Category: Blog

5 Challenges of Pressure Washing and How to Overcome Them

Are you thinking about doing your own pressure washing? If so, don’t go into the process thinking it will be a walk in the park. You may wind up sorely disappointed. In fact, there are many challenges of pressure washing that you will have to overcome during your DIY process. Instead of discovering and trying to solve these problems blindly, read through this blog! We’ll teach you about the challenges of pressure washing, as well as real strategies you can use to make sure your pressure washing process isn’t brought to a screeching halt.  We are Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, and we proudly provide pressure washing services to the Sherwood, OR community. Rely on our experience, and if you ever need professional pressure washing, simply contact us and schedule an appointment. Challenge #1: Finding Time For the Work If you are planning to do your own pressure washing, you’ll have to find time for the work. This is easier said than done, especially if you have a busy schedule. Working a full-time job can make DIY pressure washing feel like an impossible task. Add a slew of chores, errands, and responsibilities to it all, and suddenly, you’re struggling to find an hour to dedicate to pressure washing—much less five or six. If you are going to do your own pressure washing, we highly recommend that you dedicate a day to the work. While the work might not take you all day, you don’t want to be in a position where you feel like you have to rush. This will compromise the quality of the final results.  Challenge #2: Purchasing and Using Equipment Another one of the challenges of pressure washing is acquiring the necessary equipment. Pressure washing requires a specific set of tools. For example, you’ll need a pressure washer. This specialized piece of machinery connects to a water source and pressurizes water, making pressure washing possible. In addition to a pressure washer, you’ll also need: It’s not enough to simply buy this equipment. You also have to learn how to use it. The careless use of pressure washing equipment could result in damaged surfaces or even injury. Make sure you know what you’re doing ahead of time—don’t rush into the pressure washing process! Challenge #3: Using the Correct Water Pressure Setting If you want to pressure wash your property’s exterior surfaces, you will need to use an appropriate amount of water pressure. Determining the correct setting is easier said than done, though. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all sort of thing. Different materials require different approaches. We have included a few examples of surfaces and how much water pressure they should be cleaned with below: We highly recommend testing your pressure washer before committing to a full project. Simply find an inconspicuous area where you can safely spray. That way, you can see if the material negatively reacts to pressurized water. Don’t see any problems? Good—then you can proceed with the whole pressure washing process. Challenge #4: Uneven Cleaning Techniques One of the challenges of pressure washing is cleaning your surfaces evenly. If you pressure wash your surfaces aimlessly, you can easily lose track of what you’ve already cleaned and what you still need to wash. We highly recommend washing surfaces in a gridlike, row-by-row pattern. This makes it easy for you to keep up with your progress. Be sure to overlap each pass to ensure no surface area goes unwashed! We also recommend remaining a consistent distance away from the surfaces you are washing, too. Stay about a foot and a half or two feet away. This is important because your distance from the surfaces affects the strength of the pressure washing—and that, in turn, affects the quality of the results. Challenge #5: Defeating Stubborn Debris Finally, you’ll need a strategy in place for when you’re faced with stubborn debris. Unfortunately, not all grime will simply wash away. Sometimes, it will put up a fight, and basic pressure washing techniques won’t be enough to remove it. This is especially true in the case of: The secret to defeating this debris is the use of specialized cleaning solutions. For example, at Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, we use sodium hypochlorite to break down stubborn grime. You can do the exact same thing. Simply apply a thin layer of this cleaning solution to the dirty areas. Then, wait fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down. Finally, pressure wash the area, and all that grime should easily wash away now. DIY or Professional Pressure Washing? As you have learned in this blog, there are many challenges of pressure washing. Learning to overcome them all will require time, energy, and patience. Make no mistake about it—DIY pressure washing is a viable option. However, it might not be the right solution for you, so if you don’t want to do your own pressure washing for whatever reason, reach out to Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services. It would be our pleasure to serve you! With professional pressure washing, you won’t have to do any of the work. Simply take some time to relax while our experts clean your property for you. We’ll happily restore your property’s exterior for a reasonable price. Cost of Pressure Washing Services How much can you expect to pay for our pressure washing? What you’ll owe is based on the size of your project. There are no hidden fees or surcharges, and we would be happy to provide you with a free cost estimate upon request. All you have to do is reach out to us with details about your appointment. To get started, contact us online and let us know how we can help you! We look forward to hearing from you and pressure washing your property so it looks its best again.

