Resource
Pressure washing glossary
Plain-language definitions for the terms that come up in pressure washing, soft-wash cleaning, and Florida exterior maintenance.
- Soft-wash
- A low-pressure cleaning method (typically under 500 PSI, often closer to garden-hose pressure) combined with a biodegradable cleaning agent. The chemistry does the work, not the pressure. The correct method for siding, roofs, screens, and any surface that can be damaged by high pressure.
- Pressure washing
- High-pressure water cleaning, typically 1,500 to 4,000 PSI. Appropriate for concrete, brick, and other hard surfaces. Not appropriate for siding, roofs, or wood at full pressure.
- Gloeocapsa magma
- The cyanobacteria that causes the black streaks on asphalt shingle roofs in Florida. Feeds on the limestone filler in shingles, slowly degrading them. Killed by a low-pressure sodium hypochlorite soft-wash, not pressure washing.
- Electrostatic staining
- The technical name for the black "tiger striping" that appears on white aluminum gutters. Asphalt and tar particles from the roof develop a static charge during water flow and bond chemically to the painted gutter face. Removed only by gutter brightening, not pressure washing.
- Surface cleaner
- A commercial pressure-washing attachment shaped like a rotating ring (typically 16 to 20 inches across). Distributes pressure evenly across a path, producing a streak-free clean on concrete, pavers, and walkways. The professional standard — wand-washing leaves "zebra striping."
- Sodium hypochlorite
- The active ingredient in most professional soft-wash chemistry. Kills organic growth (mildew, algae, lichen, moss) at the root. Used at dilution rates between 1% and 4% depending on the surface and severity. Biodegradable, breaks down within 24 hours.
- Surfactant
- A soap-like agent added to soft-wash chemistry that lowers surface tension, allowing the cleaning solution to spread evenly and adhere to vertical surfaces long enough to work. Without a surfactant, the chemistry runs off too quickly to be effective.
- Dwell time
- The amount of time a cleaning solution sits on a surface before rinsing. Soft-wash chemistry typically needs 5 to 15 minutes of dwell to fully kill organic growth at the root. Dwell time varies by temperature and humidity — longer in cool, dry conditions; shorter in hot, humid conditions.
- ARMA
- The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. Their published guidelines endorse low-pressure soft-wash as the only approved method for cleaning asphalt shingle roofs. Pressure washing voids most shingle warranties.
- Polymeric sand
- A specialized jointing sand used between pavers. Locks in place when wet, resists weed growth and joint-sand washout. Should be re-applied after most paver cleanings, especially before sealing.
- Paver sealer
- A topical coating applied to pavers after cleaning. Common grades: water-based acrylic (entry-level, 18 to 24 months), solvent-based (mid-grade, 3 to 4 years), wet-look color-enhancing (3 to 5 years). Different sealers produce different finishes — matte, satin, or glossy wet-look.
- Cool deck
- A textured cementitious topcoat used on pool decks. Designed to stay cooler underfoot than bare concrete in Florida sun. Damaged by high-pressure washing — the texture chips off. Always cleaned at low pressure with a surface cleaner or by hand.
- Mildew
- A surface-level mold producing grey-green discoloration. Common on stucco, vinyl, and Hardie siding in Florida. Killed by soft-wash chemistry. Pressure washing alone removes the surface dirt but leaves the embedded mildew, which returns within 6 to 12 months.
- Algae (Trentepohlia)
- A different species from Gloeocapsa magma. Produces rust-orange or pinkish staining on shaded north-facing walls, typically near landscaping or sprinkler overspray. Common on stucco in Florida. Treated with the same soft-wash chemistry as mildew.
- Soft-wash spray system
- The professional equipment used for soft-washing — a 12-volt pump with calibrated chemical mixing, capable of delivering 1% to 5% sodium hypochlorite dilution at low pressure and high volume. Different from a consumer pressure washer.
- PSI
- Pounds per square inch — the pressure rating of a pressure washer. Consumer washers run 1,500 to 2,500 PSI. Commercial washers run 3,000 to 4,000 PSI. Soft-wash systems operate well under 500 PSI. Higher PSI is not better — it is appropriate or inappropriate for the surface.
- GPM
- Gallons per minute — the water volume of a pressure washer. Commercial washers run 4 to 8 GPM. GPM matters more than PSI for cleaning efficiency on concrete and walkways. Soft-wash systems prioritize chemistry over volume.
- Gutter brightening
- A specific chemical treatment that removes electrostatic staining from gutter faces. Uses a mild acid-based cleaner combined with a soft brush. Not the same as pressure washing or interior gutter cleaning — both are separate services.
- Wood brightener
- A wood-specific cleaning treatment that removes the grey weathering from cedar, pine, and other softwoods. Restores the warm tone, opens the grain, and prepares the surface for staining or sealing.
- COI (Certificate of Insurance)
- A document confirming a contractor carries general liability insurance, listing the policy limits and effective dates. Reputable pressure-washing operators provide a COI on request, especially for commercial, HOA, and property management work.
- SAB (Service-Area Business)
- A Google Business Profile classification for businesses that travel to customers (rather than receiving customers at a storefront). Pressure washing companies are typically registered as SABs. Affects how the business shows in local search results.
- NAP consistency
- Name, Address, Phone — the foundational data that should be consistent across all online listings (website, directories, social profiles). Inconsistent NAP weakens local search rankings.
- Citation
- An online mention of a business name, address, and phone number — typically on directory sites like Yelp, BBB, Yellow Pages, Foursquare. Citations contribute to local search trust signals.
- Listing-prep cleaning
- An expedited exterior cleaning before a real estate listing goes live. Typically turned around in 24 to 48 hours. Improves listing photos, showings, and offer prices. A regular service category for Polk County rank-and-rent and traditional pressure-washing operators.
- HOA contract cleaning
- Recurring exterior maintenance for homeowners associations and managed properties. Typically quarterly or monthly, with monthly net-30 invoicing. Covers sidewalks, building exteriors, pool decks, and common areas.
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