Dust, pollen, salty coastal air, bird droppings, and oil stains add up. In sunny places like San Diego, windows and exterior surfaces can look dull fast, and a fresh cleaning can make a home feel new again. It’s also a common step before selling, hosting, or painting.
Exterior cleaning looks simple, but the wrong technique can damage siding, etch glass, strip paint, or send dirty water where it shouldn’t go. And because it’s easy to start a pressure washing business, quality varies widely. Here’s how to hire a pressure washing or window cleaning pro you can trust.
Know what you need
Exterior cleaning covers several services, and some companies do all of them while others specialize:
- House washing for siding, stucco, and trim
- Driveways, walkways, and patios, including oil and rust stains
- Decks and fences
- Roof cleaning, which requires special care
- Window cleaning, inside, outside, screens, and tracks
- Solar panel cleaning, which may have manufacturer guidelines
Make a list, and take photos of problem areas before you call.
Soft washing vs. pressure washing
These terms come up a lot:
- Pressure washing uses high-pressure water. It’s effective on hard surfaces like concrete, but too much pressure can damage softer materials, wood, paint, window seals, and some roofing.
- Soft washing uses lower pressure combined with cleaning solutions to remove dirt, mildew, and algae. It’s often used on siding, stucco, and roofs.
A good pro will explain which method suits each surface on your home, and why. Be cautious with anyone who plans to blast every surface at full pressure.
Step 1: Ask people you know
Exterior work is visible, so neighbors are a great resource. If a house on your street always looks spotless, ask who they use. Friends, your HOA, your real estate agent, and your painter or landscaper may also have recommendations.
Ask follow-up questions: Did the crew protect plants and outdoor furniture? Did anything get damaged? Did they clean up afterward? Was the price what they quoted? Would they hire them again?
Step 2: Check insurance and safety
- Insurance: Ask for proof of liability insurance in case of property damage, and workers’ compensation if they have employees. Work on ladders and roofs carries real risk.
- Licensing: Requirements vary by location. Ask what applies where you live.
- Safety practices: Ask how they handle second-story windows, roofs, and work near electrical fixtures.
Step 3: Ask about water and chemicals
Ask what cleaning solutions they use and how they protect plants, pets, and nearby surfaces. Many areas also have rules about wash water entering storm drains, because storm drains often flow untreated to creeks and the ocean. Ask how the company manages runoff and whether they follow local requirements.
Step 4: Get a clear written quote
A good quote should list:
- Each surface or area to be cleaned
- The method for each surface
- Window details: interior, exterior, screens, tracks, and number of stories
- Any stain treatments and their limits
- Protection and cleanup
- Scheduling and weather policy
Ask whether results on tough stains are guaranteed or simply attempted. Some stains, like old oil or rust, may not fully come out.
Step 5: Ask the right questions
- Which method will you use on each surface, and why?
- How do you protect plants, outdoor furniture, and pets?
- What cleaning solutions do you use?
- How do you handle runoff?
- Are you insured, and can you share proof?
- Who will do the work: you, employees, or subcontractors?
- What happens if something is damaged?
- Do you offer recurring service, and how does pricing work?
Window cleaning tips
For windows, ask whether they clean screens, tracks, and sills, and how they handle hard-water spots. Ask about tools for high windows, and whether they use ladders or water-fed poles. If you have tinted, specialty, or older windows, mention it so they can plan.
Red flags
- High pressure on every surface, including wood, siding, or roofs
- No proof of insurance
- Vague answers about chemicals or runoff
- Door-to-door offers with pressure to start immediately
- Large upfront payments
- No written estimate
- Unwillingness to do a test spot on a surface you’re unsure about
How MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® can help
The cleanest houses on your block usually come with a name your neighbors are happy to share. MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® is a social & professional networking app where you connect with service pros through the people in your own network, with visibility up to second-degree connections. You can browse a feed, like and comment, and message pros. Pros build visibility through real client relationships.
FAQ
How do I find a good pressure washing company near me?
Ask neighbors whose homes always look clean, along with friends, your HOA, and trades you trust. Then confirm insurance, ask about methods for each surface, and compare written quotes.
What is the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?
Pressure washing relies on high-pressure water and suits hard surfaces like concrete. Soft washing uses lower pressure and cleaning solutions, and is often used on siding, stucco, and roofs.
Can pressure washing damage my house?
Yes, if the wrong pressure or technique is used on softer surfaces. Ask the pro how they’ll clean each surface.
How often should I clean my windows?
It depends on your location, weather, and preference. Homes near the coast or in dusty areas may need cleaning more often. Ask a pro what they suggest for your home.
Do pressure washing companies need insurance?
Insurance protects you if something is damaged or someone is hurt. Ask for proof before work starts.
Find an exterior cleaning pro your network already trusts
Download MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® on the App Store and Google Play, and see the pros your network already trusts. Learn more at my-pro.io or email hello@my-pro.io.