Frequently Asked Questions

Answers Before You Book

Seventy-plus real questions we get from Northeast Ohio homeowners, boards and property managers, answered straight. If yours is not here, call us and ask. We would rather explain it than have you guess.

360+ Five-Star Reviews
$2,000,000 Insured
BBB Accredited
Serving 7 Counties

Pricing & Quotes

What it costs and how we quote

Full tables for every service live on our pricing page.

How much does pressure washing cost in Northeast Ohio?

Most residential services land between $149 and $999, depending on what is being cleaned and how large it is. A full house soft wash runs $325 to $600. A 600 sq ft concrete driveway runs $179 to $299 to clean, or $449 to $699 to clean and seal. Roof soft washing runs $399 to $1,099. Commercial work is quoted per site.

See every price table ›

How much does house washing cost?

Most Northeast Ohio homeowners pay between $325 and $600 for a full professional soft wash, depending on home size and access complexity. A typical 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home runs $375 to $450. Larger homes over 4,000 sq ft are custom-quoted.

House washing details ›

How much does roof cleaning cost?

Most homes pay $399 to $1,099 for soft-wash roof cleaning. A typical 2,000 sq ft asphalt shingle roof runs $549 to $749. Metal and tile roofs price above asphalt shingle.

Roof cleaning details ›

How much does concrete cleaning and sealing cost?

Cleaning runs $129 to $449. A typical 600 sq ft driveway runs $179 to $299. Clean and seal on that same driveway runs $449 to $699, and a re-seal on already clean concrete runs $299 to $449. Sealer material is included.

Concrete details ›

Do you offer bundle discounts?

Yes. Add a second service and save 10 percent. Add a third and save 15 percent. Bundles that include a roof soft wash save more: roof plus house wash is 15 percent, and house plus roof plus gutters is 20 percent. The full exterior package, house plus roof plus gutters plus concrete plus windows, gets our best package pricing.

See the bundle table ›

Is the estimate really free, and is there any obligation?

Yes, and no. We come out, assess the property and give you a detailed, transparent written quote with no hidden fees and no pressure to commit. On residential jobs we invoice only after you have seen the result and approved it.

Do you offer a yearly maintenance plan?

Yes. The All-Star Annual Plan locks in your current price for three years, auto-schedules your preferred spring or fall slot, and includes a mid-summer spot-check rinse at no extra charge. Most lakefront and heavily shaded homes subscribe.

Our Methods

Soft washing vs pressure washing

Using the wrong one is how siding gets warped and shingles lose their granules. We match the method to the surface, every time.

What is the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?

Pressure washing uses high water pressure, 1,500 to 4,000 PSI, to clean hard surfaces like concrete, brick and stone. Soft washing uses low pressure, 60 to 500 PSI, combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions that kill algae and mildew at the root on delicate surfaces like siding, roofs and wood.

The practical difference is how long it lasts. Soft washing kills the organism, so results hold 18 to 36 months. Pressure washing only strips surface staining, so it comes back in 3 to 8 months.

Is soft washing safe for vinyl siding?

Yes. Soft washing is the method vinyl siding manufacturers actually recommend. Our low-pressure soft wash, under 500 PSI, is no more forceful than a standard garden hose and will not warp, crack or force water behind vinyl panels. High-pressure washing on vinyl can void your warranty and cause permanent damage.

Does pressure washing void my siding warranty?

It can. Both the Vinyl Siding Institute and James Hardie explicitly warn against high-pressure washing, and Hardie caps acceptable pressure at 1,500 PSI with a wide-fan tip. Anything above that on vinyl or fiber cement can void your manufacturer warranty. Our soft wash stays at 100 to 400 PSI depending on siding type, always inside the manufacturer’s published limits.

Is soft washing safe for my roof?

Yes. ARMA, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, specifically recommends soft washing. We use under 100 PSI plus a sodium-hypochlorite-and-surfactant solution. Pressure washing strips granules and voids warranties.

Roof cleaning details ›

Which surfaces get which method?

Soft wash, under 500 PSI: siding, soffits, roofs, painted surfaces, stucco, wood and windows.

Pressure wash, 1,500 to 4,000 PSI: concrete, pavers, brick driveways and unfinished fencing.

