Question 1

How much does pressure washing cost in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Most Metro Atlanta homeowners spend between $250 and $650 for professional exterior cleaning, depending on square footage, surface type, and severity of algae, with My Exterior Cleaner providing upfront, itemized pricing before any work begins.

Question 2

What’s the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?

Accepted Answer

Pressure washing uses high PSI to blast debris off hard surfaces like concrete, while soft washing uses low pressure plus detergents to safely kill mold and algae on roofs, siding, and delicate surfaces, which is the method My Exterior Cleaner specializes in for homes and roofs.

Question 3

Is soft washing safe for roofs, siding, windows, and paint?

Accepted Answer

Yes, soft washing is safe when done correctly because it uses low pressure similar to a garden hose plus carefully metered detergents, allowing My Exterior Cleaner to clean roofs, siding, windows, and painted surfaces without stripping, etching, or forcing water behind materials.

Question 4

How long does a house wash or roof wash take?

Accepted Answer

A typical house wash takes about 60 to 90 minutes and most roof washes take 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on size, access, and how heavy the organic growth is on the surfaces.

Question 5

Do you use bleach, and is it safe for pets and plants?

Accepted Answer

Like most professional soft wash companies, My Exterior Cleaner uses diluted sodium hypochlorite in controlled ratios and protects landscaping by pre-wetting, careful application, thorough rinsing, and neutralizing to keep pets and plants safe.

Question 6

Will pressure washing damage my home?

Accepted Answer

High-pressure washing can damage siding, wood, paint, windows, and roofs by etching, stripping, or forcing water inside, which is why My Exterior Cleaner uses low-pressure soft washing for homes and roofs instead of traditional high-pressure methods.

Question 7

How often should I wash my home in Georgia’s climate?

Accepted Answer

Because Georgia is hot, humid, and algae-prone, most homes benefit from a professional soft wash every 12 to 18 months to control mold, mildew, and black streaks and keep the property looking maintained for neighbors, HOAs, and insurers.

Question 8

Can pressure washing remove mold, mildew, and algae?

Accepted Answer

Pressure alone only blasts the surface of mold and algae, while soft washing uses a properly mixed detergent solution to kill the growth at its root, which makes the cleaning last longer and is the method My Exterior Cleaner uses for organic staining.

Question 9

What surfaces should never be pressure washed?

Accepted Answer

You should not use high pressure on asphalt shingles, vinyl siding, wood siding, fences, stucco, EIFS, window frames, soffits, or painted trim, because those materials are better cleaned with low-pressure soft washing like My Exterior Cleaner provides.

Question 10

What mix ratio do you use for soft washing?

Accepted Answer

Mix ratios are tailored to each job, but in general My Exterior Cleaner uses around 0.5–1% sodium hypochlorite for house washing, 3–6% for roof washing, and 1–2% for concrete pre-treating, adjusted for shade, staining, and surface type.

Question 11

Do you offer an algae-free guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, My Exterior Cleaner offers a 12-month algae-free guarantee on standard house washes and a 2- to 3-year algae-free guarantee on most roof washes, depending on conditions like shade and moisture exposure.

Question 12

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

My Exterior Cleaner accepts major debit and credit cards, ACH payments, and secure online invoicing, and can provide terms for approved commercial and property management clients.

Question 13

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, My Exterior Cleaner carries full liability insurance appropriate for exterior cleaning so homeowners, HOAs, and property managers are protected while work is being performed.

Question 14

Do I need to be home during the cleaning?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to be home as long as we have access to outdoor water and agreed access points; My Exterior Cleaner documents work with before-and-after photos and sends invoices electronically for convenience.

Question 15

What happens if it rains on my scheduled cleaning day?

Accepted Answer

Light rain usually does not affect soft washing results, but in cases of heavy storms My Exterior Cleaner will adjust timing or reschedule while still ensuring the detergents dwell properly and the finished result meets expectations.

Question 16

Do you service my neighborhood?

Accepted Answer

My Exterior Cleaner primarily serves Metro Atlanta, including Decatur, Avondale Estates, Stone Mountain, Tucker, Clarkston, Lithonia, and nearby areas within roughly 20–25 minutes of zip code 30030.

Question 17

How does Georgia’s humidity affect house washing frequency?

Accepted Answer

Georgia’s humidity accelerates algae and mildew growth on roofs and siding, which is why most homes in the area benefit from professional soft washing roughly once per year to stay clean and avoid heavy build-up.

Question 18

Can you remove red clay stains?

Accepted Answer

Yes, My Exterior Cleaner uses specialized red clay and rust removers on brick, concrete, and masonry to lighten or remove the orange-brown staining that is common in Georgia soils.

