Will Power Washing Damage My Home’s Exterior?

While the short answer is that power washing could possibly damage your home’s exterior, it really depends on several factors that will be unique and specific to your home and what is being cleaned. When you are looking to have things power washed, you will undoubtedly want to hire professionals to complete the job. You will also want to be sure that the professionals are well-trained and insured before they come to your home. ASF Clean Team only employs those well-trained and insured experts, and luckily for you, we are also experts in the best ways to go about cleaning any home!

We offer power washing and know when to use it.

While power washing can damage certain types of surfaces and homes, we are experts in knowing how and when to use this fantastic cleaning method. The hot water used in power washing ensures that any greasy or stubborn, sticky substance is removed from the home without the use of harsh chemicals. This is a beautiful benefit to the use of this technique. You only have to be sure you are using it appropriately. 

We know what to do when power washing isn’t appropriate.

Suppose we determine that power washing would, in fact, damage your property. In that case, we have other options that allow us to still clean your home effectively! We can utilize our soft washing techniques to ensure that every part of your home is cared for and left sparkling clean. Our experts are trained to know the correct processes, and we will discuss all of those with you when you reach out to get your individualized quote. You can even receive this online to help save you some time. 

We can clean gutters, solar panels, cobwebs, and the inside of your home while we are there!

If you are looking for other things to be cleaned so that your home is pristine for the holidays, we can also service that need. With offerings of gutter cleaning, solar panel cleaning, cobweb removal, and even home disinfection, we are fully prepared to offer whatever your home needs to be as good as new without damaging a single part of it. You can simply let us know if you want to add on any of these services when you get your quote, and we will include it in all the information we send back. 

We know your home is a precious investment you have made for you and your loved ones. We offer just about any method you would need to make a home appear brand new. You could be on your way to a sparkling clean house with a quick message online.

Let ASF Clean Team help you to keep it in top condition by having our trained experts come out and help you clean it today. With all that we offer, we will have the methods necessary to clean whatever you may have on the exterior of your home.

Don’t take the chance of damaging anything by doing this job yourself. We can’t wait to serve you.

Why Chemicals are Usually Unnecessary for Exterior and Window Cleaning in San Francisco

When you think about cleaning, you probably think about cleaning products. Whether it’s bleach, window cleaning spray, or even a disinfecting wipe, you probably use these products to clean. But, your skin may feel extra dry when you’re done, or you may have a headache… or even both. When you’re looking at a bigger space to clean, like your home’s exterior and windows, you don’t want to inhale all of those chemicals, even if you’re outside. Well, the good news is that we’ve found that chemicals are usually unnecessary for exterior and window cleaning in San Francisco.

Say Goodbye to the Chemicals

When you say goodbye to traditional chemicals, you may think that you need to replace them with a “greener” option. But, that’s not necessarily true. At ASF Clean Team, we’ve found that chemicals are usually unnecessary for exterior and window cleaning. While we may use an eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaner here and there, 99% of the time we can get the job done with just water.

Why is this? According to the United States Geological Survey, water is considered the “universal solvent”. No other liquids can dissolve as many substances as water. So, when it comes to the dirt and grime on your home’s exterior and windows, most of it can be cleaned off with just water.

Plus, the cleaning products you see on the shelves are mostly made of water. The chemicals have to be diluted, and water is the key. So, with the right methods, you can safely skip the chemicals and just go straight to water to get your cleaning done. You won’t be left with any of the greasy residue from the cleaning products, and no matter what surface you clean, you won’t have to worry about damage from the cleaning solution.

The Trick is in the Window Cleaning Tools

Water can’t just do the job by itself, though. You’ve probably tried at home. If you have a mess that’s sat there for a while, you need something stronger than water. So, if you’re cleaning dishes, you may use the textured side of your sponge or the scraper on your dish brush. 

At ASF Clean Team, we use tools specially designed to clean the surfaces we’re working on. For window washing, we have tools that will ensure no streaks are left behind. And for the rest of your home’s exterior, we have three options: power washing, pressure washing, and soft washing. The differences between these three methods come down to the amount of pressure and heat used when cleaning. The method is determined by the surface we’re cleaning to help ensure the job gets done without damage. Your sidewalk and your home’s siding have different needs, and our tools ensure they are met properly.