How to Pressure Wash a Fence

A fence makes a great addition to any opportunity. By installing a fence at your home or business, you will lend it some privacy and security. Plus, a quality fence adds value to your property, helping you make more money upon sale. However, while a fence does open new opportunities, it also comes with responsibilities. For example, you’ll need to keep your fence clean—and in this blog, you’ll learn how to pressure wash a fence so you can do this work on your own! We are Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, and keeping fences clean is one of our specialties. Need a team of professionals to do this work for you? Then give us a call. It will be our pleasure to serve you next. Why Fences Need to Be Cleaned Before learning how to pressure wash a fence, it’s important to understand why fences need to be cleaned. Over time, these structures gather debris (in fact, all outdoor structures and surfaces do). What sorts of debris can you expect to find on your fence? All kinds, including: When your fence becomes too dirty, you’ll be able to tell at a glance. A fence that needs to be pressure washed will be noticeably darker, duller, and even rougher to the touch. And if you can notice these negative effects, your neighbors probably can, too. Restore your fence’s beauty—as well as the beauty of your property as a whole—with fence pressure washing! How Often Should Fences Be Pressure Washed? Is your fence already overdue for pressure washing? As a general rule, we recommend having your fence cleaned once per year. If it’s already been more than a year since your fence was pressure washed, you’ll want to do something about it. Either plan to learn how to pressure wash a fence or reach out to Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services for a professional appointment! Some properties may even benefit from multiple fence cleanings per year. This is especially true in the following situations: An Introduction to Fence Pressure Washing When your fence has become too dirty to bear, learning how to pressure wash a fence is the solution. There are many benefits of fence pressure washing that you’ll enjoy. Of course, cleaning your fence will make it look much better than before. Plus, a clean fence lasts longer. Why? Because particles of debris grind against and erode surfaces over time. So, by removing this debris, you prevent it from causing damage in the first place.  Finally, by having your fence cleaned, you’ll make your property a more welcoming place. You’ll enjoy peace of mind, and your guests will be impressed by what your home or commercial space offers. For business owners, this can even result in more foot traffic and increased revenue. Tools Required For Fence Pressure Washing Want to learn how to pressure wash a fence? If so, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment for the job. We’ve included a bulleted list of everything we use for fence pressure washing below. Which items do you already have, and which ones do you still need? The Fence Pressure Washing Process To pressure wash a fence, you first need to determine how much water pressure to use. Different fence materials require different amounts of water pressure.  First, select an appropriate amount of water pressure and add detergent to your pressure washer’s soap tank. Then, choose a starting point for your work; one of the fence’s corners is the best bet. Then, thoroughly wash the fence. We recommend spraying the fence in top-to-bottom columns. Make sure you overlap each pass, ensuring that not even a square inch of surface area goes unwashed! If you come across any stubborn debris that won’t wash away, what should you do? In this scenario, sodium hypochlorite will help you out. By applying a thin layer of this substance to your fence, you’ll break down any tough grime. That way, it can be more easily pressure washed away. (Don’t worry because sodium hypochlorite is eco-friendly and won’t damage your fence or the environment.) Consider Professional Fence Cleaning Learning how to pressure wash a fence is hard work, and it isn’t for everybody. In fact, many property owners in Sherwood, OR don’t have the time and energy for this process. To avoid an exhausting DIY experience, consider professional fence cleaning services near you. For example, Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services will happily pressure wash your fence for a fair price. By scheduling professional fence cleaning, you’ll enjoy quality results without lifting a finger! Contact us online, let us know about your fence, and get a free cost estimate for your appointment. (What you’ll pay is based on the overall size of the fence.) Then, choose a time and date for our arrival, and we will see you soon. We look forward to revitalizing your fence in the near future! Experience the greatness of Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services for yourself. It’s a decision you won’t regret.

How to Choose the Right Junk Removal Service

It becomes frustrating when your home or business is filled with clutter. When this happens, you’ll want to reach out to a junk removal service to get rid of these unwanted items for you. The question is, which company are you supposed to choose for the job? There are many different options for your consideration, and in this blog, we will review them. Learn how to choose the right junk removal service, whether you should try doing the work on your own, and more! At Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, we are happy to help you with your Sherwood, OR junk removal needs. If the time has come to declutter your property, simply reach out to us. We’ll be there soon to remove all unwanted items for your convenience. Why Junk Removal? Before learning how to choose the right junk removal service, you may be wondering: why schedule junk removal at all? It’s inevitable that your property will become cluttered. As we gather new things, we outgrow the old ones. For example: Those unwanted items aren’t going to get rid of themselves. This is where junk removal comes into play. With this service, you’ll be able to get that clutter out of the way, reclaim your space, and restore order to your home or business. Should You Try DIY Junk Removal? Instead of figuring out how to choose the right junk removal service, you could always try to get rid of junk on your own. However, be warned—this might be easier said than done. There are a number of challenges you’ll encounter while doing this work, including: If you’re not prepared for the difficulties of DIY junk removal, don’t worry. There are many professional junk removal companies near you that are willing to help. The hard part is choosing the right one for your project. Let’s take a closer look at how to make an educated decision. Consider Reviews and Testimonials One of the fastest ways you can find out if a junk removal company is worth your time is by checking reviews. Take a look at your local options, and then, look at their ratings on Google and Yelp. This is where you’ll discover what your neighbors think about their area’s junk removal business. Here are some “green flags” letting you know that a company is worth your time: Avoid low-rated businesses with “horror story” reviews: you don’t want to risk your hard-earned money on a business that won’t leave you satisfied. Check Business Schedules Part of learning how to choose the right junk removal service is considering schedules. For example, let’s say that you have a fairly busy lifestyle, and because of this, you’re only available on weekends. If this is the case, a junk removal business that is closed on weekends won’t be able to help you. On the other hand, one that offers Saturday and Sunday appointments will be the perfect choice for you. Some junk removal companies even offer twenty-four-hour scheduling as needed! You may need to request a special appointment, however, to fully take advantage of this offering. Reach out to Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services—we are prepared to serve you at any hour of any day as long as you let us know ahead of time. Seek Out Eco-Friendly Companies The health of our environment and ecosystem is important. However, not everyone acts like this is the case. In fact, some junk removal companies carelessly dump everything they collect in the landfill. Not all garbage belongs in a dump. Some items can be recycled, and others still can be donated if they are still in usable condition. Part of how to choose the right junk removal services is picking a business that prioritizes eco-friendly disposal. This reduces the strain that we put on our environment and helps keep our landfills less full. Rely on Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services for environmentally friendly disposal. We keep the needs of Mother Earth in mind! Cost of Junk Removal Services When considering junk removal services, you’ll need to keep your budget in mind. At Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, our goal is to clean out your property—not your wallet. Because of this, we offer volume-based pricing. In other words, the size of your project determines the cost of your project. There are no hidden fees or surcharges, and you will always receive an upfront quote at the beginning of your appointment. We encourage you to contact us online and let us know about your junk removal needs today! That way, we can get back to you with a free cost estimate, as well as extra details about our junk removal service. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will be there soon to serve you. Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services looks forward to helping you reclaim your space from junk in the near future.

