Keeping your home’s exterior clean isn’t just about curb appeal, it protects your investment and extends the life of your siding, driveway, deck, and more. At H2GO Mobile Wash, we get a lot of questions about how professional power washing works, the benefits of power washing, and what homeowners should know before booking. This FAQ covers the most common questions so you can feel confident about giving your property a fresh start.
Which parts of my house can be power washed?
In short, anything that can get wet, can be washed. At H2GO Mobile Wash, we use advanced technology that allows us to adjust the pressure, water temperature and nozzle attachments to safely wash your home’s exterior, facades, and outbuildings. Some common areas to power wash are:
- Home’s Exterior: Brick, stone, vinyl & aluminum siding, wood board & batten, stucco and more
- Driveways: Asphalt, concrete, interlock, exposed aggregate
- Walkways & Patios
- Interlock pavers and pool decks
- Wood or composite decks, fences, and pergolas
- Soffits, gutters, downspouts, and eavestroughs
- Exterior windows using our reverse osmosis window cleaning system
- Patio furniture, play sets, and sheds
What’s the difference between power washing, pressure washing and soft washing?
Pressure washing uses ambient-temperature water usually delivered in the range of 1,500–5,000 PSI to blast away dirt, grime, mineral deposits, and more. Power washing takes cleaning to the next level by pairing high pressure water with heat, which is incredibly effective at lifting stubborn dirt, sanitizing surfaces, and removing tough stains like oil, grease, stuck on gum, road salt, and more. Soft washing relies on much lower pressure often combined with cleaning solutions for a more gentler approach for sensitive surfaces.
We’ve developed a proprietary wash system that combines the best features of pressure washing, power washing, and soft washing. This enables our team to adapt our approach to match every surface we clean. Most homes have a mix of durable areas like brick and stone and more delicate surfaces like windows, siding, or fences. Using the right method for each ensures a deep, effective clean without the risk of damage. You can learn more about our technology here.
Does power washing with hot water really make a difference?
100% YES! Hot water pressure washing is a game changer for tough jobs. While cold water is effective for rinsing away loose dirt or light surface dust, it can struggle with stubborn dirt & grime, grease, oil stains, chewing gum, and stubborn road salt. Heated water breaks down oils and grime at the molecular level, dissolving residues that cold water simply can’t lift on its own. The added heat means less detergent is needed, stains release faster & more effectively, and surfaces dry more quickly with fewer streaks. When you want a truly deep clean that tackles built-up contamination, hot water power washing delivers far superior results, saving time, boosting cleaning power, and leaving surfaces looking like new.
Should I hire a professional power washing service or DIY with a rental machine?
While renting a pressure washer for a DIY clean might seem cost-effective, it often comes with risks. Rental machines usually don’t have the same power, hot water capabilities, or specialty nozzles that professional units do, which limits their cleaning effectiveness. More importantly, without proper training, it’s easy to use the wrong pressure or technique, potentially damaging siding, windows, or wood surfaces. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely, efficiently, and thoroughly.
How often should I power wash my home in Ontario?
Most homeowners benefit from power washing once or twice a year to keep their property looking its best. However, if your home is surrounded by heavy shade, located near busy roads, exposed to lakefront humidity, or close to construction sites, you may need more frequent cleanings to prevent buildup of dirt, algae, and pollutants.
When is the best time of year to power wash a home in Ontario?
Spring is a perfect time to clean away winter’s salt, dirt, and debris, giving your siding, windows, and walkways a fresh start for the outdoor season. Fall is also an excellent choice to clear leaves and grime from your eavestroughs, wash exterior surfaces and windows, and prepare your property before the winter sets in. Many homeowners also combine fall power washing with our shrink wrap services, protecting patio furniture, boats, and BBQs from snow and ice damage.
While spring and fall are the most common times, we also offer power washing year-round, including during winter months. Our hot-water systems allow us to clean safely even in freezing conditions, making us available for urgent cleanups, post-construction washing, or de-icing needs whenever they arise.
Do I need to be home for my power-washing service?
No, you can leave for the day and come home to be amazed by the transformation. As long as exterior water taps are accessible, windows are closed, and pets are inside, H2GO can complete the work and send you a secure payment link. Your sales representative can discuss the preparation required in more detail based on your unique property to ensure everything is ready for us to get the job done while you’re away.
How much does it cost to pressure wash my house?
The cost of home pressure washing varies based on several factors, including the size of your property, what surfaces you’d like cleaned, and their current condition. Pricing can range from a small flat-rate minimum for quick jobs to per-square-foot rates for larger homes and full exterior packages. For an accurate estimate, contact our sales team for a free estimate based on your specific cleaning needs.
Will power washing damage my wood fence and deck?
If done properly, wood fences and decks can be safely power washed, and the results can be dramatic, making old, weathered wood look fresh and renewed. However, using the right equipment and technique is crucial to avoid damage like zebra striping, gouging, or chipping. It’s important to use the correct pressure and water temperature, the right nozzle attachments, and maintain a steady, safe distance at all times. Our team has extensive experience washing wood structures and knows exactly how to deliver a deep, even clean without harming the surface.
Is it safe to pressure wash my vinyl siding?
Vinyl is flexible and can crack, warp, or let water seep behind the panels if the pressure is too high or the spray angle is wrong. However, when done properly, pressure washing is safe for vinyl siding and can make a huge difference in removing built-up dirt, algae, and mildew. The key is to use a lower-pressure setting or a soft-wash approach, along with the right nozzle and safe spray angle. It’s important to spray with the overlap of the siding panels to prevent water from getting behind the siding. With the right technique and equipment, your vinyl siding will come out clean and refreshed without any risk of cracking or water damage.
Can pressure washing eliminate moss and weeds between stones?
Yes, pressure washing can effectively remove moss, weeds, and other organic buildup growing between patio stones, interlock, or pavers. The combination of water pressure and cleaning solutions helps lift and wash away roots and debris. Regrowth is common over time, so many homeowners choose to follow up with an herbicide, re-sanding or sealing to keep joints clear and looking fresh longer.
Will power washing wash out polymeric sand between my pavers?
It can if done improperly, but when power washing is done correctly with the right technique and lower pressure, it shouldn’t wash out the polymeric sand between your pavers. Using a gentle spray angle and avoiding direct, high-pressure streams on the joints helps keep the sand in place while still cleaning away dirt, moss, and debris. If your paver joints are already worn down or loose, you may need to re-sand them after cleaning to maintain stability and a clean finish.
Will power washing strip old stain or paint off my deck boards?
At high pressure, power washing can strip away old stain or paint. To avoid damage, we use controlled pressure, professional surface cleaners, and specialty nozzles, to clean and refresh the wood without stripping it. However, if you’re planning to re-stain or repaint your deck, we can adjust our process to remove existing finishes more thoroughly.
Can pressure washing damage window seals or glass panes?
Direct high-pressure jets can compromise window seals and glass panes. At H2GO Mobile Wash, we use a reverse-osmosis window cleaning system that uses highly filtrated water to remove dirt, mold, algae and hard water stains without damaging your windows. You can read more about our professional window washing services here.
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