Say Hello to a Clean Home

Are you ready for a home that’s clean without all the chemicals? At ASF Clean Team, we have you covered. Chemicals are usually unnecessary for exterior and window cleaning in San Francisco, especially when you have professionals with the right tools doing the job for you. Contact us today to learn more.

What is a Better Way of Exterior Cleaning for My Home?

Spring has sprung, and you’re starting to think about a better way of exterior cleaning for your home. It’s time to get rid of all of that dirt and grime from the winter, and get ready for the summer. Typically, you just use your hose and hope it gets everything. Or, if you’re lucky, you may have a friend who can lend you their pressure washer. But there has to be a better way of exterior cleaning, right? With ASF Clean Team, there is.

Perks of Professional Pressure Washing

Just because there is a better way of exterior cleaning, doesn’t mean pressure washing should be totally discounted. Instead of doing it yourself, though, let the professionals handle it.

Pressure washing isn’t suitable for all surfaces, but it is a great option for most. It’ll get the basic cleaning done around your home, which is why it is such a popular tool. But, the pressure washer from a big box store or one you borrow from your neighbor just isn’t going to clean the same way as a professional pressure washer.

At ASF Clean Team, our pressure washers filter water as we clean, so there is no residue left behind. Plus, our tools can reach even the toughest spots on your home, ensuring every nook and cranny is clean.

Alternatives to Pressure Washing

Even though pressure washing is a great method, it isn’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, there are two other exterior cleaning methods we use regularly: power washing and soft washing. All three are similar, with slight differences. Power washing is going to use even hotter water than pressure washing. On the other hand, soft washing is going to use slightly less pressure and slightly cooler temperatures than both of the other methods. 

So how do these methods work, exactly? Well, your personal pressure washer isn’t going to do the job for you. Those operate on one method only: basic pressure washing. But, the professional tools we have at ASF Clean Team can get the job done. 

We’ll use the power washing method to get those hard-to-clean surfaces, like your old patio furniture covered in algae and moss. Then, we’ll use the soft washing method to clean your roof and even your home’s exterior if you live in an older, more fragile building. Of course, we’ll clean your windows with their own special tools, and if you’re feeling super crazy, we’ll clear out your gutters and downspouts. Then, we’ll give it a good old pressure wash for everything else in between. Once we’re done, every corner of your home will be sparkling.

A Better Way of Exterior Cleaning

So what exactly is the better way of exterior cleaning? Having ASF Clean Team to do the job for you! We’ll bring all of our tools, so no matter what exterior cleaning method your home needs, we’ll be prepared. Our experience and training means that each part of your home will be cleaned exactly how it needs to be, since it isn’t one-size-fits-all. Contact us today to get started.

What to Expect from a Commercial Exterior Cleaning Contractor

Keeping your commercial exterior clean and attractive to clients is a big deal in the business world. No one wants to go into a place that looks run down or dirty. As such, you’ll want to know exactly what to expect from your commercial exterior cleaning contractor. What services do you need? Do they provide those services and more? Do they have excellent customer service? Are they fully licensed and insured? Here’s everything you need to know and more.

Types of Services Provided by Commercial Exterior Cleaning Contractors

Window Washing

If you have a newer taller building, one of the top services most commercial exterior cleaning contractors offer is high rise window washing. You’ll want to work with a team that is certified and insured so you do not have to worry while they are cleaning windows or roofs high off of the ground. Training and insurance ensure everyone is safe and taken care of during the process.

You’ll also want to work with a company that efficiently and safely cleans your building’s exterior with non-toxic cleaning solutions and state-of-the-art tools and equipment. This includes everything down to the window sills, tracks, and cobwebs. That will make your business truly shine! Make sure you and your clients are enjoying the view you pay for with crystal clear windows to look out of without worrying about anyone being up high. 

Pressure Washing

Another service you should expect from a commercial exterior cleaning contractor is pressure washing, which we like to say packs the punch. So if your building needs a deeper clean, ask ASF Clean Team about their pressure washing surface.

commercial exterior cleaning contractor uses pressure washing to clean car parking lot
A commercial exterior cleaning contractor like ASF Clean Team offers a variety of services like pressure washing, power washing, window washing, and more.

