FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you might want to know about our exterior cleaning services. Still have a question? Just call or text us.
General questions
What areas do you serve?+
We're based in San Jose and serve the greater Bay Area — Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, and San Francisco counties. If you're not sure whether we reach you, just call or text and ask.
Do you work with both homes and businesses?+
Yes. We serve residential homeowners as well as commercial property managers, owners, and facilities teams — including gas stations, retail stores, restaurants, strip malls, and professional centers.
How do I get a quote?+
Call or text us at (408) 455-6570, or fill out the quote form on our Contact page. We provide free, no-obligation estimates and commercial proposals.
What makes your window and solar cleaning different?+
We use a 3-stage water treatment and filtration process that delivers 100% purified water. It cleans glass and solar panels spot-free and streak-free with no chemicals, and it's gentle enough to be scratch-safe on delicate solar glass.
Can you remove heavy grease and oil stains?+
Yes. We offer hot-water pressure washing for gas stations and properties with heavy grease, oil, grime, or built-up stains — hot water dissolves oils that cold-water washing leaves behind.
How often should I have my property cleaned?+
It depends on the surface and your surroundings. Many homeowners do annual or twice-yearly cleaning, while commercial properties often schedule recurring service. We're happy to recommend a schedule that fits your property.
Why should I choose Bay Area Exterior Cleaning?+
We're a locally owned exterior cleaning business that has served the Bay Area since 2018. Customers choose us for our hands-on experience, the right method for every surface, eco-friendly purified-water cleaning, hot-water capability for heavy grease, free no-obligation quotes, and a satisfaction guarantee on every job.
How do you price your services?+
Pricing depends on the size, surface type, and condition of the area, plus whether specialized methods like hot-water washing or wood brightening are needed. Every quote is free and carries no obligation — call or text us a few details and we'll get you a fast estimate, or a tailored proposal for commercial work.
What do I need to provide for the cleaning?+
For most jobs we just need access to the areas being cleaned and an outdoor water spigot. For solar and window cleaning, our purified-water system handles the rest. We'll confirm any specifics — gate codes, parking, scheduling windows — when we book your service.
Do you offer recurring or scheduled cleaning?+
Yes. Many commercial clients — gas stations, retail, restaurants, and professional centers — set up weekly, monthly, or quarterly service, and homeowners can schedule regular cleanings too. Recurring service keeps your property consistently presentable and stays ahead of buildup.
Pressure Washing
Do you offer hot-water pressure washing?+
Yes. In addition to standard pressure washing, we offer hot-water power washing for gas stations and properties with heavy grease, oil, grime, or built-up stains. Hot water breaks down oils that cold water simply can't.
Is pressure washing safe for my siding and surfaces?+
We match the technique and pressure to the surface — using lower-pressure soft-wash methods on delicate materials like stucco and painted siding, and higher pressure only where it's appropriate, like concrete.
How much does pressure washing cost?+
It depends on the size, surface, and condition of the area, plus whether hot water or soft washing is needed. We provide free, no-obligation quotes — call or text us with a few details and we'll get you a fast estimate.
What's the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?+
Pressure washing uses high water pressure to blast dirt off hard surfaces like concrete. Soft washing uses low pressure plus specialized cleaning solutions to safely clean delicate surfaces — stucco, painted siding, and wood — without forcing water behind them or stripping the finish. We use whichever is right for the surface, and often both on a single property.
Can you remove oil stains from my driveway?+
In most cases, yes. Fresh and moderate oil stains respond well to hot-water washing combined with a degreaser. Older stains that have soaked deep into the concrete may lighten significantly rather than disappear completely — we'll set clear expectations when we see the surface.
Do I need to be home during the service?+
Not necessarily. As long as we have access to the areas being cleaned and an outdoor water spigot, many jobs can be completed whether or not you're present. We'll confirm access details when we schedule.
When is the best time of year to pressure wash in the Bay Area?+
Any time of year works in our mild climate, but late spring through fall is popular for tackling the mildew and moss that accumulate over the wet winter. Many homeowners schedule an annual or twice-yearly wash to stay ahead of organic buildup.
Solar Panel Cleaning
Why use purified water on solar panels?+
Purified (deionized) water contains no minerals, so it lifts dirt and rinses away without leaving spots or residue — and it means no chemicals touch your panels. Combined with soft brushes, it's a scratch-safe way to clean delicate solar glass.
Will cleaning my panels actually improve output?+
Yes. Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and grime block sunlight and reduce production. Regular cleaning helps your system perform closer to its rated output.