On concrete we always use a rotating surface cleaner rather than a wand. A wand leaves zebra-stripe streaks; a surface cleaner delivers even pressure for a uniform finish.

Safety & Environment

Your plants, pets, property and our coverage

Will washing kill my plants or harm my pets?

No, when done correctly. Our biodegradable solutions break down into salt and water, and we pre-rinse all landscaping before application, monitor runoff during the wash, and post-rinse after. Pets are perfectly safe indoors during the service and can return outside immediately after the post-rinse. We have never had a plant or pet incident across nearly 300 five-star reviews.

Is the chlorine smell from soft washing dangerous?

No. We apply sodium hypochlorite at 1 to 3 percent, where household bleach is 5 to 8 percent. The rinse dilutes it by another order of magnitude, and the biodegradable surfactant breaks it down into salt and water within a few hours. You may notice a light pool-water smell during the service. It is gone by the time we leave.

Are your cleaning solutions safe for Lake Erie and local waterways?

Yes. We exclusively use biodegradable, EPA-compliant products that will not harm Lake Erie, the Cuyahoga River, the Rocky River, Metroparks watersheds or your landscaping.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We carry $2 million in general liability plus full workers’ compensation and commercial auto coverage. For commercial clients we issue a certificate of insurance naming your ownership or management group as additional insured, usually within one business day.

How do you handle wash water and runoff?

On residential work, biodegradable solutions and monitored runoff. On commercial and industrial sites we follow Ohio EPA and local guidance, capturing, containing or diverting rinse water to sanitary drains and using recovery systems where required, so grease and contaminants never reach the storm system.

Scheduling

What to expect on the day

Do I need to be home during the service?

No. We do about half our jobs without the homeowner present. We will confirm access, water spigot location and any specific concerns in advance. You will get before-and-after photos the same day, and invoicing happens only after you approve the result.

How long does a house wash take?

Most Northeast Ohio homes take between 60 minutes and 3 hours. A small ranch runs about an hour, a medium two-story is 90 minutes to 2 hours, and a large or complex home can take 3 hours or more. We book enough time to do the job right rather than rushing to the next stop.

What is the best time of year to clean in Northeast Ohio?

Spring, mid-March through June, and fall, September through late October, are the ideal windows. Spring strips the winter’s salt and dormant mold before summer humidity arrives. Fall removes summer’s algae and tree tannin buildup before freeze. We wash year-round when temperatures hold between 40 and 85 degrees.

Two exceptions: gutter cleaning peaks late October through early December after leaf drop, and sealing needs dry weather and moderate temperatures, so it runs spring through fall only.

Can you wash a three-story home?

Yes. We use telescoping soft wash wands that reach up to 30 feet, which covers almost every three-story home, and water-fed window poles that reach 60 feet from the ground. For taller or architecturally unusual homes we have lift equipment. We never substitute high pressure from the ground in place of proper height access.

Can you do multiple services in one visit?

Yes, and it is usually cheaper. Our crews routinely do house-wash-plus-driveway combo visits in a single 3 to 4 hour appointment. The soft-wash siding solution is fully rinsed before the driveway work begins, so there is no cross-contamination. Clean-and-seal work is the one exception: sealing needs a second visit once the surface is fully dry.

House Washing

Siding, soffits and trim

How often should I wash my house in Ohio?

Vinyl siding manufacturers recommend annual cleaning, and Northeast Ohio’s Lake Erie humidity, tree canopy and freeze-thaw conditions often push that timeline. Most homes in our service area need a full soft wash every 18 to 24 months. Homes that are heavily shaded, lakefront or surrounded by trees often benefit from annual service.

Will house washing remove the black streaks on my roof too?

No, the roof is a separate service. Those black streaks are Gloeocapsa magma algae and require a dedicated soft-wash roof treatment applied from ladder or lift with roof-specific solution concentrations. Bundle a roof soft wash with your house wash and save 15 percent.

Can you remove wasp and mud-dauber nests during the wash?

Yes, as part of the soffit and eave wash, at no extra charge if the nests are inactive. Active wasp or hornet nests we flag for you and reschedule around, rather than risk a crew sting or aerosolizing the insects into your neighbor’s yard.

Roof Cleaning

Black streaks, warranties and access

What is the black streaking on my roof?

