Types of Stains That Need Professinal Cleaning

Gloeocapsa Magma

Understanding Gloeocapsa magma

Gloeocapsa magma is a species of cyanobacteria, commonly found on residential roofs and exterior surfaces, particularly in warm and humid regions. Despite often being mistaken for mold or dirt, this organism is a photosynthetic bacteria that thrives in moisture-rich environments. It appears as dark streaks or blotches—most commonly seen on asphalt shingle roofs—and spreads rapidly once established.

Unlike algae or surface-level contaminants, Gloeocapsa magma actually feeds on the limestone filler used in many roofing materials. Over time, this not only mars the appearance of your home but also leads to premature aging and degradation of the affected surfaces.

Key Facts About Gloeocapsa magma:

It is a type of cyanobacteria, not mold or algae, and spreads through airborne spores.
It feeds on limestone (calcium carbonate) in asphalt shingles, gradually breaking down roofing material.
The black discoloration it creates is actually a protective UV-resistant sheath that shields the bacteria from sunlight.
It thrives in shaded, humid environments, especially on north-facing roofs.
Once established, it can spread quickly to nearby areas, including neighboring homes and other surfaces.
The presence of Gloeocapsa magma leads to retained moisture and higher roof temperatures, accelerating shingle decay and increasing energy costs.
Its appearance lowers curb appeal and property value, often giving the impression of a neglected home.

Why Soft Washing Is the Best Treatment

Soft washing is a cleaning method that uses low-pressure water combined with specialized cleaning solutions to kill and remove organic contaminants like Gloeocapsa magma at the root—without causing surface damage.

Key Benefits of Soft Washing for Gloeocapsa magma Removal:

Soft washing eliminates the bacteria at the molecular level, preventing rapid regrowth.
It uses no high-pressure force, reducing the risk of surface damage to shingles, siding, and sealants.
The results are longer-lasting than standard pressure washing, as soft washing treats the underlying cause, not just the visible stain.
Solutions used are biodegradable and safe for your roof, landscaping, pets, and surrounding environment when applied professionally.
It is a cost-effective preventative treatment, extending the life of roofing materials and delaying expensive replacements.
It helps improve energy efficiency, as removing the dark streaks allows your roof to reflect rather than absorb heat.
Most importantly, it restores curb appeal, giving your home a clean, well-maintained appearance.

Why Acting Early Matters

Because Gloeocapsa magma spreads and worsens over time, early detection and treatment are essential. If left untreated, it can shorten the lifespan of your roof by years and lead to costly repairs. Soft washing not only restores the look of your home but also protects your investment by treating the root cause safely and effectively.

Efflorescence

What Is Efflorescence?

Efflorescence is a white, powdery deposit commonly found on brick, concrete, stucco, pavers, and masonry surfaces. It forms when water moves through porous building materials, dissolving salts within. As the moisture reaches the surface and evaporates, it leaves behind those salts, creating a chalky residue that can dull the appearance of your property.

While it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, efflorescence can be a sign of deeper moisture problems and can damage surfaces over time if not addressed correctly.

Why Efflorescence Should Be Professionally Soft Washed:

Preserves Structural Integrity: Removing efflorescence can prevent long-term moisture buildup and damage to masonry or concrete surfaces.
Enhances Curb Appeal: The white stains can make surfaces look aged or neglected. Soft washing restores a clean, fresh look.
Avoids Surface Damage: DIY scrubbing or pressure washing can cause pitting or erosion. Soft washing uses low pressure and safe chemical solutions.
Targets the Source: Professional soft washing not only removes visible residue but also treats underlying mineral and moisture issues to help prevent recurrence.
Environmentally Responsible: Expert soft washing uses biodegradable cleaning agents that are safe for your property and landscaping.
Protects Your Investment: Routine professional cleaning helps maintain the value and appearance of hardscape elements on your property.

Algae

What is Algae?
Algae is a simple, plant-like organism that thrives in moist, shaded environments. Unlike moss or mold, algae do not have true roots, stems, or leaves. Instead, they absorb water and nutrients directly from the surface they inhabit. The most common type found on roofs and siding is green algae, scientifically known as Chlorophyta. This organism is especially common in humid climates and on north-facing surfaces where sunlight is minimal. Algae can appear as green, brown, or even black streaks on surfaces like asphalt shingles, stucco, vinyl, concrete, and brick.

Though it may seem harmless at first glance, algae can retain moisture, which leads to long-term material degradation. For example, on roofs, the presence of algae can trap moisture and cause shingle granule loss, which reduces the life span of the roofing material. On walkways or patios, algae can cause slick surfaces that become safety hazards.

Why It’s Harmful and How We Clean It

Causes discoloration and staining
Retains moisture, leading to material decay
Creates slippery surfaces that are hazardous
Can harbor bacteria and mold over time

Soft Washing Solution:
Soft washing is ideal for removing algae because it uses a low-pressure system combined with environmentally safe algaecides. The detergent breaks down the cellular structure of the algae and penetrates biofilms to kill growth at the root. This prevents regrowth and restores the appearance of your exterior surfaces without damaging siding, shingles, or paint.