How to Wash Windows to Restore Their Beauty

Your home or business, just like every other Lake Oswego property, has windows. These windows play an incredibly important role—they provide sunlight to your property’s interior, and they give you a clear view of the outside world. However, windows won’t be able to do this work without your help. In fact, over time, your windows will accumulate debris, and if you don’t know how to wash windows, you won’t have a reliable method of restoring their shine.  In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of window cleaning, how to wash windows, and our professional window washing service, too! We are Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, and we look forward to teaching you more about this topic. Why Do Windows Need to Be Washed? Before learning how to wash windows, it’s important to understand why they need to be cleaned in the first place. Windows don’t stay clean on their own—they gradually gather debris, including dirt, pollen, dead insects, bird droppings, etc. This debris negatively affects your windows, robbing them of their beauty and preventing sunlight from entering your property. This results in a worse-looking home or business and increased dependence on electric lights. Dirty windows are also at greater risk of damage. This is because debris that gathers on windows can rub against the glass, etching or scratching it. By reducing their lifespans, debris forces you to replace windows more frequently, effectively wasting your money. By learning how to wash windows, you can keep them clean, enhance your property’s beauty, and avoid the need for expensive repairs. Do My Windows Need to Be Cleaned? If you’re not sure if your windows need to be cleaned, don’t worry. There are several ways to determine if they’re ready for washing. In most cases, a simple visual inspection will tell you everything you need to know. Are your windows visibly covered with debris? Are they noticeably darker and duller than they used to be? If so, don’t hesitate to plan a DIY window washing project. Or, schedule an appointment with our professionals. As a general rule, your windows need to be washed once per year. So, if it’s already been a year since your windows were last cleaned, they are overdue for service. Take action sooner rather than later! Our Window Washing Equipment What tools will you need to wash your windows? At Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, we use a specific set of equipment to restore glass panes for our clients. We’ve included a list of these tools for your convenience: For your DIY window washing project, you may opt for less expensive equipment, such as sponges, a bucket of a gentle cleaning solution (such as warm water and dish soap), and a ladder.  Washing Windows to Restore Their Beauty Whether you are using water-fed poles or sponges, the end goal is the same: removing all debris from windows so they can look their best again. We recommend working in a top-to-bottom pattern when cleaning windows, allowing purified water to weaken and rinse away debris. If using water-fed poles, even strokes are the key to restoring cleanliness; if using sponges, careful wiping will remove grime without scratching your windows. We also recommend drying your windows with a squeegee. By doing so, you’ll ensure a streak-free finish! Squeegees pull excess water off the windows, drastically reducing the chance of smears or stains. Using squeegees is also faster and easier than cloth-drying.  Remember Ladder Safety When Cleaning Windows If you want to learn how to wash windows on your own, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to use a ladder. Because of this, we want to review some important ladder safety guidelines. Commit these tips to memory and use them to avoid self-injury during your project! DIY or Professional Window Cleaning? Learning how to wash windows can be challenging. In fact, there are several “barriers to entry” that you’ll need to overcome if you want to do the work on your own. You’ll need to find time, which can be difficult if you already have a busy schedule. You’ll need to be prepared for manual labor, which requires you to be rested and energized. And finally, you’ll need to purchase all the necessary equipment for the work. If this is more work than you’re willing to do, why not consider professional window cleaning? By reaching out to a company like Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, you can avoid the DIY process and spend your time and energy in other ways!  Get a Free Cost Estimate No need to learn how to wash windows when our professionals do the work for you. If you are interested in what we have to offer, contact us online with information about your project. We will get back to you as soon as possible with a free estimate. (There are never hidden fees.) If you like our asking price, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will be there to serve you in the near future!