Question 19

Do you work with HOAs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, My Exterior Cleaner works with homeowners associations to clean common areas, entrances, sidewalks, and to help residents meet exterior cleanliness requirements with coordinated or bulk pricing.

Question 20

Do you service property managers and multi-unit communities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, My Exterior Cleaner partners with property managers to maintain apartments, townhomes, condos, and rental properties through scheduled exterior cleaning and maintenance plans.

Question 21

What causes black streaks on roofs?

Accepted Answer

Black streaks on roofs are caused by an algae called Gloeocapsa magma, which thrives in humid climates like Georgia and feeds on the limestone filler in shingles until professionally treated.

Question 22

How do you safely clean shingles without voiding the warranty?

Accepted Answer

My Exterior Cleaner follows the soft wash guidelines recommended by asphalt shingle manufacturers, which use low pressure and specific cleaning solutions instead of high-pressure washing that can void warranties.

Question 23

Will roof washing extend the lifespan of my roof?

Accepted Answer

Removing algae, moss, and built-up organic growth helps shingles dry properly and reflect heat, which can extend roof life and improve curb appeal compared to letting growth sit for years.

Question 24

Is soft washing the only safe method for roof cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Soft washing is the method recommended by most shingle manufacturers because it uses low pressure combined with the right mix ratios, avoiding granule loss, bruising, or shingle damage caused by high-pressure cleaning.

Question 25

How long does roof algae take to return?

Accepted Answer

Most professionally soft washed roofs in Georgia stay free from heavy algae streaks for about 2 to 4 years, though shaded and damp areas may show growth sooner.

Question 26

What’s the best way to clean concrete in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

The best way to clean concrete in Georgia is a combination of surface cleaning with the right pressure plus a pre- and post-treatment to kill organic growth so the driveway or patio stays cleaner longer.

Question 27

Will pressure washing remove oil stains?

Accepted Answer

Pressure washing alone may lighten oil stains, but the best results come from using professional degreasers, agitation, and post-treatment; even then, very deep oil stains may not disappear completely.

Question 28

Do you seal driveways after cleaning?

Accepted Answer

My Exterior Cleaner offers optional driveway and concrete sealing to help protect against future staining, weathering, and algae growth after a professional cleaning.

Question 29

Can pressure washing etch concrete?

Accepted Answer

Yes, using the wrong tip, too much pressure, or holding the wand too close can permanently etch concrete, which is why My Exterior Cleaner uses the correct nozzles, GPM, and motion with professional surface cleaners.

Question 30

How long before I can walk or park on the driveway after washing?

Accepted Answer

Most driveways can be walked on after about 30 minutes and parked on within 2 to 4 hours, depending on sun, temperature, and humidity.

Question 31

Can soft washing remove oxidation?

Accepted Answer

Soft washing removes organic growth but not oxidation stripes; oxidation requires a separate brightening process that My Exterior Cleaner can provide in appropriate situations.

Question 32

Can you clean stucco, brick, and painted wood safely?

Accepted Answer

Yes, My Exterior Cleaner adjusts pressure, tips, and chemical strength based on whether the surface is stucco, brick, or painted wood to avoid damage while still removing organic growth and staining.

Question 33

Will soft washing remove spider webs, pollen, and mud dauber nests?

Accepted Answer

Soft washing effectively removes spider webs, pollen buildup, and many insect nests from siding, soffits, and exterior trim, which is especially helpful during Georgia’s heavy pollen seasons.

Question 34

Is pressure washing safe for older homes?

Accepted Answer

Older homes often have more delicate paint, caulking, and materials, so they are best cleaned with low-pressure soft washing and controlled detergents rather than high-pressure washing.

Question 35

Can pressure washing remove rust stains or artillery fungus?

Accepted Answer

Rust stains and artillery fungus usually require specialized cleaners, not just pressure, and My Exterior Cleaner uses targeted solutions to treat those issues when possible.

Question 36

Is sodium hypochlorite harmful?

Accepted Answer

Sodium hypochlorite is a strong cleaner in its raw form, but when it is diluted, carefully metered, and properly rinsed as My Exterior Cleaner does, it is safe and highly effective for exterior cleaning.

Question 37

What do you do to protect landscaping?

Accepted Answer

My Exterior Cleaner pre-wets plants, avoids overspray, controls runoff, thoroughly rinses after cleaning, and uses neutralizers when needed to protect grass, shrubs, and landscaping beds.

Question 38

Are your detergents biodegradable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the detergents My Exterior Cleaner uses are designed to break down quickly while still being strong enough to clean algae, mold, and grime from exterior surfaces.

Question 39

What do you use to neutralize chemicals?

Accepted Answer

My Exterior Cleaner uses products such as sodium thiosulfate and plenty of fresh water to neutralize sodium hypochlorite in sensitive areas when required.