Our professionally trained experts know exactly which surfaces do best with this type of cleaning. You are not required to know what might be best for your specific spaces when working with us. Our experts will be able to tell you which option is the best to clean and care for your space.

Power Washing

This is another method of cleaning service you can expect from ASF clean. Power washing uses hot water in addition to pressure to clean surfaces. When getting your quote done, we can let you know if this method of commercial exterior cleaning is the best for the surfaces you want to be cleaned. Again, our professionally trained experts will know exactly which surfaces fair best with this method of cleaning.

Soft Washing

Soft washing still uses very hot water, but with minimal pressure to clean surfaces. If you have anything that is delicate on your building that needs to be deep cleaned, this may be ideal for you. Things like solar panels can benefit from this style of cleaning.

This method of cleaning is also a good fit for the many historical buildings in the San Francisco Bay area. Being local to San Francisco, ASF Clean Team is deeply familiar with all of the regulations surrounding historic buildings. This ensures that your property will be well cared for and clean at the end of the day.

Our experts will always know which option is best for the specific surfaces you are needing to be cleaned upon inspection. The fantastic thing is these methods can clean almost anything without the use of harsh chemicals. 

Roofs, Gutters, and Solar Panels

In addition to windows, siding, and driveways, we can also clean your roof, gutters, and solar panels. Keeping these things clean will help your building to function better and longer. Build-up on roofs and gutters can cause damage to your building. And crusty solar panels can interfere with how well they function and power your building. Include these in your commercial exterior cleaning to ensure everything stays in working order. 

Graffiti Removal

Graffiti removal services should be expected from a commercial exterior cleaning contractor, as well. While this is never a cheap endeavor, it is something that is important to business owners. You’ll want your business storefront to look the most welcoming and inviting as possible and unsightly graffiti can deter people from wanting to enter your store. 

Ash Removal

Unfortunately in California, wildfires are a part of life and affect how we live here in San Francisco. Any commercial exterior cleaning service should offer ash removal as part of their services. With so many options at our disposal at ASF Clean Team, you can be assured that removing ash from your entire building will be done well and without a ton of toxic chemicals. In fact, most of the time our experts can accomplish their goals without chemicals at all. It is only for truly tough situations that the least toxic chemical options will be used. 

When to Schedule a Commercial Exterior Cleaning Contractor

Now that you know what to expect from a commercial exterior cleaning contractor, the only question left is when should you schedule yours? We recommend a twice-a-year cleaning for businesses, once in the spring and once in the fall. Having this done every six months will ensure everything stays in tip-top shape. You will want to get on the books early as things can fill up quickly. You should also be sure to schedule everything you want to be done during that visit to save money. The more times any company comes out to see you, the more you will spend. 

Thankfully, ASF Clean Team has all the tools to clean the exterior of your building when visiting your business. With all of our cleaning options and services, we are able to take care of whatever you have. We can even throw cobweb removal in for free when you schedule three years of service with us! Using our professional, insured experts will have your business looking pristine by the time we leave. Never worry about the cleanliness of your building again by getting a custom quote from ASF Clean Team today.

What Does “Soft Washing” Mean?

Alright, alright. So there’s pressure washing and power washing, and now you’re finding out there’s another term—soft washing. How do you keep all of these straight? And what does “soft washing” even mean? Well, let’s clear up the confusion right now.

Seriously. What’s the difference?

You probably already understand the difference between pressure washing and power washing. So where does soft washing fit in? To review, pressure washing and power washing are pretty similar. Pressure washing uses a lot of pressure, and power washing does the same, but uses really, really hot water. Soft washing is basically just another variation. Soft washing typically only requires cold water, but soft hot pressure washing can also be requested. 

While pressure washing and power washing work great for a lot of surfaces, they don’t work great for all surfaces. Some surfaces just can’t take all the pressure and need a little more TLC. So, soft washing still uses water to clean these surfaces, but with less pressure. 

Does soft washing still clean my home?

The selling point of pressure washing and power washing is that the high pressure helps get all the dirt off of your building, driveway, etc. So what happens if you take away some of that pressure? Does it still get the job done?