Why Gutter Cleaning Is Important (And Often Overlooked)

Wondering why gutter cleaning is important? Rain gutters play an enormously important role at any home and business. Whenever it rains, gutters gather the falling rain and channel it to the ground. This prevents moisture damage to your property. However, what you may not have realized is that gutter cleaning is necessary if you want your gutters to stay in complete working order. Otherwise, you’re bound to wind up in some trouble. In this blog, discover why gutter cleaning is important with Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services. We are a locally owned and operated business, and we’re excited to teach you more about this topic. Why Do Gutters Get Dirty? Is gutter cleaning really necessary? Well, to answer your question, yes. Over time, gutters collect debris, and this can result in a number of negative consequences. For example, your gutters’ exteriors might become smothered with unsightly debris, such as dirt, algae, dead insects, and bird droppings. The dirtier your gutters’ exteriors become, the less visually appealing they will be. This will result in reduced curb appeal for your property as a whole. This is why gutter cleaning is important, especially if you run a business that relies on foot traffic. It’s not just your gutters’ exteriors that need attention. Their interiors also demand your assistance. That’s because gutters will gradually fill with items such as leaves, sticks, branches, bird nests, and garbage blown in by the wind. What happens if these items aren’t gotten rid of? They will accumulate in your gutters, eventually clogging them. This prevents the flow of rainwater and causes it to overflow from gutters instead. This reintroduces the risk of moisture damage to your home or business. How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned? How long has it been since your gutters were last cleaned? If it’s been over a year, it may be time to take action. That’s because it only takes twelve months of buildup to seriously hamper your gutters’ functionality. When gutters become clogged with debris, you’ll experience overflowing water, moisture damage, and the need for costly repairs. By ensuring your gutters are cleaned once per year, you’ll avoid this trouble outright. This keeps your property safe, and it also saves you from stress-induced headaches. If it has been years since your gutters were cleaned, you are playing a dangerous game. Instead of figuring out why gutter cleaning is important the hard way, take action as soon as possible. Either plan to do your own gutter cleaning or reach out to a company such as Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services for the assistance you need. The Gutter Clean Out Process Now that you know why gutter cleaning is important, let’s take a closer look at gutter cleaning processes. To begin, let’s focus on gutter clean outs. Cleaning out gutters is the technique of removing debris from your gutters’ interiors. This ensures that rainwater can flow through without being blocked by any clogs. Getting rid of this debris is simple. Here’s how we do it at Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services. We climb a ladder, check inside gutters, and remove any debris we find by hand. Then, we dispose of this debris. Voila—clean gutter interiors. It’s also important to clean downspouts. As it turns out, these parts of your gutters can become clogged, too. However, it’s not always easy to reach inside downspouts. In some cases, we use a plumbing snake to extract downspout debris. Plumbing snakes are long and slender, allowing us to remove even the deepest, furthest-from-reach clogs. Brightening Gutter Exteriors When Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services is on the job, we don’t stop at cleaning out gutter interiors. We go the extra mile and clean gutter exteriors, too. That way, your gutters can look their absolute best—and stunning gutters bring out the best in any property. For this work, we use a soft-bristle brush and a gentle gutter cleaning solution. That way, we can safely remove all debris and leave your rain gunners in stunning condition. Our team works meticulously to ensure every square inch of gutters’ exterior surfaces is spotless. This is a safe and effective process for all gutters, including those made of steel, copper, zinc, PVC, plastic, etc. Is DIY Gutter Cleaning Worth It? Once you have a full understanding of why gutter cleaning is important, you may feel encouraged to clean your gutters on your own. This actually isn’t a bad idea. In fact, many property owners just like you clean their own gutters each and every year. However, you do need to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. You’ll need to invest your own time and energy into the work. You’ll need to remember ladder safety so you don’t become injured. And, of course, you’ll need to purchase the necessary equipment if you don’t already own it. Ultimately, it’s your decision to make. So, when your gutters need to be cleaned, ask yourself this. Would you rather save time or money? If you need to hold on to every dollar possible, it will be wise to clean your own gutters. Sure, it’s hard work, but by doing this work on your own, you won’t have to pay someone else to do it. On the other hand, if you are short on time and energy, you can avoid the DIY process by scheduling an appointment with a professional business. Schedule Professional Gutter Cleaning! If you want the best possible results out of your gutter cleaning project, look no further than Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services. We are a locally owned and operated business, and it’s always our pleasure to help our neighbors in the Lake Oswego community.  If you understand why gutter cleaning is important, but you’d prefer not to do this work on your own, contact us online today. We’ll give you a free cost estimate for your project. (There are no hiden fees at Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services.) Then, you can decide if you’d like to schedule an appointment. If so, we’ll see you soon at a time