That is Gloeocapsa magma, a cyanobacteria that feeds on the limestone in asphalt shingles. Northeast Ohio’s humidity creates ideal conditions for it. Our soft wash eliminates it at root level rather than just lightening the stain.

How often should I clean my roof?

Most Northeast Ohio roofs need cleaning every 4 to 6 years. Heavily shaded or lakefront homes benefit from cleaning every 3 to 4 years.

Does roof cleaning void my shingle warranty?

No. Our soft-wash method is warranty-safe. GAF, CertainTeed and Owens Corning all endorse low-pressure chemical cleaning. Pressure washing usually voids warranties.

Can you prevent the algae from coming back?

Partially. Our soft wash kills all living algae, so regrowth takes years. We can also install zinc or copper strips along the ridge that inhibit regrowth for 5 or more years, available as an add-on service.

Do you work on steep or multi-level roofs?

Yes. We use ground-based telescoping wands for most roofs, which is preferred because nobody walks on your shingles. For specialty access we have lift equipment and OSHA-compliant fall protection.

Do you clean commercial roofs?

Yes. Flat and low-slope commercial roofs, metal industrial roofs and multi-building HOA or condo systems. Custom-quoted by square footage.

Concrete

Driveways, patios, sealing and salt

What is the difference between cleaning and sealing?

Cleaning removes dirt, algae and stains. Sealing applies a protective coat that prevents water absorption, resists stains and blocks salt damage. Most Northeast Ohio driveways need both.

Does road salt really damage concrete?

Severely. Sodium and calcium chloride penetrate unsealed concrete and attack the cement paste, then freeze-thaw cracks it apart. Sealing blocks that cycle. Sealed driveways last 10 to 15 years longer than unsealed ones.

How often should concrete be sealed in Northeast Ohio?

Every 2 to 3 years for most concrete in this climate. Stamped and decorative surfaces need resealing annually. A quick field test: pour water on the slab. If it beads, the sealer is still working. If it soaks in and darkens the concrete, it is time to re-seal.

What sealer do you use?

Penetrating siloxane for poured concrete, which does not change the appearance. Solvent-based acrylic for stamped concrete, which enriches the color. Slip-resistant matte for pool decks. We match the product to the surface and tell you which one we are using before we start.

Does sealing change how my concrete looks?

Penetrating siloxane does not change the appearance of poured concrete. Acrylic on stamped or decorative concrete does enrich the color and add some sheen, which is usually the point on those surfaces. We confirm the finish with you first.

Does the concrete have to be cleaned before sealing?

Yes. A sealer locks in whatever is underneath it, so dirt, algae, oil or moisture will show through and shorten its life. The slab also has to be completely dry: 24 hours minimum in Northeast Ohio summer humidity, around 12 hours in drier spring and fall weather. Most clean and seal jobs are two visits.

How soon can I walk or park on sealed concrete?

With a penetrating sealer: 24 hours for light foot traffic, 48 hours for vehicles, and 7 days for a full cure. With acrylic: 24 to 48 hours minimum in dry weather. We give you the exact times for the product used on your job.

Can you remove oil stains?

Usually yes. We pre-treat with a commercial degreaser and agitate. Fresh stains under 3 months old come off at close to 100 percent. Deep-penetrated stains in old concrete may fade rather than disappear.

Is sealing worth it on an older driveway?

Sealing an older slab still slows further damage by blocking water and chlorides, but it will not reverse spalling or cracks that have already happened. We assess the condition during the quote and tell you honestly whether sealing is the right spend on that surface.

Pavers

Sand, sealing and weeds

What is polymeric sand?

Joint filler with binding polymers that hardens when water-activated. Unlike regular sand, it locks paver joints, blocks weed germination for 5 or more years and resists washout. Every proper restoration we do includes polymeric sand.

Can you remove weeds from the joints?

Yes. We kill existing growth, pressure-clean out the organic debris and old sand, refill with polymeric sand, then seal. That prevents weed regrowth for 3 to 5 years.

What is efflorescence?

The white haze you see on pavers, caused by calcium migrating to the surface. It is cosmetic but unsightly. We remove it with a dedicated acid-wash step that dissolves the mineral deposits without damaging the paver.

How often should I reseal pavers?

Every 3 to 5 years for most installations. Pool deck pavers annually. Driveway pavers every 2 to 3 years.

Will sealer change the paver color?