Even with less pressure, soft washing still gives surfaces a great clean. It can get rid of anything on the exterior of your home or business, including algae and mildew. The process is ideal for protecting surfaces that can’t handle the pressure.

Can I soft wash it myself?

Technically, you can soft wash on your own. You can find all kinds of articles and videos online about it. But, we don’t like to deal with technicalities. We like to deal with safety.

Oftentimes when we talk about surfaces suitable for this service, we’re referring to the exterior of some buildings and roofs. Cleaning these surfaces often involves a ladder. Plus, even though you’re dealing with less pressure, you’re still dealing with pressurized water. If you’re not a trained professional, it’s not necessarily the safest situation to put yourself in. Just one slip and you could be in a lot of danger.

But isn’t it dangerous for you, too?

All of these services can all be dangerous. They often usually involve equipment and ladders. But, when you’re working with trained professionals, it’s less dangerous. We undergo the training necessary to perform these services safely, and we have access to better tools for the process than you can get at the big box store.

But accidents still happen. That’s why at ASF Clean Team, we have insurance for all of our employees. If an accident happens while we’re providing your service, we have it covered.
If you need residential soft washing or commercial soft washing services, let us know. We can even help you figure out which of these services is best for your surfaces. Contact us today.

Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing: What’s the Difference?

There are so many types of cleaning out there it can be hard to keep track, especially if you don’t know the first thing about cleaning. Two of the most confusing terms are pressure washing vs. power washing. For real, what’s the difference? They sound so similar, and don’t pressure and power basically mean the same thing? The truth is, they are really similar, but there is an important distinction. Let’s talk it through.

What’s the Difference?

The main distinction between pressure washing vs. power washing is the temperature of the water. Power washing uses hot water, and pressure washing does not. While it may seem minimal, this is actually a very important distinction to make. Both use basically the same amount of pressure to clean your home or building, but the hot water is not safe for all structures. So, it’s important to keep these two terms straight, and work with a cleaning business that knows the difference.

What Surfaces are Safe for Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing?

Pretty much all exterior surfaces are safe for pressure washing. Pressure washing is the easy part, because the temperature is not nearly as hot. So, you can use it on your home, your sidewalk, your parking lot, etc. But, power washing cannot be used for everything. Often, the water is too hot to be safely used on your home or building itself. Instead, it is better to reserve power washing for more concrete structures … literally. Surfaces such as concrete are ideal for power washing because, not only are they sturdy enough to withstand the heat, they also get dirtier. Think about it: your parking lot or driveway is probably much dirtier than your home or office building, right? The heat of the water helps pull the grime up more quickly and efficiently than pressure alone. 

Isn’t That Pressure and Heat Dangerous?

Pressure washing and power washing can sound scary. The water is coming out of the cleaner at a pressure high enough to clean quickly, and then you add heat on top of that. So what happens if something goes wrong?

Hopefully nothing will go wrong, but there is always the possibility for accidents, especially if a team is cleaning an upper level of a building. Should something happen, you don’t want to be held liable for something the cleaning crew did. So, it is always important to work with a cleaning company that carries insurance for its employees. Insurance is not required for cleaning companies, but it is always a good sign that a company takes its job and safety seriously. 

Who Can Do Pressure Washing and Power Washing?

While you can buy pressure washers for home use, it is best to leave these tasks to the professionals. After all, accidents happen. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area or Sacramento, ASF Clean Team has you covered. We provide pressure washing and power washing services for both residential and commercial clients. Plus, we have insurance for all of our employees. Get a free quote today to get a sparkling finish for your home or building’s exterior.

Rain is Not Enough to Wash Your Windows or Sidewalk

Have you ever hoped that a good rainfall might clean your dirty windows and paved surfaces? The truth is, rain is not enough to wash your windows or sidewalk. It turns out that after a rainfall your dirty windows may look even dirtier! How can that be? What happens is that the rain disturbs the dirt, dust, pollen, and fingerprints that are adhering to the windows.  

When those raindrops splash on the window’s surface, the grime is moved around and looks worse than before. What about your dirty driveway? The kids had a great time with their sidewalk chalk and now your sidewalks and driveway look like a rainbow unicorn forest. Will the rain wash that mess off? Unfortunately, it will barely touch it. All is not lost, however, when you hire ASF Clean Team to clean those dirty windows or sidewalks. 