What Is Soft Washing? The Gentle, Effective Way to Clean

When you are struggling with a dirty property exterior, it’s only natural to start researching solutions. During your search, you’ll likely come across a technique called soft washing. Many people swear by soft washing as the go-to way to restore homes and businesses, but the question is, what is soft washing? What makes it different from pressure washing? And how can you use the soft washing technique to your own benefit, revitalizing the appearance of your property as a result? In this blog, we will answer all these questions—and more! We are Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, and it will be our pleasure to teach you about soft washing. We are even prepared to soft wash your property for you if necessary; just give us a call. What Is Soft Washing? An Introduction First and foremost, let’s answer that burning question: what is soft washing? It’s a specialized surface cleaning technique that uses low-pressure water to clean surfaces. This is in contrast to pressure washing, which uses high-pressure water. Pressure washing is not a safe choice for all surfaces because of its sheer strength. To avoid surface damage, choose soft washing instead of pressure washing when cleaning the following: Soft washing is relied upon by property owners not just in the Lake Oswego community but all across the world, too. Join many other people just like you, choose soft washing, and enjoy the stunning results that soft washing can provide for your property. Benefits of Soft Washing So, what is soft washing good for anyway? Why should you bother with this service at all? Soft washing has a number of helpful benefits that you will enjoy. First and foremost, it will drastically improve the appearance of your property. Soft washing removes debris from exterior surfaces, making them brighter and more vibrant. As you can imagine, any home or business looks better after soft washing. Don’t hold your property back—use soft washing to give it the boost it needs! This isn’t the only benefit of soft washing, though. Did you know that soft washing also increases the lifespan of exterior surfaces? When surfaces are not cleaned, particles of debris slowly erode them. This damage is not obvious at first, but the longer it is allowed to happen, the more visible it will become. We highly recommend soft washing once per year to fully prevent surface damage and keep your home or business safe. How Cleaning Solutions Help During Soft Washing Soft washing uses less water pressure than pressure washing, as we have already covered. However, this may leave you with a particular concern. If soft washing is weaker than pressure washing, doesn’t this mean that soft washing is an ineffective technique? Is it really capable of removing all the debris that pressure washing can? The answer is yes, and that’s because of the helpful effects of cleaning solutions such as sodium hypochlorite.  Using this cleaning solution is simple. At Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, we simply apply a thin layer of it to the area that we plan to soft wash. Then, we wait fifteen minutes so it has time to break down stubborn debris. Finally, we soft wash the area, usually eliminating all grime with ease! Failing that, we will use a second round of cleaning solutions to further weaken debris before removing it for good. Soft Washing Kills Organic Debris Your property might have squatters hiding right under your nose. We’re not talking about people. We’re talking about moss, mold, and algae—organic substances that spread across exterior surfaces like wildfire. These unwanted growths are frustrating for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they don’t look good on your property. Secondly, they increase the risk of surface damage. Finally, they spread spores that will interfere with your eyes, throat, skin, and lungs. The long story short is that keeping organic debris around is a recipe for disaster. The good news is that soft washing is the perfect technique for tackling unwanted organic debris. Cleaning solutions will quickly kill these unwanted growths, and then, soft washing will strip away their remains. This leaves you with a visually appealing property exterior that you and your visitors are sure to appreciate. About DIY Soft Washing Are you considering DIY soft washing? Doing this work on your own may be a good fit for you, but that depends on your preferences. If you are no stranger to DIY projects around the house, and you don’t mind purchasing and learning how to use the necessary equipment, it could be a worthwhile investment. That way, you take on countless soft washing projects in the future. However, if you have a cramped schedule, and if you don’t feel like doing manual labor during your project, consider scheduling an appointment with a professional business. That way, you’ll be able to avoid the hard work and take some time to relax. Keep in mind, though, that professional soft washing comes with a price tag. Is it worth the money to you? That’s ultimately your decision to make. Something else to keep in mind: if you’re asking questions like “What is soft washing?’, then you have a long way to go before you can do this work effectively. Food for thought. Getting Started With Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services What is soft washing? Now that you know the answer, it’s time to figure out your next course of action. If you would like professional soft washing services, look no further than Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services. We are a locally owned and operated business, and restoring property exteriors is our specialty! By scheduling an appointment with us, you’ll avoid the hassle of having to do your own soft washing and enjoy stunning results, too. Ready to schedule an appointment with us? If so, contact us online with details about your soft washing project. That way, we can provide you with a cost estimate for your convenience. If you like our asking price, pick a time and date for our arrival, and we’ll see you

