Beyond the Blast: Understanding Different Exterior Cleaning Methods for Your Exeter Home

January 25, 2024 by Owens Exterior Cleaning

When it comes to keeping your Exeter home's exterior pristine, "cleaning" isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. While many immediately think of a powerful "jetwash" or "pressure washer," there's a diverse range of methods, each suited to different surfaces and types of grime. Understanding these techniques is crucial for effective cleaning without causing damage.

1. Pressure Washing (The "Blast")

Pressure washing, often referred to as jet washing, uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt, grime, moss, algae, and other contaminants. It's highly effective for robust surfaces.

• Best For: Concrete driveways, block paving, sturdy patios, brickwork (with caution), and some fences.
• Benefits: Quick, powerful, and excellent for deep cleaning tough stains and heavy organic growth.
• Considerations: Can damage softer surfaces (like render, painted wood, or delicate stone), strip paint, or force water into unwanted areas if not used correctly. Requires skilled operation.

2. Soft Washing (The Gentle Approach)

Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses specialized cleaning solutions (often biodegradable) to safely remove organic growth (algae, moss, lichen, mildew) and stains without the high impact of pressure washing. The solution does the work, not the pressure.

• Best For: Roofs, render (K-Rend, monocouche), painted surfaces, delicate stone, stucco, vinyl siding, and wood decking.
• Benefits: Prevents damage to delicate materials, kills organic growth at the root for longer-lasting results, and uses less water than high-pressure methods.
• Considerations: Takes longer than pressure washing, requires specific cleaning agents, and needs expertise to choose the right solution for the job.

3. Manual Cleaning & Specialized Treatments

Some cleaning tasks require a more hands-on approach or specific chemical treatments beyond general washing.

• Gutter Cleaning: Often involves manual removal of debris, followed by flushing.
• Window Cleaning: Typically uses pure water systems and squeegees for streak-free results.
• Brick Cleaning: Can involve specialized acids or alkaline cleaners for mortar removal or specific stains, often combined with low-pressure rinsing.
• Oil Stain Removal: Requires specific degreasers and agitation.

Choosing the Right Method for Your Exeter Property

The key to effective and safe exterior cleaning lies in selecting the appropriate method for each surface. A professional exterior cleaning company will assess your property and recommend the best approach. At Owens Exterior Cleaning, we pride ourselves on our expertise in both pressure washing and soft washing, ensuring your home receives the care it needs without risk of damage.

Professional vs DIY: Why Expertise Matters

While DIY cleaning might seem cost-effective, professional services offer significant advantages. Our team has the experience, equipment, and knowledge to choose the right method for each surface, preventing costly damage and ensuring optimal results.