We Will Get the Job Done

Once you accept the fact that the windows and sidewalks will not clean themselves and that the rain isn’t going to do the job either, give ASF Clean Team a call.  Rainfall doesn’t provide enough “muscle” to get rid of the streaks and grime that have built up on your windows.  Rain also isn’t up to scrubbing that chalk away completely. We have the right tools and the experience to get your windows and paved surfaces sparkling clean again.

No Harsh Chemicals on Windows

AFS Clean Team has discovered that we can accomplish a thorough cleaning without using harsh chemicals. We use only eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products and state-of-the-art window cleaning equipment. When we clean your windows, we don’t just give the glass a going over. We take it further and clean the sills, the tracks, the frames and the screens.  Do you have mineral deposits? Our products do the job to remove them effectively. 

What About the Sidewalks?

When it comes to the dirty paved surfaces around your property, we have superior methods to tackle those as well. We use a technique called Power Washing. Our special equipment employs ultra-hot water that is sprayed on the paved surfaces at very high pressure. It will take care of that chalky sidewalk “artwork” with ease. As a matter of fact, you may be so impressed with the results that you will want us to clean other paved surfaces on your property such as walkways and patios. We can get rid of mold, built-up dirt, algae, and other substances that have made those surfaces look dingy. 

Rain is not enough to wash your windows or sidewalk. When you need an exceptional clean, you need to call in an experienced company to do the job. ASF Clean Team is not your average window cleaning company. When you call us, you are getting a company that will go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. And our team is well trained and fully insured too, so you can have complete confidence in us. Get in touch with us to discuss your office and home window washing and sidewalk cleaning needs.

Prep Your Home for the Holidays with a Fresh Clean

After many months of staying home, families across the country are planning more holiday gatherings and travel in 2021. Will you be hosting a house full of loved ones this holiday season? The good news is, stress-free celebrations are possible with some advanced planning. No, we aren’t suggesting you put up the tree and hang the stockings just yet. However, if you prep your home for the holidays with a fresh clean from ASF Clean Team, you can concentrate on all the fun things your family associates with home and holiday festivities. 

Window Cleaning

You have plenty of items on your holiday to-do list, so why not call in the pros at ASF Clean Team to take care of those dirty windows for you? Increase your curb appeal and greet your guests with style. During the holiday season, our windows are a focal point that features our seasonal decor. The sparkling lights of your Christmas tree will shine all the more brightly through sparkling clean windows. Show your efforts off to their best advantage. Clean windows will also let more natural light in on dreary winter days.

Sidewalks and Driveways

Make the approach to your front door truly welcoming with fresh clean surfaces. The ultra-hot power washing technique used by ASF Clean Team removes dirt, grease and grime, mildew, and other build-up from the paved surfaces around your home. We tend to focus on our interiors when preparing for guests, but we encourage you to remember the importance of having clean inviting exteriors as well. Whether you are hosting a formal holiday party or a casual family gathering, make your guests feel welcome with a sparkling exterior. Best of all, long after your guests have departed, you will enjoy the lasting results of your ASF Clean Team power-washed surfaces.

Gutter Cleaning

No one enjoys cleaning their gutters, so it is a perfect job to call in the pros at ASF Clean Team for. It is best to get those gutters cleaned out before hanging your Christmas lights. The debris and gunk clogging your gutters could be hazardous should they come into contact with your holiday lights. When gutters are cleaned properly, rainwater passes through them and down the downspouts, eliminating water spilling over and drenching your guests as they approach your house. That would be a poor welcome indeed! With clean, cleared-out gutters and downspouts, your home will be ready for whatever weather comes your way this winter season. 

You have plenty to do in preparation for your family gatherings this holiday season. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed! Let ASF Clean Team take away some of the holiday hassle. Prep your home for the holidays with a fresh clean by ASF Clean Team! Some tasks are best left to the professionals. We have state-of-the-art equipment, and the expertise and experience to do the job right. When you call us to come out in advance, the result is that you will be less frazzled and able to spend more time with your friends and family when they join you to celebrate the holidays. Contact us for a quote for services. 

