The Benefits of Pressure Washing and What is Involved in Exterior Cleaning Services

  • Pressure Washing Somerset

    Pressure Washing

    Pressure washing is one of the most effective and efficient exterior cleaning services available for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you're dealing with dirt buildup, algae, moss, or stubborn stains, pressure washing offers a fast, affordable solution to keep your property looking fresh and well-maintained. Pressure washing is an essential exterior cleaning service.

    What is Pressure Washing?

    Pressure washing is a cleaning technique that uses high-pressure water jets to remove dirt, grime, algae, stains, and other contaminants from various surfaces. It is commonly used to clean driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, fences, and the exterior walls of homes and commercial buildings. The high-pressure water stream is strong enough to lift and wash away debris without damaging most surfaces, making it a versatile solution for many exterior cleaning needs.

    The Benefits of Pressure Washing

    One of the primary reasons homeowners and businesses turn to professional pressure washing services is to enhance curb appeal. Over time, exterior surfaces like driveways, walkways, and walls can accumulate dirt, algae, and moss, which can make your property look worn and neglected. Pressure washing removes these contaminants, restoring the original appearance of surfaces and giving your property a fresh, clean look. This can significantly increase the appeal of your home or business, especially if you're looking to sell or attract customers.

    Dirt and algae can cause long-term damage to your property if left untreated. For example, mildew can deteriorate surfaces and lead to costly repairs. Pressure washing removes these harmful substances before they can cause lasting damage, helping to preserve the integrity of your home or business. It’s a preventative measure that extends the lifespan of your property’s exterior surfaces and reduces the need for expensive repairs in the future.

    Over time, organic matter like algae and moss can grow on your property’s surfaces, making them slippery and dangerous. This is especially concerning on driveways, walkways, and decks, where slips and falls can occur. Pressure washing removes these slippery substances, making your property safer for residents, visitors, and customers. Additionally, it helps eliminate allergens like mildew, which can improve air quality and reduce health risks, particularly for people with allergies or respiratory issues.

    Regular exterior cleaning services, including pressure washing, is an investment that can increase the value of your property. Clean, well-maintained exteriors not only look more attractive but also give potential buyers or tenants the impression that the property is cared for. A freshly cleaned exterior can make your home or business stand out, providing a competitive edge and potentially increasing its resale value.

    Our pressure washing service uses eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for the environment, plants, and animals. Unlike harsh chemicals that may harm the surrounding landscape, these green solutions are effective at cleaning without leaving a harmful residue. Pressure washing itself uses water to clean, making it an eco-friendly option for exterior cleaning.

    Cleaning large exterior surfaces can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Without the right equipment, it can take hours or even days to clean areas like driveways, patios, and walls. Pressure washing is an efficient process that can tackle these large areas. By hiring professionals, you save time and effort while achieving a high-quality result.

    What is Involved in a Professional Pressure Washing Service?

    Before starting the pressure washing exterior cleaning service process, we will assess the property and identify the types of surfaces that need cleaning. We will determine the appropriate pressure settings, water temperature, and cleaning solutions to use, ensuring that each surface is treated correctly.

    Some surfaces, especially those with stubborn stains may require pre-treatment with specialised cleaning solutions. These solutions break down dirt and algae making it easier for the pressure washer to remove them effectively. The pre-treatment ensures a deeper clean and helps achieve optimal results.

    Once the property is prepped, the pressure washing begins. A high-pressure water stream is applied to exterior surfaces, loosening dirt, grime, algae, and other contaminants. The water pressure is adjusted based on the type of surface being cleaned to prevent damage, ensuring a safe and effective cleaning process.

    After the pressure washing is complete, the surfaces are thoroughly rinsed to remove any remaining dirt and cleaning solution. If necessary, post-treatment may be applied to further protect the surfaces, such as applying a protective coating to concrete or wood to prevent future staining or damage.

    We will then perform a final inspection of the cleaned areas to ensure that every surface meets the desired standards. We will also remove any debris or leftover materials from the cleaning process, leaving your property spotless and looking its best.

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Frequently asked questions

What do exterior cleaners do?

Exterior cleaners specialise in cleaning the outside surfaces of buildings, homes, and commercial properties to improve their appearance and maintain the condition of the building or property. Wright Exterior Services provide the following exterior cleaning services:

Pressure Washing

  • Remove dirt, oil stains, algae, moss, and other buildups to restore a clean, fresh look.
  • Clean outdoor living spaces by removing grime, mildew, and debris.
  • Remove dirt, grime, moss, and algae from exterior walls and fences to maintain their aesthetic appeal.

Gutter Cleaning

  • Clean out leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters and downpipes to prevent water blockages.
  • Regular gutter cleaning helps avoid water overflow that can cause damage to the building’s foundation, siding, and landscape.
  • Clean facia and PVC to maintain their aesthetic appeal.

Window Cleaning

  • Clean windows, frames, and sills to remove streaks, dirt, and hard water spots, improving clarity and letting more light into the building.

