Hiring a Power Washer: Tips and Guide
Q&A
- Welcome to your go-to resource for exterior cleaning on Long Island. Whether you’re dealing with algae, mold, faded surfaces or simply want to restore your home’s curb-appeal, soft-washing and professional rinsing can make a big difference.
1. What is “soft washing,” and how is it different from traditional power washing?
Soft washing uses low pressure (rather than high-force blasting) combined with a cleaning solution - typically sodium hypochlorite (a diluted bleach) plus a surfactant to remove organic growth like algae, mold and mildew.
Traditional power-washing often uses high pressure to remove grime; while that may work for concrete, it can damage siding, shingles, pavers or other more delicate surfaces. Soft washing is the preferred method for homes that need cleaning without risking damage.
2. How safe are the chemicals used (especially for my landscaping and plants)?
When done by professionals, the mix and application are designed to be safe for surrounding plants and turf. Sodium hypochlorite, when applied in the correct ratio and rinsed appropriately, breaks down rapidly and doesn’t leave harmful residues. Professionals also pre-wet surrounding greenery and protect adjacent landscape features to ensure no unintended harm happens. In some cases, a neutralizer is used to make the bleach inert. Always ask your provider how they protect garden beds, shrubs, outdoor furniture, and other vulnerable landscape elements.
3. Why do you recommend soft-washing first and then a medium-pressure rinse?
The organic growth that accumulates on homes - like green algae, black streaks, mildew - holds on to surfaces and often won’t respond well just to high-pressure rinsing alone. By applying a chemical solution first, professionals kill the root of the organic growth, allowing it to release from the surface. Then follow with a controlled medium-pressure rinse to flush everything away and restore the appearance. This two-step approach gives longer lasting results and less chance of re-growth soon after cleaning.
4. What types of surfaces can be power washed? Are there surfaces that can't?
Professionals can clean a wide variety of exterior surfaces: vinyl siding, painted wood trim, cedar shake, stucco, brick/stone, pavers, fences, decks, and driveways. For pavers, they can safely remove mold, algae, and grime, and restore the natural color of the stone or brick. However, very old or worn surfaces (for example pavers with cracked joints, badly weathered wood decks, or roof shingles past their service life) may require additional work or caution. They'll always inspect before starting, identify fragile areas, and advise you of any risk or recommended repairs.
5. How is power washing pricing determined - per job or per square foot?
Pricing can vary depending on the job size, surface type, degree of staining, accessibility and required prep/protection. Some companies charge per square foot (especially for large flat surfaces like driveways, patios or paver areas). Others charge a flat job-based rate for houses or combined exterior surfaces. When the surface area is clearly measurable (e.g., patio, driveway) they may quote per square foot. For whole-house jobs or complex surfaces with multiple elevations, they may prefer a flat job price after an on-site inspection.
6. What is the typical cost to power wash a home on Long Island?
While every job is unique, for a single-family home exterior in Suffolk and Nassau County, the typical range might be somewhere between $300 to $1,200 for a standard soft-wash & rinse of the siding, trim and gutters. For driveways and patios with pavers, typical prices might run $0.30 to $0.45 per square foot, depending on staining and condition. Always ask for an itemized quote that explains what is included: prep, chemical application, rinsing, landscape protection, disposal of runoff, etc.
7. How often should i power wash my home?
For most homes in a humid, coastal region like Long Island, a soft wash is recommended every 12-24 months to keep algae and mold growth under control. For areas shaded heavily by trees or with ongoing moisture problems, annual cleaning might be warranted. Driveways and patios may need cleaning more often—every 12-18 months—to prevent paver deterioration and moss/slip hazards.
8. Will power washing pavers affect the joints, sealant or color?
When professionals clean paver patios, walkways or driveways, they inspect the jointing material (sand, polymeric sand, etc.) and determine whether it needs replenishing or resealing afterwards. The soft-wash process removes bio-growth and grime, restoring the natural color and texture. After cleaning, they can advise about re-sealing or re-sanding to prolong the appearance and performance of your paver surface.
9. How much disruption should I expect during the power washing process?
When professionals carry out soft-washing, the disruption is minimal. We’ll cover or move outdoor furniture, pre-wet surrounding plants, protect nearby windows and fixtures, and set up containment for any runoff. The job often can take a half-day or full day, depending on size. After they finish the disinfect/soft-wash phase and rinse, the area is usable again once dry (usually within a couple of hours). You typically won’t have to leave your home, but they will ask for interior windows to remain closed and pets to be kept away during the process.
10. Will the power washing void any warranties or damage roofing/surfaces?
For soft washing, no. However, using high-pressure washing on certain surfaces (especially asphalt shingles, older siding, older paints) can void roofing/siding warranties. Industry groups recommend low-pressure soft-washing to safely clean roofs and exterior surfaces.
By using the soft-wash method with sodium hypochlorite and low pressure, you preserve the surface integrity and avoid damage risk.
