Frequently Asked Questions
Pressure washing brings up a lot of good questions — about safety, your landscaping, your roof, and how the whole process works. After 36+ years cleaning homes across the St. Louis and St. Charles metro, we’ve heard them all. Here are honest, straightforward answers to the questions we get asked most. Don’t see yours? Call (314) 220-9274 — we’re happy to help.
Is soft washing safe for my siding?
Yes — soft washing is the safest, most effective way to clean most exterior surfaces. Instead of blasting your home with high pressure, we apply a gentle, professional-grade cleaning solution that kills mold, mildew, and algae at the root, then rinse it away with low pressure. That means a deep clean with no risk of cracked siding, forced-in water, or stripped paint. Learn more on our house washing page.
How often should I wash my house?
For most homes in our humid Missouri climate, a professional exterior cleaning once a year keeps mold, mildew, and grime from getting a foothold. North-facing walls and shaded, tree-covered properties tend to grow algae faster and may benefit from cleaning more often. If you’re starting to see green or gray streaks creeping up your siding, it’s time.
Will the cleaning solution harm my plants or landscaping?
Protecting your landscaping is part of doing the job right. We pre-wet plants and shrubs before we start, use solutions at the proper dilution, and rinse the surrounding greenery when we’re finished so nothing is left to sit. In 36 years we’ve cleaned thousands of homes surrounded by gardens, flower beds, and mature landscaping — and we take care of yours like it’s our own.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
In most cases, no. As long as we have access to the areas we’re cleaning and an outdoor water spigot, we can complete the work whether you’re home or not. We’ll confirm the details when we schedule, and you’re always welcome to be there if you’d prefer to walk the property with us.
Do you clean inside the gutters?
No — we don’t clear leaves and debris out of the inside. What we do is gutter brightening: soft-washing the black oxidation streaks off the outside faces so they look new again, usually as part of a house wash. See our gutter brightening service for details.
What are the black streaks on my roof and gutters?
Those black streaks and stains are almost always a hardy blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa magma, along with mildew and airborne dirt that clings to it. It feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles and the grime on your gutters, and it spreads if left alone. The good news: it cleans up beautifully with the right soft-wash treatment.
Is it safe to pressure wash my roof?
You should never blast a roof with high pressure — it strips the protective granules off your shingles and can void your warranty. We use a soft-wash method instead: a low-pressure application of specialized cleaners that kills the algae and mildew at the source and rinses clean, with no damage to your shingles. It’s the method recommended by shingle manufacturers. Read more on our roof cleaning page.
Do you stain decks too, or just clean them?
Both. We clean and restore decks, and we also apply sealers and stains to protect the wood and bring back its color. Cleaning lifts away the gray, weathered surface and embedded mildew; sealing or staining afterward locks in that fresh look and shields the wood from sun and moisture. See our deck cleaning & staining service.
Will pressure washing remove oil or rust from my driveway?
In most cases, yes. We use specialized degreasers and rust-removing treatments along with surface cleaners to lift oil spots, rust stains, organic buildup, and ground-in grime from concrete. Some very old, deeply soaked stains may lighten rather than disappear completely — we’ll always give you an honest assessment of what to expect before we start. Learn more about concrete & driveway cleaning.
Should I seal my concrete after it’s cleaned?
Sealing isn’t required, but it’s a smart upgrade. A quality sealer helps your freshly cleaned concrete resist oil, rust, and stains, makes future cleanings easier, and slows down the return of mold and mildew. We’re happy to talk through whether sealing makes sense for your driveway, patio, or sidewalks when we provide your estimate.
Are you licensed and insured?
Absolutely. Adams Power Shower is licensed in both St. Charles and St. Louis counties and carries $2 million in liability insurance, so your property and our crew are fully protected on every job. We’re also an A+ rated, accredited Better Business Bureau company and a multi-year Angie’s List Super Service Award winner. You can read more on our insurance page.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the greater St. Louis and St. Charles metro, including St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Wentzville, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Kirkwood, and the surrounding communities. If you’re in the metro and not sure whether we reach your neighborhood, just give us a call.
How do I get an estimate?
It’s easy and free. Fill out the form on our estimate page or call (314) 220-9274. For most jobs we can give you an accurate quote right over the phone or by email; for larger or more detailed projects, we’ll come out to your home or business to take a look. Either way, the price we quote is the price you pay — no surprises.
Do you offer commercial or recurring service?
Yes. We clean storefronts, office buildings, restaurants, HOAs, and other commercial properties, and we set up recurring maintenance schedules — monthly, quarterly, or seasonal — to keep your property looking its best year-round. Visit our commercial pressure washing page or call us to discuss a plan that fits your needs.
Still have a question? Let’s talk.
Whatever you’re wondering, we’re happy to give you a straight answer. Call (314) 220-9274 or request your free, no-obligation estimate today.
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