How often should solar panels be cleaned?+
Most Bay Area systems benefit from cleaning once or twice a year, more often near trees, farms, or dusty areas, or after wildfire-season ash. We're happy to recommend a schedule based on your location and how quickly your panels soil.
Is cleaning safe for my panels and warranty?+
Yes. Many manufacturers void warranties if abrasive pads or harsh chemicals are used. We use only soft, panel-safe brushes and 100% purified water — no detergents and nothing abrasive — so the glass and your warranty stay protected.
Do you clean commercial and ground-mount arrays?+
Yes. We clean residential rooftop systems, ground-mount arrays, and larger commercial or multi-panel installations. Tell us your system size and location when you request a quote and we'll scope it accordingly.
How much output can cleaning recover?+
It varies with how dirty the panels are and your local conditions, but soiling commonly trims production by a noticeable margin — and that loss compounds over time. Regular cleaning helps your system perform closer to its rated output and shortens its payback period.
Window Cleaning
What is pure-water window cleaning?+
We filter water through a 3-stage purification system to remove all minerals, then clean and rinse with that 100% purified water. The glass dries spot-free and streak-free naturally — no detergents needed.
Do you clean both inside and outside?+
Yes, we clean interior and exterior glass, and can wipe down screens, sills, and tracks. Let us know what you need when you request a quote.
Can you reach high or second-story windows?+
Yes. Our water-fed pole system lets us safely clean upper-story and hard-to-reach windows from the ground — no ladders against the house and no risky climbing.
How often should I have my windows cleaned?+
Most homeowners clean their windows once or twice a year, while storefronts and offices often schedule monthly or quarterly service to keep a sharp first impression. Homes near busy roads, construction, or heavy tree cover may want more frequent cleaning.
Can you remove hard-water stains and sprinkler spots?+
Often, yes. Light to moderate mineral spotting from sprinklers and hard water typically comes off with our process. Severe, long-standing etching that has set into the glass is harder to fully reverse — we'll let you know what's realistic after we look.
Do you clean storefront and office windows?+
Yes. We clean storefronts, offices, and professional centers, and can set up recurring service so your glass always looks its best for customers and staff.
Fence & Deck Cleaning / Restoration
Can you restore a deck that's gone gray?+
Often, yes. Graying is usually a weathered surface layer. We clean and brighten the wood to bring back its natural tone and prepare it for sealing or staining.
Do you seal or stain after cleaning?+
Our focus is professional cleaning and restoration prep. Tell us your goal when you request a quote and we'll advise on the best approach for your wood.
Will pressure washing damage my wood?+
Not when it's done correctly. High pressure alone can gouge and splinter softwoods, so we use lower-pressure, surface-safe methods paired with the right cleaners to lift dirt and the gray layer without harming the boards.
How long should I wait before staining after cleaning?+
Wood needs to dry thoroughly before it will accept stain or sealer — typically a couple of dry days, depending on weather and how saturated the wood got. We'll give you a recommended window for your project so the finish bonds properly.
Can you clean composite decking too?+
Yes. Composite and capped-composite decks can collect mildew, algae, and grime in their texture. We clean them with gentle, manufacturer-appropriate methods that lift the buildup without dulling or damaging the surface.
Can you remove mold, mildew, and moss from my fence?+
Yes. Organic growth like mildew, algae, and moss is one of the most common reasons wood looks dingy. Our cleaning solutions break it down at the root rather than just rinsing the surface, so the wood comes back cleaner and stays clear longer.
Gutter Cleaning
How often should gutters be cleaned?+
Most Bay Area homes do well with cleaning once or twice a year — typically in late fall after the leaves drop, and again in spring. Homes surrounded by trees often need it more often.
Do you clear the downspouts too?+
Yes. We clear the gutter troughs and flush the downspouts to make sure water actually drains — a clogged downspout is a common cause of overflow even when the gutters look clean from the ground.
Do you haul away the debris?+
Yes — we bag and remove the debris we pull from your gutters, so you're not left with a pile to deal with afterward.
Why does gutter cleaning matter?+
Clogged gutters overflow and send rainwater down your siding and foundation instead of away from the house. Over time that leads to fascia rot, leaks, stained walls, and pooling around the foundation — all far more costly to fix than a routine cleaning that prevents them.
Can you tell me if my gutters need repair?+
While we clean, we look for common problem signs — sagging sections, loose fasteners, separated seams, and evidence of overflow — and we'll let you know what we find so you can address small issues before they cause water damage.
Free quote
Ready for a free quote?
Call or text today and we'll get you a fast, no-obligation estimate.