The Benefits of Soft-Washing Pollen Off Your Home's Exterior

As spring blossoms into full swing, so does the inevitable invasion of pollen. While pollen is crucial for plant reproduction, it can also wreak havoc on our homes' exterior surfaces, leaving them coated in a fine yellow dust. However, fear not! Softwashing offers a gentle yet effective solution to rid your home's exterior, deck, and driveway of pollen buildup. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the benefits of soft washing and how it can help you maintain a clean and pristine outdoor environment during the spring season.

Understanding Softwashing

Softwashing is a cleaning technique that utilizes low-pressure water combined with eco-friendly cleaning solutions to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other contaminants from exterior surfaces. Unlike traditional pressure washing, which relies on high-pressure water to blast away dirt and debris, softwashing is gentler and safer for delicate surfaces such as siding, decks, and driveways. By using specialized equipment and biodegradable cleaning solutions, softwashing can effectively clean and rejuvenate outdoor surfaces without causing damage or discoloration.

Gentle Yet Effective Cleaning

One of the primary benefits of soft washing is its gentle yet effective cleaning action. Pollen buildup on exterior surfaces can be stubborn and difficult to remove, especially without causing damage to delicate materials like vinyl siding or wooden decks. Softwashing allows for thorough cleaning without the risk of surface damage, ensuring that your home's exterior surfaces are cleaned safely and effectively.

Protects Surface Integrity

Unlike high-pressure washing, which can strip away paint, stain, or protective coatings, softwashing preserves the integrity of exterior surfaces. Whether you're cleaning vinyl siding, wooden decks, or concrete driveways, softwashing gently removes pollen and other contaminants without compromising the surface's finish or structural integrity. This ensures that your home's exterior retains its beauty and durability for years to come.

Prevents Allergen Buildup

Pollen isn't just unsightly – it can also trigger allergies and exacerbate respiratory conditions in sensitive individuals. Softwashing not only helps prevent allergen buildup by removing pollen from exterior surfaces, including siding, windows, decks, and driveways, but it also disinfects the home’ surfaces. By eliminating pollen and other allergens, softwashing creates a cleaner and healthier outdoor environment for you and your family to enjoy.

Enhances Curb Appeal

A clean and well-maintained exterior enhances your home's curb appeal and creates a positive first impression for visitors and passersby. Softwashing removes pollen, dirt, mold, and mildew from exterior surfaces, restoring them to their original beauty and luster. Whether you're preparing to sell your home or simply want to improve its appearance, softwashing can help you achieve a fresh and inviting look that stands out in the neighborhood.

Extends Surface Lifespan

Regular maintenance is essential for prolonging the lifespan of exterior surfaces such as siding, decks, and driveways. Pollen buildup can trap moisture and promote mold and mildew growth, leading to premature deterioration and costly repairs. Softwashing removes contaminants and prevents moisture-related damage, helping extend the lifespan of your home's exterior surfaces and saving you money on maintenance and replacement costs in the long run.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solution

DAPrDAN’s soft washing solutions are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making them a sustainable choice for outdoor cleaning. Unlike harsh chemicals found in some cleaning products, softwashing solutions are gentle on the environment and safe for plants, pets, and wildlife. By choosing softwashing for your home's exterior cleaning needs, you can enjoy a clean and beautiful outdoor environment without harming the planet.

Cost-Effective Maintenance

Softwashing is a cost-effective solution for maintaining your home's exterior surfaces. Unlike costly repairs or replacements resulting from neglect or damage, softwashing is a preventative measure that helps keep exterior surfaces clean and well-maintained. By investing in regular soft washing treatments, you can protect your home's curb appeal, extend the lifespan of exterior surfaces, and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Professional Expertise and Results

While DIY cleaning methods can be effective, professional soft washing services offer expertise, experience, and specialized equipment to achieve superior results. Professional softwashers are trained to assess your home's exterior surfaces, determine the most appropriate cleaning solutions and techniques, and safely and effectively remove pollen and other contaminants. By hiring a professional soft washing company like DAPrDAN, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home's exterior is in capable hands and will be cleaned to the highest standards.

