Restore your home's exterior surfaces to their best with professional-grade power and soft washing done right, the first time.
Algae, mold, mildew, and ground-in grime don't just look bad: they actively degrade exterior surfaces over time. Power washing and soft washing are two of the most cost-effective ways to extend the life of your siding, deck, driveway, and fence.
For Altona Painting, washing is the critical first step before any exterior paint job. Painting over a dirty surface is one of the most common reasons exterior paint fails prematurely. We never skip it.
From concrete driveways to cedar siding, we use the right method — power washing or soft washing — for each surface. One approach does not fit all.
Vinyl, wood, fibre cement, and brick... we remove algae blooms, oxidation, and years of built-up grime from exterior walls using appropriate pressure settings for each material.
Concrete and interlocking brick driveways accumulate oil stains, tire marks, and biological growth. We restore them to a clean, uniform finish that makes an immediate impression.
Weathered wood and composite decking benefit enormously from a thorough clean before staining or sealing. We prepare the surface so your finish actually bonds and lasts.
Wood, vinyl, and metal fences collect mildew and discolouration. A proper clean extends their lifespan and refreshes your yard's perimeter without the cost of replacement.
Before any exterior painting project, we power wash the surfaces to be painted. This ensures the paint bonds correctly and the finish lasts. It's non-negotiable preparation.
Storefronts, office buildings, and retail spaces benefit from a regular clean to maintain a professional appearance. We accommodate after-hours scheduling to avoid disruption.
Not every surface should be blasted at full pressure. High-pressure washing on the wrong material can force water behind siding, strip wood grain, damage roof shingles, or void manufacturer warranties. That's where soft washing comes in.
Power washing uses high-pressure water — typically 1,500–2,000+ PSI — to strip stubborn grime from hard surfaces like concrete driveways, interlocking brick, and stone. It's fast, effective, and ideal for hardscape.
Soft washing uses low pressure — around 150–500 PSI — combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions that break down mold, algae, mildew, and organic growth at the source. Because it kills the biology rather than just blasting it off, the results last significantly longer. It's the right choice for painted wood siding, vinyl cladding, fences, roofs, and any surface where high pressure would cause damage.
Through our partnership with Canadian Restorations GTA, our soft washing services are handled by a dedicated specialist, meaning you get expert technique on every surface type, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Every exterior painting project we take on includes thorough surface washing as part of our standard preparation — power washing or soft washing depending on the surface. Clean surface, better bond, longer-lasting paint.
See Our Exterior Painting ServiceTiming matters in Ontario's climate. Here's when we see the biggest impact from each cleaning visit.
Best overall timing. Remove road salt residue, winter grime, and early algae growth before the warm season sets in.
Any time you're prepping for exterior painting. Never paint over a dirty surface — it's the fastest way to shorten paint life.
Clean off the season's algae and pollen before you head into fall. Good timing for deck maintenance and pre-staining prep.
A clean exterior dramatically improves curb appeal before listing. One of the highest-ROI improvements for a property refresh.
We use commercial-grade pressure washers — not the consumer units from Home Depot. The difference in cleaning power and efficiency is significant.
We assess every surface before we touch it — matching the right method to the right material. Hardscape gets pressure. Siding, fences, and roofing get the soft wash treatment. No guesswork, no damage.
Every project is covered by our full liability insurance and WSIB compliance. You're protected throughout — no exceptions.
Booking power washing alongside an exterior paint project? We coordinate both seamlessly and include surface prep in our painting quotes.
How long does a standard power washing visit take?
For an average residential home exterior, expect 2–4 hours for power washing. Soft washing can be faster as it relies on cleaning solutions doing the work rather than physical scrubbing. Driveway cleaning alone is typically 1–2 hours. We'll give you a specific time estimate when we quote.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
Not necessarily, but we ask that windows and doors are closed and outdoor furniture is moved or accessible for us to move. A walkthrough before we start is helpful but not required.
Will power washing damage my plants or garden?
We take care to protect landscaping during cleaning — covering or rinsing plants near work areas and directing runoff away from garden beds. We're conscious of your property throughout.
Can you remove oil stains from my driveway?
Power washing significantly reduces oil stain visibility on concrete driveways, especially with a degreasing pre-treatment. Deep, set-in stains may not fully disappear, but the improvement is typically dramatic.
How soon after power washing can I paint?
Surfaces need to dry completely before painting — typically 24–48 hours in warm weather, longer in cooler or humid conditions. We coordinate the timing between washing and painting to ensure the best adhesion.
Altona Painting provides power washing services across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville, Uxbridge, Port Perry, Newcastle, Peterborough, Cobourg, Port Hope, Newtonville, Etobicoke, Leslieville, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Whitchurch-Stouffville. Based in Ajax, we serve residential and commercial clients across Durham Region, Northumberland County, and the Central and Eastern Greater Toronto Area.
Book a free estimate for power washing or soft washing — standalone or combined with an exterior painting project.
Book a Free Estimate
647-370-7239
michaelcappa@altonapainting.com
Ajax, ON
Serving the following areas:
Durham Region: Pickering • Ajax • Whitby • Oshawa • Courtice • Bowmanville • Uxbridge • Port Perry • Newcastle
Kawartha Lakes: Lindsay • Bobcaygeon • Fenelon Falls • Peterborough
Northumberland: Cobourg • Newtonville • Port Hope
Toronto: Etobicoke • Leslieville • Scarborough
York: Markham • Richmond Hill • Vaughan • Whitchurch-Stouffville