How Pressure Washing Protects Your Home from Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew thrive in our wet Seattle climate. Even worse, they’re more than just unsightly, they can cause serious damage and health risks. But fear not: pressure washing is your best offense against these unwelcome visitors!

Ignoring regular pressure washing will set the stage for unsightly black streaks and respiratory problems, and even structural damage. The stakes are even higher in Seattle’s famous rainy weather. As a homeowner, you absolutely don’t want this.

You don’t have to let mold and mildew take over. Today, I’ll show you why pressure washing is an absolute must for every Seattle homeowner who wants to protect both their property and their family.

What Causes Mold & Mildew to Grow?

Seattle is an ideal environment for mold spores and mildew. We’ve got plenty of rain, moderate temperature, and shade from our lovely trees. These fungi flourish in damp, dark environments, making our homes particularly susceptible.

Mold and mildew thrive on organic materials that are on the surfaces of your home. This includes things like dirt, pollen, and even the materials themselves like wood and some types of siding. When moisture lingers on these surfaces, that creates a perfect breeding ground.

Professional pressure washing in Seattle eliminates not just visible mold and mildew, but it helps to wash away the dirt and grime that nourish new growth. Pressure washing removes issues you already have and prevents new ones from coming.

How Pressure Washing Works: The Science Behind It

Pressure washing combines the force and temperature of the water, and sometimes cleaning solutions, to penetrate and eliminate mold and mildew at its roots. The science is relatively simple but extremely powerful.

That high-pressure stream of water actually dislodges colonies of mold and mildew from the surfaces of your home. This process disrupts the structural integrity of the fungi, and washes it away entirely. As such, it’s not just acting like some chemical cleaner that can just treat the surface.

Pressure washing in Seattle’s demanding climate, also strips away the layer of organic material that feeds mold growth. It’s not only about getting rid of what you can see, but it’s also about removing its food source. And that is exactly why pressure washing is more effective than scrubbing by hand. That’s because it penetrates the pores of surfaces where mold tends to hide.

When you have mold and mildew, hot water pressure washing is quite effective in removing them. The heat also helps kill spores and break down the oils and proteins that the fungi produce, making them easier to wash away. For tougher spots, pros might inject eco-friendly detergents that break down mold without damaging your landscaping or pets.

How to Remove Mold & Mildew with Pressure Washing

Seattle pressure washing is more than just spraying water at your home to remove mold and mildew. Here’s how the professionals do this job in Seattle:

First, they evaluate your home’s surfaces to decide on the appropriate pressure and technique. Different materials require different techniques. What’s effective on concrete may harm wood or vinyl siding. Shingles are brittle and can be damaged in the cleaning process, so Seattle roof cleaning takes extra care.

Prior to beginning, the best pressure washing services will apply a pre-treatment solution that breaks down mildew and mold build up. That makes the actual wash more efficient and prevents quick regrowth. These solutions are usually left for 10-15 minutes to do their thing.

During the actual pressure washing, professionals start from the top down so that dirty water doesn't run over bits they've already cleaned. They also keep the right distance between the nozzle and the surfaces of your home. This provides enough force to remove mold but not so much that it causes damage.

For more fragile areas soft washing techniques may be implemented. This technique allows for lower pressure along with specialized cleaning solutions to safely and effectively eliminate mold and mildew without risking harm to your house.

Most Seattle pressure washing services will put a mold inhibitor on specific areas after wash. This extra step to prevent new growth from taking hold quickly helps extend the time between cleaning. This is especially important in our damp climate!

Hiring professionals who are knowledgeable about the science of pressure washing and the unique challenges of Seattle's climate is therefore crucial. It allows for the efficient removal of mold and mildew without damaging your home's surfaces.

Don't Wait Until Mold Takes Over, Call a Professional Today

The cost of hiring professionals to pressure wash your home is minimal compared to what you would pay for mold remediation or health problems. By employing trained professionals from West Seattle Window Cleaner, you are not just cleaning your house but also

ensuring your family and your property’s health at the same time!

Pressure washing by professionals gets rid of old mold and mildew, but also prevents growth in the future. This regular maintenance is vital to keeping your home looking good and safe from pathogenic fungi in Seattle’s tough climate. Contact us today to get a consultation.

FAQs

How often should I pressure wash my home to prevent mold in Seattle?

In Seattle's wet climate, most homes benefit from pressure washing once or twice a year. Homes in heavily wooded areas or those that don't get much sun may need more frequent cleaning to prevent mold growth.

Can I pressure wash my home myself to remove mold?

While DIY is possible, professionals have the right equipment and knowledge to remove mold safely without damaging your home. They also know which cleaning solutions work best for different surfaces and mold types.

How long does pressure washing keep mold away?

With professional treatment including mold inhibitors, pressure washing can keep mold at bay for 6-12 months in Seattle's climate, depending on your home's exposure to moisture and shade.

Is pressure washing effective against all types of mold?

Yes, pressure washing can remove virtually all exterior mold types when done properly with the right cleaning solutions. Some stubborn infestations may require multiple treatments.