Softwashing offers numerous benefits for cleaning pollen off your home's exterior, deck, and driveway. From gentle yet effective cleaning to protecting surface integrity, preventing allergen buildup, enhancing curb appeal, and extending surface lifespan, softwashing is a safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for maintaining a clean and pristine outdoor environment.

Whether you're preparing for spring or simply want to refresh your home's exterior, with softwashing, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful outdoor space that you'll be proud to call home.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to schedule a DAPrDAN Window and Screen Cleaning to brighten your view and freshen your space. ;)

How to Store Outdoor Furniture for Winter: Easy Tips for a Cozy, Protected Patio

As the colder months approach, it's time to think about protecting your outdoor furniture. Properly storing your outdoor furniture over winter can extend its lifespan, save you money, and ensure that you have a cozy, inviting patio space when spring arrives. In this article, we'll share essential tips on how to store your outdoor furniture for winter, ensuring it stays in great condition and is ready to shine when the sun reemerges.

1. Clean Thoroughly

Before storing your outdoor furniture for the winter, it's crucial to clean it thoroughly. Here's how to do it:

• Remove Cushions and Fabrics: If your metal furniture has cushions or fabric elements, remove them and store them separately.

• Wash with Mild Soap: Use mild soap and warm water to clean the metal frames. A sponge or soft brush works well for this task. Clean wood and wicker furniture with a gentle detergent appropriate for your furniture type following manufacturer’s instructions

• Rinse and Dry: Rinse off the soap thoroughly and allow the furniture to dry completely.

Did you know that DAPrDAN can clean your patio furniture? Just give us a call or combine it with a siding cleaning and it’ll be good as new!

2. Check for Repairs

Now that your furniture is clean, inspect it for any needed repairs. This is a critical step to ensure your furniture lasts for years to come. Look for loose screws, missing bolts, or any structural damage. Address these issues before storing your furniture to prevent further deterioration during the winter.

3. Store in a Dry Location

When storing your outdoor furniture, choose a dry location. Moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot, so it's essential to keep your furniture in a place where it won't be exposed to rain or snow. When storing your furniture in a garage, shed, or any other space, it's a good idea to elevate it off the ground. This prevents moisture from seeping into the furniture's legs or base, reducing the risk of rust or rot. You can use wooden blocks or furniture risers for this purpose.

4. Invest in Furniture Covers

Furniture covers are an excellent investment for protecting your outdoor furniture during the winter months. They shield your furniture from rain, snow, and UV rays. Here's how to use them effectively:

• Choose Quality Covers: Invest in high-quality, waterproof furniture covers that fit snugly over your pieces.

• Secure the Covers: Ensure that the covers are secured tightly to prevent them from blowing away in strong winds.

• Use Cushion Storage: If you have cushions, consider using cushion storage bags or containers to keep them dry and dust-free.

5. Store Cushions and Fabrics Separately

To prolong the life of your outdoor cushions and fabric components, store them separately from the furniture. Here's how:

• Clean and Dry: Ensure that cushions and fabric elements are thoroughly cleaned and completely dry before storing them.

• Use Storage Bags: Invest in storage bags or containers specifically designed for cushions. These will protect them from moisture and pests.

• Label and Organize: If you have multiple sets of cushions, label each bag or container for easy identification when you're ready to use them again.

6. Maintain Furniture During Winter

While your outdoor furniture is in storage, it's still important to perform occasional maintenance to ensure it remains in excellent condition. Here's what you can do:

• Check for Moisture: Periodically inspect your storage area for signs of moisture or leaks. Address any issues promptly to prevent damage to your furniture.

• Ventilate the Storage Space: If possible, provide some ventilation in your storage area to prevent the buildup of moisture and condensation.

• Inspect for Pests: Check for any signs of pests like rodents or insects that might have found their way into your storage space.

7. Keep an Eye on Weather Conditions

During the winter months, keep an eye on weather conditions, especially if you're storing your furniture on a covered patio or in an outdoor shed. If a particularly heavy snowfall or storm is forecasted, it's a good idea to check on your furniture and make necessary adjustments to protect it from the elements.

