Commonly asked questions

Q&A

Safe Cleaning

Are the chemicals you use safe for my pets and kids and plants?

Yes! When handled properly the chemicals are completely safe for your house, family, pets and properly.

The Main Cleaning Agent: Sodium Hypochlorite

The primary chemical used in house washing is Sodium Hypochlorite (SH), commonly known as chlorine (you can find it at your local pool supply store!). SH is highly effective in breaking down algae, mold, mildew, and other organic growth on your home’s exterior. While it’s powerful, it can also cause harm to plants, property, and people if used in high concentrations or improperly handled.

At Dude Wash, we take great care to ensure SH is used responsibly. We apply it in safe, controlled dilutions designed to target the problem areas—like algae and mildew—without causing damage to your plants, grass, or property. Our goal is to disrupt only the organic material you called us to eliminate, not your landscaping or surroundings.

The Role of Surfactants (a.k.a., Soap)

In addition to SH, we use what’s known in the industry as a surfactant, or soap. Surfactants help the cleaning solution stick to the surface longer, allowing the SH to do its job effectively. This ensures a thorough cleaning while minimizing the amount of product needed, further reducing any potential impact on the environment.

What Happens to SH After It’s Rinsed?

This is a great question! When SH is rinsed off your home, it reacts with water and organic material, breaking down into two harmless components: salt and oxygen. With our proper rinsing techniques, the SH is effectively neutralized, ensuring that it won’t harm the soil, plants, or groundwater.

We go the extra mile to pre-wet plants and landscaping before applying the cleaning solution, which provides an extra layer of protection. After the cleaning is complete, we rinse thoroughly to ensure minimal residue remains.

Safety First

Our team is regularly trained to use these chemicals safely and responsibly. We understand the importance of protecting your family, pets, and environment while delivering a clean and beautiful home. With our professional methods and attention to detail, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is in good hands.

Licensed & Insured

Are You Licensed and Insured? What happens if something is damaged?

This is a great question and one we’re happy to answer! Here’s how we handle licensing, training, and protecting our customers.

Licensing in Power Washing

While there is no universal or official licensing process specifically for power washing, we believe professionalism goes beyond a piece of paper. At Dude Wash, we invest significant time and resources into training our technicians in the latest processes, materials, and equipment. Regular and consistent training is a cornerstone of our company culture because delivering high-quality results requires a skilled and knowledgeable team.

Insurance: Protecting You and Your Property

As a professional power washing company, being properly insured is not just an option—it’s a responsibility we take very seriously. Carrying comprehensive insurance ensures that if something goes wrong, you, the customer, are fully protected. Even though insurance can be costly, it is our duty to provide peace of mind to every homeowner we serve.

What Happens if Something Is Damaged?

While we take every precaution to protect your property during the cleaning process, accidents can occasionally happen. Here’s how we handle it:

Immediate Communication: If something is damaged, we will notify you as soon as possible and explain exactly what happened.
Resolution: We will discuss the situation with you and work toward a solution to make things right.
- In most cases (99% of the time), we are able to resolve the issue ourselves without involving insurance.
- For rare and larger-scale incidents, our insurance is in place to ensure everything is repaired or replaced properly at no cost to you.

Our goal is to not only deliver a clean and beautiful property but also to give you complete confidence in the safety and professionalism of our work.

We take pride in being transparent, responsible, and proactive, ensuring that your experience with us is worry-free. If you have any other questions about our process or how we protect your property, feel free to reach out!

Being Home for Cleaning

Do I Have to Be Home During the Cleaning?

Great question! While it’s not strictly necessary for you to be home during the cleaning process, we do ask that you be present for the initial visit, and here’s why:

Building a Relationship: At Dude Wash, we don’t just see this as a one-time service—we see it as the beginning of a lasting relationship. We want to meet you face-to-face, introduce ourselves, and ensure you feel confident in our team and the quality of work we’ll deliver. Our goal is to be the last power washing company you ever need to hire.
Walkthrough and Customization: Being home during the initial visit gives us the chance to walk through your property with you. We’ll go over all the areas you want to be cleaned and make sure we understand your priorities. This step ensures that everything you need cleaned gets cleaned, and there are no surprises or missed spots.

At Dude Wash, we aim to make the process as convenient and stress-free as possible while ensuring you’re 100% satisfied with the results. Let us know if you have any other questions—we’re here to help!

Property Protection

Will You Protect My Property?