It depends which one you choose. Natural-look penetrating sealer is matte with no change. Wet-look acrylic deepens the color significantly. Gloss adds shine. We discuss finish options with you before applying anything.

What paver types do you clean?

Concrete pavers including Unilock, Belgard and Techo-Bloc, clay brick, natural stone such as flagstone, bluestone and travertine, and permeable pavers. Each requires a different approach and sealer.

Decks

Wood, composite and stain

Can you pressure wash composite decking like Trex?

Only with soft wash. Trex, TimberTech and other composites require under 500 PSI per manufacturer warranty. Our soft wash is manufacturer-approved.

Will cleaning damage my wood deck?

Only if it is done wrong. Soft wash uses a wood-safe brightener plus low pressure. Properly cleaned wood accepts stain more evenly and holds it longer.

Do I need to re-stain after cleaning?

Wood decks usually need it every 2 to 3 years, combined with cleaning. Composite never needs stain.

Can you remove old peeling stain?

Yes. Failing stain requires a stripper step plus pH neutralization. That is priced as a restoration rather than standard cleaning.

Do you repair loose boards?

We flag damage during service but we do not perform carpentry. We refer trusted local repair contractors.

Gutters

Debris, downspouts and tiger stripes

How often should I clean my gutters?

Twice a year minimum: late spring after pollen, and late fall after leaves. Properties with heavy tree canopy do better quarterly.

What is included in your gutter cleaning?

Hand removal of all debris, a downspout pressure-test, bagged debris removal, and a gutter exterior rinse. We never leave piles on your lawn. Tiger-stripe brightening is available as an add-on.

What are the dark stripes on the outside of my gutters?

Tiger stripes, an electrostatic buildup of pollution and pollen that bonds to painted aluminum. Standard cleaning will not remove them. Our specialized gutter-safe surfactant lifts them and restores the painted finish.

Do you clean gutter guards?

Yes. We remove most snap-in, foam and micro-mesh guards, clean beneath them, flush the gutters and reinstall. There is a small add-on for guard removal and reinstall.

Will you flush my downspouts?

Yes. We pressure-test every downspout to confirm clean drainage. Clogged downspouts cause ice damming and foundation water damage, which is critical with Northeast Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Can you repair sagging gutters?

We tighten loose hangers, reseal minor joint leaks on request, and reinstall detached downspout straps. For major repair or replacement we refer trusted local specialists.

Will gutter cleaning damage my landscaping?

No. We bag every piece of debris before it touches the ground. No piles, no clogs, no stained hardscape.

Windows

Pure water, screens and hard-water spots

What is pure-water window cleaning?

Reverse-osmosis and deionized water has zero mineral content, so it dries spot-free with no streaks. Carbon-fiber poles up to 60 ft reach third-story windows from the ground. It is the same technology used on commercial skyscrapers.

How often should I clean my windows?

Exterior twice a year, spring and fall. Lakefront homes with midge activity do better quarterly from May through September. Interior annually for most households.

Do you clean interior windows too?

Yes. The interior package includes glass, sills, sash tracks and screen dusting. We bring drop cloths to protect your flooring.

What about screens, tracks and sills?

Included: screen removal, cleaning and reinstall, sill wipe-down and track vacuum. Hard-water spot removal is an acid-wash add-on at $5 to $15 per window.

Can you remove hard-water stains?

Yes, with a mineral-dissolving acid-wash technique. Most spots come off. Severely etched glass may need restoration beyond cleaning.

Will you clean post-construction windows?

Yes. Stickers, paint overspray, silicone smears and concrete splash all come off with the right technique. Custom-quoted by severity.

Commercial & Property Management

Contracts, coverage and off-hours work

Cost ranges for every property type are on the pricing page.

Do you offer contracts for property management companies?

Absolutely. Most communities and centers run on monthly, quarterly or seasonal agreements with locked pricing and priority scheduling. We handle single properties or full portfolios under one contract. Recurring plans typically run 15 to 30 percent below one-time rates.

Can you work off-hours so we do not lose a business day?

Yes, and for most commercial property types that is the default. Hotels, shopping centers, restaurants and car washes are almost always done overnight or pre-dawn, so entrances, walkways, drive-thrus and bays are clean and dry before your first customer arrives. Industrial sites are scheduled around shifts and production windows, including nights and weekends.