8. Plan Ahead for Spring

While winter is in full swing, use this time to plan for the spring. Consider any maintenance or repairs your furniture might need before you start using it again. This way, you'll be prepared to enjoy your outdoor space as soon as the warmer weather arrives.

Properly storing your outdoor furniture for the winter is a simple yet effective way to ensure its longevity. So, take a little time now to protect your investment, and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful and comfortable patio when spring returns.

September Splendor: 7 Reasons Why Washing Your Home's Siding Should Top Your To-Do List This Month

As the days gradually grow shorter and the temperature begins to dip, September ushers in a sense of transition. It's a month of transformation – where the vibrance of summer melds into the coziness of autumn and carefree days under the sun, settle into a welcome new routine.

Amidst the back-to-school bustle and the anticipation of pumpkin-spiced everything, there's one task that might not be on your September radar but deserves a spot at the top of your to-do list: Washing your home's siding.

September is the ideal time for this important home maintenance task. From weather conditions and seasonal grime to preserving your investment and boosting curb appeal, discover why homeowners should seize the September splendor and give their home's siding the pampering it deserves.

1. Weather Perfection: The Goldilocks Zone

One of the most compelling reasons to wash your home's siding in September is the weather itself. September often boasts that elusive "Goldilocks zone" of temperatures – not too hot, not too cold. This gentle climate is ideal for giving your home a thorough scrub without having to contend with extreme heat or chilling cold. The moderate temperatures allow the cleaning solutions to work effectively without drying out too quickly or being compromised by frost.

2. Bid Adieu to Summer Grime

Summer is a season of outdoor fun – barbecues, pool parties, and endless days of playing in the sun. While these activities create wonderful memories, they can also leave behind layers of grime on your home's siding. Dust, pollen and dirt can accumulate and mar the beauty of your house. Washing your siding in September is the perfect opportunity to bid farewell to these remnants of summer and welcome the new season with a fresh, clean exterior.

3. Preparing for Fall Festivities

As September unfolds, it also ushers in the anticipation of fall festivities. From cozy gatherings to seasonal decorations, your home is about to be the center of attention once again. Washing your siding ensures that your house looks its absolute best during these gatherings. Last but not least, remember to clean your roof and gutters before installing holiday lights to avoid unpleasant accidents.  

4. Preserving Your Investment

Your home is likely one of your most significant investments, and maintaining its exterior is key to preserving its value. Regularly washing your siding removes contaminants that can degrade the material over time. Mold, mildew, and algae growth can compromise the structural integrity of your siding, leading to costly repairs. By tackling this maintenance task before the long rainy season starts in the Pacific Northwest, you're taking a proactive step toward safeguarding your investment.

5. Ward Off Winter Woes

While September still retains a touch of warmth, it's a strategic time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Winter weather can exacerbate the effects of dirt and grime on your siding. Debris that's left untreated can become embedded in the material, making it harder to remove later. By cleaning your siding before winter arrives, you're preventing the buildup of potentially damaging elements and minimizing the risk of long-term stains.

6. Enhance Curb Appeal

Curb appeal isn't just for those thinking of selling their homes. A well-maintained exterior enhances the beauty of your home and boosts its overall curb appeal. Whether you're admiring your abode from the street or welcoming guests to your doorstep, a freshly washed siding exudes a sense of pride and care. September is the perfect time to enhance your home's aesthetic allure and make a lasting impression on visitors and passersby alike.

7. The Eco-Friendly Advantage

Choosing September for your siding-cleaning endeavors aligns with eco-friendliness. With cooler temperatures, you're less likely to rely on excessive amounts of water to remove dirt and grime. Additionally, many eco-friendly cleaning solutions work best in moderate temperatures, making September a suitable month to choose greener alternatives for your home maintenance tasks.

September is a month of promise and transition, making it a fantastic time to tackle the important task of washing your home's siding. By preserving your investment, safeguarding against winter woes, enhancing curb appeal, and embracing eco-friendly practices, you're not just cleaning your home – you're setting the tone for a season of renewal and transformation. So, take advantage of this time to start a new home maintenance routine that puts your exterior home maintenance on auto-pilot.