Question 40

Will cleaning kill my grass?

Accepted Answer

Handled correctly with pre-wetting and rinsing, exterior cleaning should not kill grass; any brief yellowing from overspray usually recovers quickly when it is properly watered and neutralized.

Question 41

What PSI do you use for house washing?

Accepted Answer

My Exterior Cleaner typically soft washes houses at roughly 60 to 100 PSI, which is around garden hose pressure and far lower than a typical pressure washer.

Question 42

What GPM is best for soft washing?

Accepted Answer

Most professional soft wash setups run between 5 and 8 gallons per minute, which is the range My Exterior Cleaner targets for efficient, even coverage and proper rinsing.

Question 43

How does downstreaming work?

Accepted Answer

Downstreaming uses a Venturi injector to pull detergent into the water flow after the pump, allowing the operator to apply a diluted mix at low pressure and then rinse with fresh water from the same system.

Question 44

What’s better: X-Jet or a dedicated soft wash system?

Accepted Answer

A dedicated soft wash system offers more control over mix ratios and application than an X-Jet, which is why My Exterior Cleaner relies on purpose-built soft washing setups for most house and roof washes.

Question 45

What ratio do you use for roof cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Roof cleaning typically uses a stronger solution around 3 to 6 percent sodium hypochlorite, carefully adjusted for staining level, roof material, shade, and safety.

Question 46

How do you prevent streaking on windows?

Accepted Answer

My Exterior Cleaner avoids direct, heavy application on glass, adjusts mix strength near windows, and thoroughly rinses frames and panes to minimize spotting and streaking.

Question 47

What is a metering system and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A metering system lets My Exterior Cleaner dial in precise water, surfactant, and sodium hypochlorite ratios for each surface so the mix is strong enough to clean but not stronger than necessary.

Question 48

Do you recycle water or use customer water?

Accepted Answer

For residential work, My Exterior Cleaner typically uses the customer’s outdoor spigots but focuses on efficient application and rinsing to avoid unnecessary water use.

Question 49

Can I use my electric pressure washer to wash my home?

Accepted Answer

Small electric pressure washers often lack the flow needed for effective rinsing and can still cause damage if misused, which is why professional soft washing with the right equipment and chemicals gives much better results.

Question 50

Why shouldn’t homeowners use high pressure on siding?

Accepted Answer

High pressure on siding can drive water behind panels, strip paint, damage caulk, and cause hidden moisture issues, so siding should be cleaned with low-pressure soft washing instead of aggressive pressure washing.

Find Your Answers

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing varies by square footage, surface type, and severity of algae buildup, but most Metro-Atlanta homeowners spend $350–$750 for exterior cleaning. Roofs, oxidized surfaces, and large driveways can be higher.

You’ll often find companies charge between $0.30-$0.80 per square foot for cleaning most surfaces (according to fixr.com 2025 reports).

At My Exterior Cleaner, we price transparently, provide exact quotes before we start, and never upsell unnecessary services.

Pressure washing uses high pressure—great for concrete but terrible for siding, roofs, and painted surfaces.

Soft washing uses low pressure + detergents to kill algae instead of blasting it around.

@ My Exterior Cleaner, we specialize exclusively in soft washing for homes and roofs, because it’s safer, longer-lasting, and recommended by shingle manufacturers.

Most standard homes take 60–90 minutes for a full wash. Roofs typically take 1.5–3 hours depending on pitch, access, and staining. Job size, severity of growth, and safety factors influence the timeline, but we move fast without cutting corners.

High pressure absolutely can damage siding, shutters, screens, wood, roofs, and painted surfaces.

That’s why we don’t use it!We use controlled soft-wash methods that clean deeper, last longer, and avoid the costly repairs caused by DIY pressure washers.

Georgia’s heat + humidity = algae paradise.

Most homes should be washed every 12–18 months to prevent mold growth, protect paint, and keep insurance carriers satisfied.

Yes — but only soft washing kills the growth at the root, preventing fast regrowth.

Pressure alone only blasts off the surface layer.

Our soft wash mix eliminates mold, mildew, green algae, and black streaks effectively and safely.

Avoid high pressure on:

Roof shingles

Vinyl siding

EIFS/stucco

Wood siding

Fences

Screen enclosures

Window frames

Soffits

If it can be dented, etched, stripped, or water-intruded… don’t pressure wash it.

We tailor every job, but typical Georgia settings:

House wash: 0.5–1% SH

Roof wash: 3–6% SH

Concrete pre-treat: 1–2% SH

Ratios vary based on shade, algae type, and surface age. Our custom-built metering/mixing system ensures accuracy.