Absolutely! At Dude Wash, we treat your property with the same care and respect as if it were our own grandmother’s home. Protecting your home and belongings is a top priority, and we take every precaution to ensure nothing is harmed during the cleaning process.

Here’s how we protect your property:

Pre-Rinse for Plants and Grass: We thoroughly rinse down all your landscaping, including plants and grass, before applying any cleaning solution. This helps minimize the risk of damage from our treatment.
Furniture and Decorations: We carefully remove or cover any outdoor furniture, decorations, or fragile items to ensure they stay safe and untouched.
Electrical Protection: All uncovered outlets and outdoor electronics are properly protected to minimize water contact and avoid any potential issues.

Our goal is to leave your property looking spotless while keeping everything around it safe and intact. If you have any specific concerns, feel free to let us know, and we’ll take extra care to address them!

Our Expert Team

Are Your Employees Experienced, or Do You Just Hire Anyone?

At Dude Wash, we take immense pride in the caliber of our team. We don’t just hire anyone—we hire motivated, hardworking individuals who are committed to providing an outstanding experience for our customers. From the moment you contact us to the time your property is sparkling clean, every member of our team is held to the highest standards.

Here’s how we ensure you’re in great hands:

High Hiring Standards Across the Board: Whether it’s the customer service representative answering your call, the wash technicians out in the field, or the leadership team managing operations back at the facility, we keep our hiring standards extremely high. This ensures that every interaction with Dude Wash is handled with professionalism, expertise, and care.
Integrity and Motivation First: While prior house washing experience is great, it’s not a requirement. We focus on hiring individuals with strong integrity, an exceptional work ethic, and a genuine drive to serve others. Skills can be taught, but character and motivation are what set our team apart.
Thorough Vetting Process: Every team member undergoes extensive screening, including background checks and drug testing, so you can have peace of mind knowing that the people working on your property are trustworthy and reliable.
Continuous Training and Development: All of our employees receive rigorous, hands-on training to learn the latest techniques, safety protocols, and equipment operation. Training doesn’t stop after hiring—we’re committed to ongoing development so our team can deliver top-tier results every time.

At Dude Wash, we strive to give you complete peace of mind knowing that every person on our team, no matter their role, is dedicated to providing you with the best exterior cleaning experience possible. We don’t just aim to meet expectations—we work to exceed them, from the first phone call to the final rinse.

Pressure Washing Explained

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing is the process of using water, propelled at high pressure through a specialized motorized machine (pressure washer), to remove dirt, debris, algae, and other contaminants from surfaces. This method is highly effective for cleaning tougher surfaces like brick, concrete, or stone, where higher pressure is needed to remove stubborn grime.

While pressure washing has its uses, it’s not the primary method for cleaning more delicate surfaces, such as siding, painted surfaces, or roofs. For these areas, soft washing is a safer and more effective alternative. To learn more about what makes soft washing ideal for house cleaning, check out our article on soft washing [here].

A Word of Caution Pressure washing requires precision and the right equipment. When used improperly, or if excessive pressure is applied, it can cause severe damage to property and even pose risks of bodily injury. Surfaces can be gouged, paint can be stripped unintentionally, and sensitive areas like window seals or woodwork can be damaged. That’s why it’s always best to hire trained professionals who have the proper equipment and know how to use the right techniques for the right surfaces.

At Dude Wash, we take pride in using pressure washing responsibly and only when necessary, ensuring every surface is cleaned effectively and safely. Let us know if you have questions about the process or want to learn how we can bring your property back to life!

Soft Washing 101

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing is a cleaning technique that uses a combination of low-pressure water and specially formulated chemical treatments to remove algae, mildew, bacteria, and other contaminants from a property’s exterior. Unlike pressure washing, which relies on the force of water, soft washing is designed to clean gently while being highly effective in eliminating harmful organisms at their source.

Why Choose Soft Washing?

Soft washing doesn’t just make a property look clean—it actually cleans it, addressing the root causes of discoloration and organic buildup. Even if your home doesn’t look visibly dirty, there could still be bacteria and contaminants thriving on the surface. By using a targeted chemical solution, soft washing sanitizes and protects your property, ensuring a deeper and longer-lasting clean.

Safe for All Exterior Surfaces As the name implies, soft washing uses very low water pressure, making it safe for delicate surfaces such as:

Vinyl siding
Stucco
Wood
Asphalt shingles
Painted surfaces

Unlike high-pressure methods, soft washing prevents potential damage like chipping paint, gouging wood, or loosening shingles, while still delivering exceptional results.