Is Pressure Washing with Chemicals Bad?

Customers often wonder if we pressure wash with chemicals. Before we address that, let's clarify the use of the term "pressure washing." This term is often used mistakenly when customers mean “soft washing” or “house washing.” We use different cleaning systems for specific parts of your property to ensure the job is done right and without any damage to your home. You don't want us to pressure wash your roof or siding like we would your driveway (see our blog on The Power of Soft Washing to learn more). With that technical clarification aside, let's move on to the topic this blog will clarify. 

When our customers ask, "Do you use chemicals," what they're really asking is, "Are your practices eco-friendly?" After all, just about everything is a chemical. It's not about whether or not we use chemicals. It's about which chemicals we use and if they are harmful to our customers, their property, or the environment.

What is a chemical, and does that apply to house washing?

The word "chemical" conjures the image from the original 'Batman' movie with Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson when the Joker fell into a vat of chemicals. It was slimy and obviously toxic. But not all chemicals are. If you jump into a pool of pure water, you're jumping into a chemical. 

Technically, a chemical is any substance consisting of matter. Hydrogen and oxygen make up water (H2O); most toothpaste contains zinc oxide (ZnO). Both are chemicals, safe, and eco-friendly. Furthermore, chemicals are often necessary to improve the safety and cleanliness of a given environment. For example, chlorine dioxide (CIO2) is used to disinfect drinking water (article here). And, as we noted in our blog on soft washing with bleach, the context and use of a chemical dictate whether or not it's safe. While bleach is an effective chemical for stopping the spread of Covid-19, it should not be ingested or injected (article here). Hopefully, you didn't need this information, but you may be eligible for a Darwin award if you did. 

Our snarkiness aside, it's not about whether or not your exterior cleaning services contractor uses chemicals. It's about which chemicals they use and how. 

Does your contractor use eco-friendly soft washing chemicals?

DAPrDAN's mission is to serve you. If chemicals were inherently harmful to you, your property, or the environment, we would not use them. Also, we'd be out of business since we wouldn't be able to clean your home without them. Therefore, when our customers ask if we use chemicals, we inform them that every solution we treat their property with is both a chemical and biodegradable, which means it will decompose by natural biological processes. So, when you're shopping for eco-friendly pressure washing, ask the contractor if the chemicals they use are biodegradable (and confirm they won't actually pressure wash your roof or siding, as we stated in the introduction). If they don't use biodegradable chemicals or aren't sure, run in the opposite direction. Contractors new to the business are known to inadvertently create homemade mustard gas by mixing chlorine bleach with phosphate-based dishwasher detergent. Your exterior cleaning services contractor should know which chemicals they use because they mindfully chose them with you, your home, and the environment in mind. And, if they did mindfully choose non-biodegradable chemicals, well...we don't know what to say to that. It’s just not good for anyone.

Prior to eco-friendly chemicals for soft washing, houses were washed with high pressure and water. While this seems environmentally friendly, its consequences were not. Because the high pressure tore off the home’s paint, primer and new paint were used to replace it. Both these chemicals are not eco-friendly.

Everything DAPrDAN does, including the chemicals we use and the methods we apply them, is on purpose with your well-being in mind. This is why we are certified by Softwash Systems, which is vital for many reasons, including the fact that we use their biodegradable cleaning solutions. Softwash Systems went to great lengths early in their tenure to create a biodegradable cleaning solution. (i.e., eco-friendly). They've always been committed to eco-friendly practices. In their own words, they are not "a new GREEN company." Hopefully, when you read what they write on their Chemicals page, you will disconnect the association between the word "chemical" and the Joker's vat in 'Batman' and replace that association with a clean home in a lush, vibrant neighborhood. Or even better, maybe you can think of DAPrDAN instead (*wink wink*). 

Can you clean your property without chemicals?

Whether soft washing your roof or pressure washing your driveway, chemicals are necessary to treat your property with the appropriate care to get the job done right. This is the case because everything is a chemical, as we've already established, and because effective cleaning solutions applied by qualified technicians will remove dirt, debris, and organic growth while preventing it from growing back. Fortunately, you now know that this is not a bad thing.