Yes — our house washes come with a 12-month algae-free guarantee, and roof washes include 2–3 years, depending on shading and growth conditions.

We accept cash, check, debit/credit cards, ACH, digital invoicing is done via our CRM system Jobber (payments processed via Stripe), and commercial accounts can request net terms.

Absolutely. My Exterior Cleaner carries full liability insurance, equipment coverage, and commercial protections for property managers and HOAs.

No — as long as we have access to water spigots, we’ll send before/after photos and invoice electronically.

Light rain doesn’t affect soft washing. Heavy storms may push us back a few hours/day.

Either way, our results aren’t impacted because rain doesn’t dilute the cleaning process.

Local/Geography Based FAQs

We cover Metro Atlanta including Decatur, Avondale, Atlanta, Stone Mountain, Tucker, Scottsdale, Clarkston, Lithonia, and surrounding areas within 20–25 minutes of 30033.

Georgia’s humidity accelerates algae growth, meaning most homes need cleaning once a year to prevent buildup and protect surfaces.

Yes — we use a specialized chemical process to treat and lift Georgia’s stubborn red clay stains from concrete, brick, and masonry

Yes — we provide community-wide washing, compliance cleanings, and bulk pricing for HOAs.

Absolutely! We handle apartments, townhomes, condos, rental turnovers, and building exteriors. And have available maintenance plans!

Roof Soft Washing FAQs

Black streaks are an airborne algae called Gloeocapsa Magma, extremely common in humid areas like Georgia.

We follow the ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) soft wash guidelines, which explicitly prohibit pressure washing.

Yes — removing algae reduces heat absorption and prevents shingle deterioration, extending roof life by 5–10 years.

Yes. Anything involving high pressure can cause granule loss, leaks, and voided warranties.

Most roofs stay clean 2–4 years depending on shade, moisture, and ventilation.

House Soft Washing FAQs

Soft washing removes organic buildup, but oxidation requires a specialized brightening process we offer separately.

Yes — each material gets its own pressure setting, flow rate, and mix ratio to clean safely without damage.

Yes — soft washing clears all of these, especially valuable in Georgia’s heavy pollen seasons.

Older homes require lower pressure and specific detergents to avoid leaks, paint damage, and water intrusion — exactly what soft washing is designed for.

Not by itself — but we have targeted chemical solutions to treat both safely.

Driveway & Concrete Washing FAQs

A combination of surface cleaning + chemical treatment to kill algae is the most effective and longest-lasting approach.

Surface cleaning improves them, but deep oil stains require pre-treatment, degreasers, and sometimes post-treating for best results.

Yes — we offer concrete sealing, paver sealing, and enhancement to protect against algae and staining.

Yes — cheap equipment or inexperienced operators can etch concrete permanently. Our GPM/PSI settings prevent damage.

Walking is usually OK after 30 minutes. Parking typically requires 2–4 hours depending on weather.

Safety, Chemicals & Environmental FAQs

Yes, our chemicals are biodegradable and safe for the environment.

Not at the controlled levels we use. We dilute, meter, and neutralize everything to avoid damage to grass, plants, or surfaces.

We pre-wet (typically with our proprietary Neutralizer), post-rinse, tarp when needed, and neutralize soil where appropriate.

Yes — everything we use breaks down quickly and complies with environmental safety standards.

We use a proprietary blend with sodium thiosulfate in targeted areas to neutralize SH around plants and sensitive surfaces.

Not when handled correctly. Turf is resilient, and we rinse heavily to protect your yard.

Equipment & Method FAQs

Our soft wash systems operate around 150–250 PSI, just above garden-hose pressure.

Soft washing typically uses 5–8 GPM for ideal flow and coverage — exactly what our custom system delivers.

A Venturi valve pulls detergent into the water stream after the pump, allowing safe, low-pressure application.

Soft washing wins every time — it’s safer, more controlled, and produces longer-lasting results.

Typically 3–6% SH, adjusted based on roof age, shade, and severity of staining.

We adjust mix ratios, avoid spraying directly into weep holes, and rinse windows thoroughly.

Metering allows us to dial in exact chemical ratios, ensuring precision and plant-safe cleaning.

We use onsite water but minimize waste with efficient equipment and application methods.

You can, but you won’t like the results. Electric and traditional residential units lack the flow and chemistry needed for real cleaning — and they can still damage surfaces if used incorrectly.

High pressure forces water behind siding, strips paint, and creates expensive repairs. Soft washing avoids all of that.

That’s why we don’t use it!
We use controlled soft-wash methods that clean deeper, last longer, and avoid the costly repairs caused by DIY pressure washers.

Absolutely! We handle apartments, townhomes, condos, rental turnovers, and building exteriors.
And have available maintenance plans!