pets Indoors
Everyone in the household, including pets, should stay inside for the full service.
Remove Window AC Units Before Roof Cleaning
If you’ve booked a roof wash, take out all window air conditioning units ahead of time. Every roof cleaning includes a full house wash, so the entire exterior will be cleaned that day.
Do You Need to Be Home During Service?
No. Many of our customers are at work while we clean, and we’re equipped to complete the job without anyone on site. We’re always glad to meet you and walk the property together if you’re home.
If you’ll be away, just make sure every area on your work order is accessible. Simple Clean is owner-operated, so the person who quoted your job is the person caring for your home.
What to Expect on Service Day
Once we begin, we’ll be working with high volumes of water around your home and property. For everyone’s safety, please stay inside while we work and use caution when entering or leaving the house.
During the Service
Keep children and pets away from the work area for the entire visit.
After the Service
Keep everyone off freshly cleaned surfaces until they are completely dry. Drying time depends on the weather, shade, and the condition of the surface. Decks, patios, and walkways often need extra time.
Want to understand the method behind your service? Our guide to pressure washing vs. soft washing explains how we match the cleaning approach to each surface.
How We Protect Your Plants and Property
A clean home should never come at the cost of your landscaping. Property protection is built into every step of our process.
Electrical Components Are Covered and Sealed
Before washing, we cover and tape worn or exposed outlets, fixtures, and electrical components to keep water out and prevent electrical hazards.
Pressure Matched to Every Surface
Concrete and pavers can handle higher pressure. Siding, soffits, gutters, and other delicate surfaces are cleaned with a low-pressure soft washing method, which cleans thoroughly without damage. Learn more about what soft washing is and why it’s the industry standard for home exteriors.
Biodegradable Cleaning Solutions With a Neutralizing Rinse
We use biodegradable cleaning solutions and follow every application with a neutralizing rinse. This two-stage process cleans deeply while protecting your plants, shrubs, and lawn. See what PWNA certification means for homeowners.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Liability
Washing reveals the true condition of a home’s exterior, including wear that was hidden under dirt and organic growth. We are not liable for pre-existing damage or for problems caused by structural deficiencies. This covers siding, fascia, roofing, windows, screens, concrete, pavers, stonework, brick, tile, decks, fencing, and gutters.
Before your appointment, check for the common issues below.
Siding and Roofing Issues-
Improperly Installed Siding
Faulty installation allows moisture behind the siding, which leads to mold growth and structural damage.
Loose Shingles and Flashing
Shingles and flashing that aren’t secured let water get underneath and cause leaks.
Weathering and Oxidation
Years of sun and harsh weather speed up wear and can affect how surfaces look and dry after washing.
Windows, Doors, and Seals
Compromised Windows and Doors
Poor sealing around windows and doors can let water in during washing.
Deficient Caulking
Failing caulk around fixtures, windows, and doors allows moisture to get in.
Structural and Safety Concerns
Wood Rot
Rotting wood is already structurally compromised, and water exposure can make it worse.
Substandard Construction
Shortcuts taken during the original build often show up as problems over time.
Loose or Improperly Installed Wiring
Unsecured wiring is a serious hazard around water.
Clogged or Failing Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters that are blocked or poorly mounted send water toward your foundation, causing erosion and possible basement flooding.
These limits apply to every material we clean, including vinyl, aluminum, painted wood, Hardie board, and fiber cement. Not sure your siding needs attention? Review the signs it’s time to clean your siding and how we approach vinyl siding cleaning.
What a Standard Wash Does Not Remove
Our services target organic growth: algae, mold, mildew, and dirt. A standard wash does not remove non-organic stains or materials, including:
- Rust
- Oil and grease
- Glue, paint, and caulk
- Concrete residue
No product on the market prevents algae and mildew from eventually returning, and any company that promises otherwise is overselling. Routine cleaning is what keeps your home looking its best. If you have stubborn stains on concrete or pavers, mention them when you request your quote so we can discuss options for your flatwork cleaning.
Customer Code of Conduct
We hold ourselves to a high professional standard on every property, and we expect the same respect for our team. These policies apply to every job.
Mutual Professionalism
We bring our best work to your home and ask for professional courtesy in return.
Respect for Our Team
Our team has the right to work without harassment, abuse, or threats, whether in person, by phone, or in writing.
Zero Tolerance for Aggressive Behavior
Verbal or physical aggression, attempted or actual, including threatening language, is grounds for immediate termination of service.
Non-Discrimination
Every team member must be treated equally, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, or political affiliation.
Respect for the Agreed Scope of Work
Asking our team to perform work outside the agreed scope, especially without pay, is not acceptable. If you’d like additional work done, we’ll gladly provide a quote.
These standards are part of what has earned our customer reviews. For complete policy details, see our terms and conditions.
Policy on General Contractors and Lead Resellers
Every year we’re contacted by people who call themselves general contractors but are actually reselling leads from platforms like HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, and Angi. They mark up our price and try to subcontract the job back to us.
We do not work with lead resellers. The practice costs homeowners more and misrepresents who is doing the work. Homeowners always get the best value by booking with us directly. Property managers and business owners can learn about our commercial power washing services.
Questions Before Your Appointment?
Most answers are on our frequently asked questions page. You can also review our pricing guide or look up a term in our glossary.
For anything else, call or text 267-549-8538 or contact us online. We look forward to seeing you on service day.