11. When power washing, how do you protect my property and landscaping from chemical run-off?
Professionals apply our soft-wash solution following best practices. This includes pre-wetting surrounding vegetation, using controlled application methods to limit run-off, and rinsing thoroughly with clean water. The sodium hypochlorite solution degrades quickly after application, reducing lasting environmental impact.
Professionals also carry insurance, use licensed methods, and adhere to local Long Island ordinances and storm-water protection guidelines.
12. What about algae, mold or stains on vertical vs horizontal surfaces?
Algae, mold and organic growth often appear on shadier, moist surfaces: north-facing siding, under eaves, patios, pavers, deck flooring, fence boards. Soft-washing is especially helpful on vertical surfaces because it allows the solution to dwell and kill the growth before rinsing, rather than blasting it off. Horizontal surfaces like patios and driveways respond well to a combination of chemical application and moderate pressure rinse to remove the loosened material and restore the appearance.
13. Are there surfaces you should never clean the same way (e.g., wood decks, old siding, delicate stone)?
Yes. Delicate wood decks, old or peeling paint, weathered wood siding or antique stone may require special handling. High pressure must be avoided, and chemical dwell times must be monitored to avoid discoloration. Professionals will assess these surfaces and may use milder chemical concentrations, alternative cleaning solutions, or skip pressure rinsing in favor of gentle surface treatment.
14. How much is it to power wash a wooden deck?
The cost to professionally power wash (or soft wash) a wooden deck typically ranges from $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot, depending on the deck’s size, condition, accessibility, and level of buildup from dirt, algae, or mildew. Smaller decks may have a minimum service charge, often around $150–$250, while larger or heavily weathered decks can exceed $500. Professionals use lower pressure and specialized wood-safe detergents to avoid splintering or gouging the wood grain. If your deck requires stripping, brightening, or sealing afterward, those services are usually priced separately. On Long Island, where humidity accelerates organic growth, most homeowners find that cleaning once a year keeps their deck looking great and extends its lifespan.
15. Can my Cedar house be cleaned?
Yes, your cedar home can absolutely be cleaned - but it must be done carefully and with the right method. Cedar is a soft, porous wood that can easily be damaged by high pressure, so professional cleaners use a soft wash technique rather than traditional power washing. This process combines low pressure with a specialized cleaning solution - typically a mix of water, surfactants, and a mild concentration of hydrogen-peroxide to gently remove algae, mildew, and oxidation without stripping the wood fibers.
16. Why choose a professional service instead of DIY power-washing?
It’s tempting to rent a pressure-washer and go it yourself - but doing so can result in surface damage, voided warranties, ineffective cleaning (if you don’t kill the root growth), and potential injury. Professional soft-wash companies use the right chemicals, proper ratios, certified equipment, trained technicians, and protective measures for landscaping and property. That expertise translates into better, safer, longer-lasting results.
17. How long will it take to power wash my house?
typically 1-4 hours. However, the time it takes to wash a home depends on several factors - including the size of the house, the type and condition of the siding, accessibility, and the amount of organic buildup (such as algae, mildew, or dirt). On average, most single-family homes on Long Island take 2 hours to complete from start to finish. Larger or multi-story homes, or those with intricate architecture, can take up to a full day. The process includes setup, plant and property protection, a chemical application phase, dwell time to allow the cleaning solution to work, and a controlled rinse. Soft washing takes a bit longer than high-pressure washing because it’s more thorough and gentle - but the results last significantly longer and cause no surface damage.
18. How do I schedule a quote, and what should I ask during the inspection?
The internet is a powerful tool; however, when shopping for a contracted professional online, it can be nearly impossible to tell the difference between an inadequate, unlicensed, and undertrained one-man operation and a licensed, fully insured company with years of training and experience. Our journalist met with several local companies, and one stood out among the rest - Noble Power Washing. They pass the savings associated with a high-volume, large-scale brand on to the consumer, but more importantly, they operate from a brick-and-mortar location, employ seven people, and hold robust credentials with verifiable references. With over 700 five-star reviews, they’ve earned a stellar reputation in their field.
Noble Power Washing
1430 Church St Unit A-1, Bohemia, NY 11716
6315897900
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For a free inspection & estimate. During the visit, ask:
-Which cleaning method will be used (soft-wash vs high pressure)?
-What chemical(s) will be applied, in what concentration?
-How will landscaping/furniture/windows be protected?
-Is there a written quote listing surface areas, square footage, exclusions and any post-cleaning recommendations (reseal, repair, re-sand)?
-What is the warranty or guarantee on the cleaning (will the algae/mold return, how long before revisit)?
Once you’ve evaluated, schedule a date convenient for you. they will confirm parking, access, weather contingency, and finish the job cleanly.
At the end of the day, your home is one of your largest investment - keeping its exterior clean, safe and well-maintained isn’t just cosmetic, it’s smart property care. With the right cleaning method (soft-wash, correct chemicals, careful rinse) and a local Long Island team you can trust, you’ll enjoy better curb appeal, longer-lasting surfaces and peace of mind.