Do you work directly with condo boards and HOA management companies?

Constantly. We are used to board approvals, budget cycles and management-company workflows, and we format scopes and quotes for your meetings. Most associations run annual or quarterly programs with locked pricing, which keeps exterior upkeep predictable for the reserve budget.

Can you provide a certificate of insurance?

Yes. We carry $2 million in general liability plus workers’ compensation and commercial auto, and we issue certificates naming your ownership group, association or management company as additional insured, usually within one business day.

Do you handle multi-location franchises and large portfolios?

Yes. We service franchise groups and multi-unit operators under one contract with per-location pricing and a single coordinated schedule. On the community side we scale from a single walk-up to sprawling multi-building campuses, including lifts for upper-story siding.

Do you work around residents with minimal disruption?

Yes. We schedule around quiet hours and high-traffic times, post notices when needed and keep walkways passable. In senior living communities resident safety drives the schedule: we keep routes clear, post signage, work in phases and use low-odor biodegradable products.

Do you degrease for health-code compliance?

We do. Hot water and food-safe degreasers cut the grease on sidewalks, dumpster areas and grease-trap zones that most affect appearance and inspections. On dumpster pads we degrease first, then apply a sanitizing treatment that kills odor-causing bacteria, so the pad ends up clean and deodorized rather than just wet.

Are your crews trained for our site safety requirements?

Yes. Our technicians are OSHA-trained and follow job hazard analyses, lockout/tagout, fall protection and confined-space protocols as your site requires. We coordinate with your safety team before work begins.

Can you clean parking decks, garages and lots?

Yes. We remove oil, tire marks and salt staining from structured decks, carports, garages and surface lots, and we manage drainage so we do not flood the structure or the drains.

How fast can you remove graffiti?

We aim to be on site within 24 hours of your call, and most tags are removed the same day we arrive. Speed is the single biggest factor in preventing repeat vandalism. For frequently hit surfaces we apply anti-graffiti coatings so future tags peel off in minutes, and we offer patrol programs for high-risk properties.

Will pressure washing damage our equipment or signage?

No. We match the method to the surface: low-pressure soft washing for delicate panels, electronics and signage, and higher-pressure hot water only where the surface allows. In car wash tunnels that means we clean walls, ceilings and panels without harming brushes, sensors or electronics.

Service Area

Where we work and what Northeast Ohio does to your property

What areas of Northeast Ohio do you serve?

All seven Northeast Ohio counties: Lorain, Cuyahoga, Medina, Erie, Summit, Portage and Lake. That covers 60 or more cities, from Vermilion in the west to Ravenna in the east. Our Fairview Park headquarters keeps us central to the entire market.

Browse every city we serve ›

Why is there green algae on the north side of my house?

Lake Erie pumps humid air across the region year-round, and north-facing walls get the least sunlight to dry them out. Our soft wash solutions kill the algae at the source rather than just rinsing the surface, which is why north elevations stay clean far longer after a soft wash than after a pressure wash.

Can you remove winter salt from my driveway or commercial lot?

Yes. We use professional surface cleaners and neutralizing rinses to pull salt out of concrete, then recommend sealing to block it next winter.

Can you clean historic brick and older wood-sided homes?

Yes, with the right method. Century-old brick in Ohio City, Tremont, the Flats and Slavic Village has absorbed decades of soot and carbon residue, and we use low-pressure soft wash chemistry formulated for historic masonry. Century homes in Lakewood, Rocky River and Edgewater get low-pressure soft wash with gentle biodegradable solutions.

Will pressure washing hurt the mortar on my brick home?

It can, if the wrong pressure is used. We inspect every brick surface first and choose a soft wash or low-pressure rinse based on the condition of the mortar joints.

Can you clean properties with embedded industrial residue?

Yes. Akron’s industrial heritage left many commercial and residential properties with layers of embedded soot, grime and surface discoloration. Our commercial-grade equipment and specialized cleaning solutions are built for exactly that.

Still have a question?

Ask us directly. We would rather spend five minutes explaining the right method for your property than have you book the wrong service.

Looking for numbers? See our full pricing tables ›

Request Your Free Quote

Tell us what you need cleaned. We will come out, measure it and put a real price in writing. No obligation.

Prefer to talk it through? Call or text (440) 771-1889