Roof Cleaning

  • Use special techniques and cleaning solutions to remove moss, algae, and lichen that can cause damage to roofing materials.

Soft Washing

  • Soft washing is a gentler approach to cleaning, ideal for delicate surfaces on a building. It uses lower pressure and special cleaning solutions to kill bacteria and algae.

Concrete & Asphalt Cleaning

  • Remove stains, dirt, and grime from concrete or asphalt surfaces, restoring their clean, original look.

Deck & Patio Cleaning

  • Cleaning wooden, composite, or stone patios and decks to remove mildew, dirt, and stains, restoring their aesthetic value.

By performing these exterior cleaning services, exterior cleaners help preserve the longevity of the property’s surfaces, improve curb appeal, and prevent the buildup of harmful substances like algae and mildew. This not only enhances the appearance of the property but can also help avoid costly repairs in the future.

Can you pressure wash exterior walls?

Yes, exterior cleaning services can include pressure washing of exterior walls, effectively removing dirt, grime, algae, and moss.

However, it's important to adjust pressure levels based on the surface material. For example, brick and stone can handle higher pressure, while vinyl and wood require gentler settings to prevent damage.

Using the right pressure washer nozzle and technique, such as starting from the bottom and using a wide spray angle, ensures thorough cleaning without harming the surface. For tough stains, cleaning solutions may be necessary. Professional exterior cleaning services can safely pressure wash walls and other surfaces, preserving your property’s appearance and preventing long-term damage.

What are exterior cleaning services?

Exterior cleaning services are professional solutions designed to enhance the appearance and upkeep of your property’s exterior. These exterior cleaning services include pressure washing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, and soft washing, all aimed at removing dirt, grime, moss, algae, and debris from surfaces like driveways, patios, walls, and roofs.

By utilising specialised equipment and techniques, exterior cleaning services help prevent damage, improve curb appeal, and maintain the overall condition of your home or commercial property, ensuring long-term value and protection.

How often should I clean the outside of my house?

How often you should have exterior cleaning services at your home or business depends on various factors, but generally, exterior cleaning services should be performed every year for pressure washing, removing dirt, algae, and moss from walls, driveways, and patios.

Gutter cleaning is recommended at least twice a year to prevent clogs, especially in areas with trees.

Window cleaning should be done every 6-8 weeks to maintain clarity and curb appeal.

Regular exterior cleaning services not only boost your home's appearance but also protect it from long-term damage, improving both its value and longevity.

What's the difference between power washing and pressure washing?


The terms power washing and pressure washing are often used interchangeably, but there is a key difference between the two methods. Both are effective exterior cleaning techniques, but the main distinction lies in the use of heat.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing uses cold water that is sprayed at a high pressure to remove dirt, grime, algae, and other contaminants from surfaces. The pressure from the water alone is used to loosen and clean the dirt, making it effective for many types of surfaces like driveways and patios. Pressure washing is ideal for cleaning tough stains and debris without the need for added heat.

Power Washing

Power washing, on the other hand, uses hot water under high pressure. The heated water helps break down and dissolve stubborn dirt, grease, mold, and other contaminants more effectively than cold water alone. Power washing is especially useful for surfaces that have oil or grease stains, or areas with extensive mildew and mold buildup. The added heat enhances the cleaning process, making it more efficient in removing tough stains and grime.

Key Differences:

  • Pressure washing uses cold water, while power washing uses hot water.
  • Power washing is generally more effective for heavy-duty cleaning, particularly for surfaces with oil or grease.
  • Pressure washing is often better for delicate surfaces where heat may cause damage (like wood or some painted surfaces), whereas power washing is ideal for tougher surfaces like concrete or brick.

While both methods use high pressure to clean, power washing uses the added element of heat to tackle tougher stains and grease, whereas pressure washing is better suited for general cleaning of most surfaces.

How long does it take to pressure wash a driveway?

The time it takes to pressure wash a driveway depends on several factors, including the size of the driveway, the level of dirt and stains, the type of surface, and the equipment being used. On average, it can take anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours to pressure wash a driveway although it may take longer.

Here are some factors that can influence the time:

  • Larger driveways naturally take longer to clean. A standard two-car driveway typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, but larger or multi-car driveways may take up to 2 hours or more.
  • If the driveway has a lot of built-up grime, oil stains, moss, or mildew, it will take longer to clean as additional pre-treatment or multiple passes may be required. On the other hand, a well maintained driveway will take less time.
  • The material of the driveway (concrete, asphalt, gravel, etc.) can affect cleaning time. Concrete driveways are generally faster to clean, while textured or uneven surfaces (like gravel) may take longer.
  • High-powered professional pressure washers can clean more quickly than residential models. A commercial-grade pressure washer with higher PSI (pounds per square inch) will work faster and more effectively.

In general, a professional team will likely complete the task in 1 to 2 hours, including setup and post-cleaning inspection. The time it takes depends heavily on how big the driveway is and the condition of it.