The Bottom Line Soft washing is not only safer for your property but also more effective in completely removing harmful bacteria and organic growth. It’s the ideal solution for maintaining a clean, healthy home exterior without the risks associated with high-pressure methods.

If you’re ready to bring your property back to life or want to learn more about the benefits of soft washing, feel free to reach out to us!

The Dude Wash Difference

I’ve Hired a Company Before, and They Didn’t Do a Good Job—What Makes This One Different?

Unfortunately, we hear this story far too often. Whether it’s an incomplete job, streaky driveways, poor communication, or even damage to the property, companies that don’t invest in proper training, high-quality equipment, or the right people run the risk of delivering a subpar result. At Dude Wash, we’re determined to set ourselves apart and ensure your experience is nothing but exceptional. Here’s how we’re different:

1. We Hire the Best

We set our hiring standards extremely high. Every team member is carefully selected not just for their skills, but for their integrity, work ethic, and commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe in paying our team members fairly, so they are motivated to provide you with the best possible service.

2. Ongoing Training

Our team doesn’t stop learning. We invest in regular training to stay up-to-date on the best equipment, cleaning techniques, and safety standards. This ensures that every job is completed thoroughly and to the highest standard.

3. Top-Tier Equipment and Methods

We use only the best, industry-leading equipment and proven cleaning methods to deliver superior results. Whether it’s soft washing or pressure washing, we tailor our approach to your specific needs to ensure your property is cleaned safely and effectively.

4. Clear Communication and Upfront Pricing

You’ll never be left guessing with us. We always answer our phones, keep you informed throughout the process, and provide clear, upfront pricing. No surprises, no last-minute additions—just honest, transparent service.

5. Extreme Ownership

Mistakes can happen, but how they’re handled makes all the difference. At Dude Wash, we take full ownership of our work. If we ever make a mistake, we’ll notify you immediately and do everything in our power to make it right—no excuses, no hassle.

At Dude Wash, we’re committed to going above and beyond to earn your trust and your business. We want you to not only be satisfied but to feel confident that you’ve found a company you can rely on for years to come. Let us show you the Dude Wash difference!

Don't Put It Off!

Can’t This Wait? It’s Not a Priority.

If you’re considering hiring a professional power washing company, there’s likely a reason behind it—your property has reached a point where its condition is no longer as enjoyable or comfortable as it could be. You wouldn’t even be thinking about hiring us if your home’s exterior wasn’t bothering you in some way.

Keeping your house clean isn’t just about appearances—it’s about regular maintenance. Think of it like personal hygiene: you wouldn’t neglect your body, so why neglect your home? Dirt, grime, algae, and mildew don’t just look bad—they can cause long-term damage if left untreated. Regular cleaning helps protect your investment and keeps your property in its best condition.

The truth is, waiting will only make the problem worse. The dirt and grime will build up, and over time it could lead to more serious issues, like staining, mold growth, or even damage to siding, concrete, and other surfaces. Plus, if it’s bothering you now, it’s probably noticeable to your neighbors and guests as well.

Don’t wait until the problem gets bigger (and more expensive to fix). Let us help you restore your home’s exterior so you can enjoy a clean, beautiful property again. Your home deserves it—and so do you!

DIY vs. Professional Cleaning

Why Can’t I Just Do This Myself?

Of course, you can clean your house yourself—but let’s be honest, do you really want to? Here’s what’s likely to happen:

First, you’ll need to rent or buy a power washer, which will sit in your garage for the other 11 months of the year or cause multiple trips to the local hardware store picking up and dropping off your rented machine. Then, you’ll spend your weekend trying to figure out how to use it effectively. The process will take far longer than you expect, and chances are, the results won’t be what you were hoping for.

In addition, there are risks involved:

Ladders and safety hazards: Cleaning higher areas of your house can lead to accidents, especially if you’re not experienced with ladders or working at heights.
Potential damage: Without the proper equipment or techniques, you could damage your siding, windows, or other surfaces.
Chemical mishandling: If you’re using cleaning agents, improper mixing or application could harm you, your plants, or your property.

Here’s the truth: while you can do it yourself, it will likely take a lot more time and effort than you anticipate, and the results may not be great. At Dude Wash, we have the expertise, professional equipment, and training to get the job done safely, quickly, and with professional-grade results. You’ll save time, avoid risks, and get a home that truly looks clean and refreshed—without sacrificing your weekend!

Let us handle the hard work so you can focus on better things. We promise it’ll be worth it!