Discover the Stunning Benefits of Pressure Washing

Keeping things clean is always a challenge. It’s no different when it comes to your property’s exterior surfaces. Over time, these surfaces will accumulate a surprising amount of debris, including dirt, moss, mold, algae, pollen, and more. This debris will eventually cause you frustration, but by turning to pressure washing, you’ll eliminate this grime—as well as your headaches. The question is, though, what are the benefits of pressure washing? Obviously, it cleans surfaces, but what makes this so important in the first place? Discover the answers to these questions with Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services! We are a locally owned pressure washing company in Lake Oswego, and we are prepared to teach you more. Of course, if you ever need professional pressure washing services, reach out to us. We’re here to help! Improve the Appearance of Your Property When your property’s exterior is covered with debris, it’s bad news. This is because the dirtier exterior surfaces are, the less visually appealing your home or business will be. For homeowners, this may earn the ire of your neighbors, if not frustrate you personally. For business owners, the consequences are more serious. The less attractive your business is, the less likely it is that you will attract customers—and this hurts your bottom line. Restore your property’s beauty with the power of pressure washing! This is one of the best benefits of pressure washing. With pressure washing, you’ll be able to eliminate surface debris with ease. This makes surfaces brighter and more vibrant. We highly recommend pressure washing your property once per year to maintain its appearance. So, are you already overdue for an appointment? Prevent Surface Damage With Pressure Washing Surface debris doesn’t just negatively affect your property’s appearance. It also increases the chance of surface damage. But why exactly does this happen? Over time, particles of debris will grind against surfaces, which gradually erodes them. Additionally, organic growths (e.g., moss, mold, and algae) store water and cause moisture damage to surfaces. Obviously, you don’t want your property to become damaged because this results in costly repairs. Prevent these repairs from becoming necessary, and you’ll save money! Some surfaces are more prone to damage than others. We recommend that you keep an especially close eye on your roof’s condition. A damaged roof will result in leaks, and those leaks will result in moisture damage becoming a problem inside your property. Again, the best practice is yearly surface cleaning. Prevent Slipping and Skidding Some surfaces are more slippery than others. The question is, what is the cause of this slipperiness? When ice, frost, and oil aren’t factors, surface debris may be the culprit. For example, when an excessive amount of debris accumulates on a driveway, it forms a film of sorts on its surface. This makes it more difficult for your feet to grip the surface, thus increasing the risk of tripping, falling, and injuring yourself. This problem doesn’t just affect pedestrians. It can also wreak havoc on vehicles. If a car’s tires can’t properly grip a surface, it is more likely to skid. This could result in an expensive accident in the worst-case scenario. So don’t let this come to be. Keep your driveway (and other related surfaces) clean to prevent damage and injuries. One of the benefits of pressure washing is that it makes surfaces much less slippery. Create a More Hygienic Environment Hygiene is important, and it goes beyond simply washing your hands. In fact, pressure washing plays a role in creating a more hygienic environment at your home or business. Does your property’s exterior have a moss, mold, or algae problem? These unwanted growths don’t look good, but in addition to this, they also release spores that can irritate your eyes and lungs. By using pressure washing to eliminate these substances, you’ll prevent any possible negative health effects and make your property a more comfortable place.  One of the benefits of pressure washing is that it can be used to sanitize surfaces! High-pressure water effectively kills bacteria and viruses, especially when combined with some sort of detergent. We recommend using pressure washing to sanitize playground equipment, outdoor furniture, pool areas, etc. Keep your guests safe and reduce the spread of disease this way. Prevent Pest Infestations With Pressure Washing The final benefit that we’ll point out is that pressure washing actually helps prevent pest infestations. But how? When debris accumulates on surfaces, it draws in pests such as ants, termites, and spiders for two different reasons. Firstly, organic debris acts as a food source for these unwanted creepy-crawlies. Secondly, debris provides shelter, allowing bugs to gather, thrive, and eventually reproduce. This means more pests—as well as an increased risk of them further spreading across your property. Pressure washing will eliminate any surface debris, meaning pests won’t be drawn to your property. So, instead of bothering you and your family, they’ll flock to different areas. We think you’ll agree that this is a better outcome for you and those unwanted guests. Enjoy More Benefits With Professional Services What are the benefits of pressure washing? As you’ve discovered, there are many ways that this surface cleaning technique will improve your property. However, doing this work on your own is complicated and comes with a unique set of challenges. You’ll have to find time for pressure washing, and you’ll need to purchase all the necessary equipment, too.  To enjoy even more benefits of pressure washing, schedule an appointment with a professional business—such as Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services! We are a locally owned pressure washing company, and we would love to take on pressure washing projects for you. That way, you don’t have to dedicate yourself to this difficult task. You can simply relax and spend the time however you want while our experts handle the work for you. Get started by contacting us online with information about your project. We’ll get back to you ASAP with a free cost estimate. There are no hidden fees at Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services.

How to Get Oil Stains Out of Concrete: A Complete Guide

Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, it’s incredibly likely that you have some sort of concrete surface on your property. In most cases, it’s simple to keep these surfaces clean. Some basic pressure washing is typically enough. However, there are unique cases that require special attention. Yes, we’re talking about oil stains! If you’re on this webpage, it’s probably because you are trying to learn how to get oil stains out of concrete. Well, good news because you’re about to discover the process. We are Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, a local pressure washing company in Lake Oswego. We have removed oil stains from our clients’ concrete many times before, so trust our concrete cleaning experience and keep on reading to learn more! What Makes Oil So Hard to Remove? As you’ll quickly discover, learning how to get oil stains out of concrete is tough. But why? What makes it any different from dirt, pollen, moss, mold, or algae? First, understand that oil is quickly absorbed by concrete. This is because concrete is porous, allowing oil to soak into it with ease. Once oil molecules have bonded to the concrete’s internal surfaces, it’s quite difficult to get out. Even the process of pressure washing isn’t enough to remove oil in some cases. That’s because oil repels water. So, it’s naturally resistant to pressure washing and other similar techniques. When learning how to get oil stains out of concrete, prepare to use new strategies that may be completely unfamiliar to even seasoned DIYers. Preventing Oil Stains When Possible Since learning how to get oil stains out of concrete is so challenging, it’s best to prevent them whenever possible. If you discover that oil has recently spilled on your concrete, take quick action to stop it from deeply penetrating the surface. Perhaps the best way to do this is with an absorbent material. We recommend cat litter. Simply apply a generous helping of cat litter to the area. Then, wait thirty minutes to an hour for it to soak up as much oil as possible. Finally, sweep up the cat litter. This should drastically minimize the amount of oil that soaks into your concrete. Don’t have cat litter? Don’t worry because there are other materials that will work in a pinch. Consider using baking soda or corn starch. It’s very likely you already have these helpful items stocked in your pantry.  Treating Deep Oil Stains Unfortunately, not all messes can be prevented. It’s possible that your oil stain has already soaked so deeply that you can’t absorb it with cat litter. In this scenario, it’s time to prepare for a more in-depth oil stain removal process. The first step of this process is treating the oil stain with a cleaning solution. But what kind of cleaning solution should you use? There are actually quite a few options for your consideration, including: Once you have selected your cleaning solution of choice, apply a thin layer of it to the area afflicted by oil stains. Then, wait ten to fifteen minutes. After this time has passed, use a stiff brush to scrub the area. This will loosen grease and further distribute the cleaning solution across the concrete surface. Removing Oil With Pressure Washing An important part of learning how to get oil stains out of concrete is pressure washing. That’s because highly pressurized water can shatter the bonds between oil and concrete, especially if the area has been pre-treated with a cleaning solution. Plus, since concrete is so durable, you can pressure wash with an extremely high level of water pressure. We recommend using 3,000 to 3,500 PSI. Remember to wear safety equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and closed-toe shoes, when handling pressure washing gear. To pressure wash oil stains, simply position yourself two feet away from the concrete and thoroughly rinse the area. The pressurized water will deeply penetrate the concrete, helping you remove even the most stubborn oil molecules. This should significantly brighten your oil stains if not get rid of them altogether.  Benefits of Removing Oil Stains There are many benefits to removing oil stains from your concrete. The first and most obvious advantage is that it will improve your concrete’s appearance. This will improve the property’s appearance, too, even increasing its value. The sooner you tackle that oil stain, the less likely it is to become permanent, so don’t waste time—strike now or regret it later! Another benefit of removing oil stains from concrete is that it will make the surface less slick. This means a reduced chance of pedestrians tripping. It also makes it less likely that vehicles will skid or slide on the concrete. Prevent automobile accidents, save money, and protect the safety of you and your visitors. Need Professional Oil Stain Removal? Learning how to get oil stains out of concrete isn’t easy. Far from it. From acquiring all the right equipment to spending your time and energy doing the work, there are many reasons you may want to avoid this project. The good news is that you can have professionals clean your driveway for you! By reaching out to Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, you’ll be able to schedule an appointment with our fully trained experts. Contact us online, let us know about your oil-stained concrete, and receive a free cost estimate. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will be there in the very near future!