Mold

What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in multicellular filaments called hyphae. It thrives in damp, warm environments and reproduces through airborne spores, which can settle on almost any surface. Outdoors, mold commonly appears on siding, fences, decks, concrete, and roofs—especially in shaded areas that retain moisture. Mold varies in appearance, presenting in shades of green, black, brown, or even orange, and often has a fuzzy or blotchy texture.

What makes mold particularly concerning is its impact on health. Mold exposure can lead to allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and skin irritation. On the structural side, mold accelerates the degradation of porous materials like wood, stucco, and masonry by feeding on organic matter.

Why It’s Harmful and How We Clean It

Triggers allergic reactions and respiratory issues
Degrades building materials
Leaves permanent staining if untreated
Spreads easily to other surfaces

Soft Washing Solution:
Soft washing is essential for mold removal. The detergents used in soft washing contain fungicides that destroy mold spores at the root level. Unlike pressure washing, which can scatter mold spores and damage surfaces, soft washing gently cleans and sanitizes, making it the safest and most effective method for mold remediation on homes and businesses.

Oxidation

What is Oxidation?
Oxidation occurs when metal, paint, or siding reacts with oxygen, often accelerated by UV exposure, moisture, and air pollutants. On home exteriors, it’s most commonly seen on aluminum or painted metal siding where the surface develops a dull, chalky film. This powdery residue is a clear sign that the surface is breaking down. Oxidation can also affect window frames, railings, and gutters—any area exposed to the elements over time.

Oxidation doesn’t just affect aesthetics—it signals material degradation. In painted or coated surfaces, oxidation breaks down protective layers, making the surface more susceptible to corrosion, fading, and cracking. This is especially common in older homes with aluminum siding or aging exterior paint jobs.

Why It’s Harmful and How We Clean It

Causes dull, faded, and chalky appearance
Signals breakdown of protective coatings
Can lead to corrosion if untreated
Diminishes property curb appeal

Soft Washing Solution:
Soft washing uses oxidation-specific cleaning solutions designed to emulsify and lift the chalky residue from surfaces without scrubbing or abrasion. By gently rinsing the oxidized film away and neutralizing surface pH, soft washing restores vibrancy to faded exteriors and helps prepare surfaces for potential repainting or sealing.

Lichen

What is Lichen?
Lichen is a symbiotic organism composed of both fungi and algae (or cyanobacteria). It forms dense, crusty growths on exterior surfaces such as roofs, stone, trees, and fences. Lichen attaches firmly and can appear in a variety of colors—green, gray, black, yellow, or even orange—depending on its species and the surrounding environment. It thrives in humid and shaded locations and spreads slowly but persistently.

What makes lichen problematic is its ability to root into surfaces. On roofing shingles, for instance, lichen can wedge itself between granules and cause granule loss, leading to premature aging. On stone or concrete, it holds moisture and can contribute to cracking or erosion over time.

Why It’s Harmful and How We Clean It

Strong root system can damage surfaces
Retains moisture, speeding up decay
Causes discoloration and staining
Difficult to remove with traditional methods

Soft Washing Solution:
Soft washing is one of the few methods that can safely remove lichen without causing damage. Specialized biocides are used to kill the organism and weaken its hold on the surface. After treatment, the lichen dries and naturally detaches over time, often flaking off within days or weeks. This non-aggressive method preserves surface integrity and prevents regrowth.

Oil Stains

What are oil stains?

Oil stains are one of the most common and stubborn contaminants found on driveways, parking lots, garages, and commercial pavements. These stains are typically caused by leaking motor oil, hydraulic fluids, transmission fluid, or other petroleum-based products from vehicles and machinery. Once spilled, oil penetrates porous surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, brick, and stone, creating dark, greasy discolorations that are not only unsightly but also problematic from a safety and property value standpoint.

Oil seeps deep into the substrate, bonding with the pores of the surface and resisting standard cleaning methods. Over time, these stains can oxidize and harden, making them even more difficult to remove. More critically, oil can degrade concrete sealants, contribute to surface breakdown, and create slippery conditions, increasing the risk of slips and falls. This is particularly concerning in high-traffic areas like walkways and commercial entry points, where liability becomes a serious issue. If left untreated, oil stains can also signal neglect, which may affect curb appeal and lead to lower property value — especially in residential and retail environments.

How Pressure Washing Removes Oil Stains

Because oil penetrates so deeply, removing it requires more than just soap and water. Pressure washing is the most effective method for deep-cleaning oil-stained surfaces, especially when combined with industrial-grade degreasers. Unlike soft washing, which is designed for delicate surfaces and organic growth, pressure washing utilizes high PSI (pounds per square inch) to blast away embedded contaminants, breaking up the oil bonds and flushing them out from deep within the pores of the surface.

Our process begins by applying an eco-friendly degreasing agent that breaks down the oil at a chemical level, loosening it from the surface. Once the degreaser has time to dwell, we follow up with a high-pressure surface cleaner designed specifically for concrete and flatwork. This machine evenly distributes water at the correct pressure to lift and extract the oil residue without damaging the underlying surface. For particularly stubborn or old stains, we may repeat the process or use hot water systems for additional cleaning power, depending on the surface type and environmental considerations.