Refresh Your San Francisco Business with a New Year Cleaning

As the holiday season starts drawing to a close, it’s time to get excited about entering into a new year once again. After a long year in 2020 and with 2021 flying by, what is 2022 going to bring? Well, get ready for whatever’s in store when you refresh your San Francisco business for the New Year with a cleaning. 

A Shining Building for a Bright New Year

The New Year is all about being, well—new. It’s a chance to make changes in your life so that this year is better than the last. Why doesn’t your building deserve the same?

When you refresh your business for the New Year with cleaning services, you’re not just cleaning a building. You’re making your business shine like new again. You’re inviting your employees and customers into an environment that’s as fresh as the year. 

Say Goodbye to the Holiday Germs

No matter what type of business you own, the holiday season is always busy. You have a higher amount of traffic inside your business than usual, and a higher amount of germs to match. 

Before you come back to work after the holidays, be sure to disinfect and sanitize your business. While this is great to do on a regular basis, it is especially important as the holiday season comes to an end. With all of the germs and illnesses that go around this time of year, you want to make sure everyone who enters your business enters a clean one. And the best way to do this is with professional disinfecting and sanitizing.

Clean the Outside, Too

The New Year is a chance to improve yourself both inside and out. Why shouldn’t your business get the same treatment? Don’t just disinfect and sanitize the inside; clean the outside too. 

Your building’s exterior is the first impression you give anyone who walks by your business. Even though you may think “It will just get dirty again”, keeping the exterior clean should be a priority. First impressions are important, after all.

At ASF Clean Team, we offer several different exterior services that could benefit your business:

Every business has a different need when it comes to cleaning the exterior, and you may not know exactly what you need. That’s what the professionals are here for. Just get in touch and we’ll help you figure out exactly what you need. 

Refresh Your San Francisco Business Today

The New Year is quickly approaching, so don’t put off cleaning your business any longer. If you’re in the San Francisco area, contact ASF Clean Team for all of your commercial cleaning needs. Our team has the proper training and equipment to do the job right the first time. You and your business will be ready for a fresh start in the New Year.

How We Remove Graffiti from Storefronts

We’ve all been there. You get to work early in the morning, ready to start your day, and there is graffiti all over your windows. Whether they’re obscenities or nice messages, graffiti is not the look alpha pharma you want for your business. But, you don’t have time to clean it before it’s time for your store to open, so you just have to leave it for the day and try to deal with it later. What if you could have kept the graffiti from damaging your actual building in the first place? Here’s how we remove (and prevent!) graffiti from storefronts.

Removing the Graffiti Quickly

If you’ve ever dealt with graffiti before, you know the key to removing it is to remove it quickly. Not only does it not look good for your business, but in the absolute worst-case scenario, you could have to replace your windows due to the damage. We don’t want that to happen. When you call ASF Clean Team for graffiti removal, we will do our best to be there within 48 hours. This way, you don’t have to deal with it too long, and it shouldn’t cause irreversible damage to your storefront.

We will remove the graffiti by power washing your storefront. With graffiti, we must use a bit of chemicals to remove the paint, but they are safe for your windows.

Stop the Damage Before It Happens

Okay, so we can’t stop people from actually spraying graffiti on your storefront. As much as we would love to, it’s just not possible. But, we can help stop the damage before it happens. In order to prevent graffiti, we recommend Avery Dennison® Universal Anti Graffiti Films. This is a clear film that goes on your windows to protect them from the paint; you won’t even notice it. If you unfortunately arrive to graffiti on your storefront, you can just easily clean it yourself with whatever cleaning supplies you have on hand.

We do not currently offer this service. However, we’re hoping to offer this service again in the future, so please check back with us if you are interested in graffiti prevention!

Get Ready to Prevent Graffiti Today

Now that you know how we remove (and prevent!) graffiti from storefronts, don’t wait to call ASF Clean Team for help. The longer you wait, the more likely you’ll find the dreaded graffiti on your store in the morning. Get ahead of it now and get in a bid to install anti-graffiti film on your storefront. That way, the next time you find graffiti, it’s not nearly as much of a pain. But if you do need help removing graffiti, give us a call, and we’ll be there as soon as we can.