Benefits of a Professional Power Washing Company

Are you a homeowner or business owner in the Lake Oswego community? If so, you are already aware of how easily your property’s exterior surfaces accumulate debris. When this happens, you’ll need to take preventative action; otherwise, those surfaces will stay dirty for a long time to come, eventually ushering in severe consequences. Consider reaching out to Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, a locally owned and operated power washing company near you. It would be our pleasure to revitalize your property’s exterior surfaces so you don’t have to. How Power Washing Works Power washing is a specialized exterior cleaning process, and the secret weapon behind this process is pressurized water. As this water is sprayed onto your property’s exterior surfaces, it quickly rinses away various forms of unwanted debris. This debris includes, but is not limited to, dirt, moss, mold, algae, pollen, dead insects, and even bird droppings. Obviously, you don’t want this grime to stick around on your home or business’s exterior, so reach out to a power washing company, and you won’t have to deal with this problem anymore. At Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, we highly recommend that you have your property’s exterior cleaned once per year. Has it been more than a year since it was power washed? If so, you will want to reach out to a power washing company sooner rather than later. Or, invest your time and energy into the do-it-yourself power washing process. Either way is an acceptable path to clean surfaces that you will love. Improve the Appearance of Properties If your home or business becomes dirty, it simply won’t look as good. This is common sense because can you think of anything that looks better when it is covered with debris? Your property’s exterior surfaces certainly don’t qualify. As they gather dirt, moss, mold, algae, and other unwanted substances, their beauty will be effectively suffocated. Once-vibrant surfaces will become dark and dull. This will leave you feeling frustrated with your property, and if you are a business owner, you will have more difficulty attracting new customers. With the help of a professional power washing company, you’ll be able to restore the beauty of your property with ease. Just let the team at Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services handle this responsibility for you. We will thoroughly power wash your property’s exterior surfaces, giving them an instantaneous glow-up. You and your neighbors will appreciate the difference that our experts can make. Help Exterior Surfaces Last Longer It’s always frustrating when your property needs repairs. These repairs typically aren’t cheap, taking a sizable chunk of cash out of your wallet. What you might not have known is that surface debris can slowly cause damage over time. For example, particles of debris will grind against your property’s exterior, gradually eroding surfaces. Additionally, organic debris such as moss, mold, and algae cause moisture damage—potentially making wood rot, making metal rust, etc. The long story short is that when your property’s exterior isn’t cleaned frequently enough, it will fall into a state of disrepair. Don’t allow this to happen. Instead, reach out to a power washing company for the assistance you need! We recommend that you schedule an appointment with a power washing company at least once per year to keep your property in damage-free condition.  Reduce the Risk of Slipping Did you know that the dirtier some surfaces are, the more dangerous they become? Debris is to blame. As debris accumulates on your sidewalk, driveway, and other similar surfaces, it creates a slippery layer atop the structure itself. The thicker this layer becomes, the more difficult the surface will be to use. For example, sidewalks will become riskier for pedestrian use, as the risk of tripping and falling will be significantly greater. Additionally, dirty driveways can even result in skidding vehicles, which is a world of trouble you don’t want to wander into. To prevent these sorts of accidents from happening, reach out to Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, a local power washing company. We will be able to completely clean your property’s exterior surfaces, making them much less slippery as a result. This will make your home or business a much safer place to be.  Avoid Frustrating DIY Work The process of power washing your property on your own is certainly tiresome. After all, this physically demanding process requires a lot of energy to complete successfully. You will also need to purchase all the necessary equipment to complete the work; this equipment includes a pressure washer, attaching hoses and nozzles, cleaning solutions, and safety gear. Finally, you will have to learn how to use these items correctly if you want to ensure quality results. Don’t want to take on all these responsibilities on your own? If so, reach out to Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, a locally owned and operated power washing company, for the help you need.It is always our pleasure to serve our community’s clients, so if you have any sort of pressure washing project, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are committed to completely revitalizing your property’s exterior for a price that you will appreciate. Since we do all the work for you, you are welcome to spend some time relaxing during your appointment. We will let you know when we are done so you can review the results of our work for yourself.  Schedule an Appointment With a Power Washing Company Are you overdue for a power washing appointment? If so, don’t wait to reach out to Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services. As your local power washing company, it would be our privilege to assist you with your project—and for a reasonable price, too. Please don’t hesitate to contact us online and let us know how we can serve you. That way, we can provide you with a free cost estimate for your project. If you like our asking price, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will be there soon! We look forward to restoring your property’s exterior surfaces