Now that we've alleviated your anxiety about chemicals, we must state the obligatory and obvious, though true: if your property needs any exterior cleaning services, DAPrDAN is your trusted partner with your best interests in mind serving Seattle and surrounding cities, including Burien, Medina, and Deer Harbor. 

Get an instant quote today.

The Power of Soft Washing

It’s a subtle change, but it doesn’t go unnoticed. And once you detect it, you can’t really “unsee” it.

Do you know what we’re talking about?

It’s the unsightly dark stain that seems to affect large areas of your roof. It’s that dingy blackish green hue that embraces your Northwest siding every couple of years. It’s the grey veil that leaves your home looking … dirty. 

What most homeowners don’t know is that this common problem isn’t a simple stain. It is actually an infestation. Moss, fungi, algae and the bacteria gloeocapsa magma are the real culprits that leave your home looking drab and dark. Depending on the weather, the location, and other environmental factors, the spores of these invaders travel through the air and settle on your roof and siding where they begin to thrive. This is what you might have noticed as dark streaks on roofs, or large gray areas on the side of a building.

The question is how to fix this issue? Many homeowners wonder where to turn. Does the dark stain require a new paint job? Is a new roof the only fix? Will pressure washing eliminate the stain? 

If you’re already thinking about borrowing your brother’s pressure washer, we caution you.  Pressure washing is not recommended on a standard composite roof. The pressure will blast the gritty asphalt layer off your shingles, essentially taking a decade of lifetime off your roof.

Similarly, the siding of your home isn’t made to handle the psi you’d normally apply to a concrete driveway. And here is the conundrum:  Too little psi won’t make a difference for cleaning, but too much will ruin your roof and might even blast the paint right off your siding. 

So, what does it take to rid a home of the dark mildew stain and restore it to its clean and bright appearance? 

There has to be a way to rid a home of the dark mildew stain.

The good news is: There is a way!

Whether it’s vinyl, wood or hardiplank, DAPrDAN’s unique soft washing process will not only effectively clean your home’s exterior, but disinfect your walls eliminate the nutrient base for all algae, mold, mildew, moss, lichen and bacteria. 

Here’s how it works: 

With our gentle spray-and-rinse method, we apply a biodegradable detergent to your siding to attack the growth. Then, we immediately rinse your walls with pure water. The result is instant! (And rather satisfying to watch, if we say so ourselves. Take a look at the video below.)

Opt for an antimicrobial finishing spray, and we can guarantee 5 years of algae-free living (on roofs only.)

Simultaneously, this method also chases away unwelcome house ‘guests’ like spiders, mosquitoes and other insects that like to make their home in the walls of yours. In one case, this list included even bats!

Our customers are consistently amazed by this gentle, environmentally friendly, yet 100% effective cleaning solution. 

Some of our most frequently asked questions include:

“Are you sure that this method won’t damage my roof and siding?”

Yes, we are. DAPrDAN is trained and certified in the Softwash System method of cleaning roofs and siding. With decades of experience in the field, we have yet to meet a building material we haven’t encountered before. If there is any question, our technicians will perform a spot test in an inconspicuous corner of your home, to guarantee the success of your exterior cleaning project.

“What about my landscaping?”

We take great care to eliminate overspray onto nearby garden beds. The type and location of your plants, wind, or other weather conditions make each project unique.  In some cases, we might protect your landscaping with a light covering to prevent exposure. In other cases, we will thoroughly rinse the foliage. 

“What about my windows?”

We highly recommend combining your siding cleaning with an exterior window cleaning to avoid unsightly drops and water stains on the glass.

“My house is 3 stories high. Can you go that far?”

Yes, we can. Our high GPM pump, powered by our quiet 12-volt battery system, can reach up to 4 stories.

“What time of year should I schedule this service?”

Soft washing can be done rain or shine. With the exception of extreme weather (such as heavy rain, ice, snow, or high wind), the procedure is independent of the seasons and can essentially be performed year-round.

Click here if you’d like to learn more about Soft Washing with DAPrDAN.