A Proven Guide to Concrete Cleaning Near Me

If only concrete could stay clean on its own! If this were the case, you wouldn’t have to devote any of your time, energy, or focus to its maintenance. Unfortunately, this is just a fantasy. In the real world, your property’s concrete surfaces need to be pressure washed every once in a while. The good news is that you don’t have to do this work on your own. By reaching out to Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services and scheduling concrete cleaning near me, you’ll be able to avoid the process of doing this work on your own. Additionally, you won’t have to wait long before your concrete is in stunning condition again! Let’s review the concrete cleaning process and its benefits below. Then, you can decide if you would like to book an appointment with us, a locally owned and operated business in Lake Oswego. Why Is Concrete Cleaning Near Me Necessary? What makes concrete cleaning near me so important anyway? Over time, your property’s concrete surfaces will accumulate various forms of debris. Dirt and mud can scatter onto concrete. Moss, mold, and algae can grow and spread across concrete, too. If this debris is allowed to gather indefinitely, it will have many negative effects on your concrete. Not only will it ruin the concrete’s overall visual appeal, but it will also put it at greater risk of deterioration. In other words, uncleaned concrete will eventually force you to pay for costly repairs! To prevent these negative consequences, we recommend scheduling concrete cleaning near me once per year. Has it been longer than a year since your concrete was pressure washed? If so, we suggest that you reach out to us for an appointment as soon as possible! Benefits of Concrete Cleaning Near Me What are the benefits of concrete cleaning near me? Of course, this process will remove surface debris from concrete, improving its appearance and helping it last longer. These are hardly the only benefits, however. Did you know that concrete cleaning can also prevent pest infestations by removing the debris that ants, spiders, and other bugs use for shelter? You can also use pressure washing to sanitize concrete, especially in public areas like children’s playgrounds. With our professional concrete cleaning, you’ll be able to avoid doing this work on your own, which leads to many more advantages. Use your time in other ways, such as household chores, grocery trips, or even catching up on your favorite television shows. You’ll also avoid the need to purchase your own concrete cleaning equipment and learn how to use it.  Our Equipment Checklist For Concrete Cleaning What tools are necessary for concrete cleaning near me? At Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, we are highly experienced in the concrete cleaning process, and we understand what tools are required to ensure quality results. We’ve included our checklist below, which you can refer to if you want to try concrete pressure washing for yourself. How Concrete Cleaning Near Me Works With all the necessary equipment gathered, our concrete cleaning process can begin. First, the concrete surface must be cleared off. We take any items, such as furniture and decorations, and temporarily move them to a safe location. Next, we apply our cleaning solutions to the entire concrete surface, allowing us to weaken any stubborn debris. Finally, we choose a starting point on the concrete—typically one of the corners—and begin pressure washing! When pressure washing concrete, we use a high level of water pressure. (This ranges anywhere from 3,000 to 3,500 PSI.) To ensure that we successfully clean every square inch of the concrete, we wash the surface “row by row”, overlapping each pass in the same way you would while mowing your lawn. Expect visually stunning results in a reasonable amount of time because concrete cleaning is one of our specialties.  Confirming Customer Satisfaction At Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, our highest priority is making sure that every customer walks away with a smile on their face. Because of this, we don’t consider the project to be complete until you’ve confirmed your satisfaction. Once we have finished pressure washing your concrete, we will let you know. This gives you an opportunity to review our work—we think you’ll be impressed by what we have to show you. If you like what we have to show you, simply pay for our services, and we’ll move along to our next appointment. Need us to do some touch-up work? No problem. Just show us the areas you’re concerned about, and it will be our pleasure to give them some additional attention. If it makes you happy, it makes us happy, too.  Cost of Concrete Cleaning Near Me If you schedule concrete cleaning near me with Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, how much should you expect to pay? That depends on the amount of surface area you need us to clean. The larger your concrete surface is, the more you should expect to pay for our services. This ensures everyone receives a fair rate. There are never hidden fees at Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, either.  If you would like a free estimate, contact us online with more information about your project. Then, you can choose a time and date for your appointment! We hope to hear from you soon.