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FAQ
– Residential & Commercial Exterior Cleaning in Naperville, Downers Grove, Orland Park & the Chicagoland Suburbs

Whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, these FAQs cover everything you need to know about soft washing, roof cleaning, pressure washing, commercial exterior cleaning, and our full-service solutions across Chicagoland.

Residential FAQ (Homeowners)

General Services & Processes

What is soft washing vs. pressure washing?

Soft washing uses low pressure and specialized cleaning solutions to safely remove algae, mildew, mold, moss, lichen, and dirt from siding, roofs, stucco, cedar, and painted surfaces. It’s the safest cleaning method for homes in Naperville, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Orland Park, and surrounding suburbs.

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water and is best for durable surfaces such as concrete, pavers, stone, and brick.

What is the difference between power washing and pressure washing?

These terms are often used interchangeably. “Power washing” can refer to heated water, but in most residential settings they mean the same thing.

What services do you offer?

Streamline Softwash provides complete exterior cleaning throughout DuPage, Will, Cook & Lake Counties, including:

House Soft Washing
Roof Soft Washing
Window Cleaning
Concrete Cleaning & Sealing
Deck & Fence Cleaning
Gutter Cleaning & Gutter Brightening
Brick, Stone & Masonry Cleaning
Paver Cleaning
Driveway, Patio & Sidewalk Cleaning
Seasonal Snow Removal (Naperville, Bolingbrook, Orland Park, Downers Grove, Tinley Park)

How often should I wash my home?

Most homes benefit from yearly cleaning. Shaded or wooded properties (Darien, Lemont, Burr Ridge, Woodridge) may need cleaning every 8–12 months.

Safety & Property Protection

Are you insured and licensed?

Yes — we are fully licensed and insured for residential and commercial work across Cook, DuPage, Will & Lake Counties. This protects you and ensures professional results.

Will your solutions harm my plants or landscaping?

No. We protect landscaping by:

Pre-rinsing vegetation
Covering delicate plants when needed
Controlled solution application
Rinsing and neutralizing after treatment

Safe for properties in Naperville, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, and surrounding suburbs.

Will your process damage my siding, gutters, or roof?

No — our manufacturer-approved soft wash method uses very low pressure to prevent damage such as:

Etched siding
Damaged shingles
Blown window seals
Dented gutters


This protection is especially important for older homes in Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, La Grange, and Oak Brook.

Cleaning Results & Expectations

What can you remove?

We remove algae, mildew, mold, moss, lichen, black roof stains, dirt, grime, spider webs, gutter streaking, and more. Homes in shaded neighborhoods (Lisle, Palatine, Romeoville) especially benefit from regular soft washing.

Do you remove loose paint?

Yes — any failing paint may come off during washing. This indicates the paint was already deteriorating and needs repainting.

Can water get behind my siding?

With soft washing, this is extremely unlikely. We use low pressure and a downward spray angle to prevent intrusion — a common issue with inexperienced pressure washers.

How long before I see results on my roof?

Black algae: fades within days
Moss & lichen: require weather cycles to shed

Full clearing can take 4 weeks to 6–12 months, depending on severity and town (Naperville, Orland Park, Oak Brook, etc.).

Logistics & Payment

How long does service take?

Typically 1–3 hours, depending on home size and services.

Do I need to be home?

No. Just ensure:

Accessible water
Gates unlocked
Windows shut
Pets inside

 

We notify you before arrival and after completion.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept credit/debit, cash, check, and online payments. Payment due upon completion.

Commercial FAQ
(Businesses, HOAs & Property Managers)

Commercial Services Overview

What commercial services do you offer?

We provide complete exterior cleaning for:

Office Buildings
Retail Plazas & Storefronts
Restaurants
Warehouses & Industrial Buildings
Schools & Institutions
HOAs & Apartment Complexes
Parking Lots & Garages


Serving Naperville, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Schaumburg, Oak Brook, Palatine, Orland Park, Tinley Park, and more.

Do you offer recurring service plans?

Yes — monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual contracts. Ideal for property managers needing consistent exterior upkeep and predictable scheduling.

Commercial Safety, Insurance & Compliance

Are you fully insured for commercial work?

Yes — commercial liability, workers comp, and necessary COIs are provided upon request.

Can you work outside normal business hours?

Yes — early morning, nighttime, weekend, and low-traffic scheduling available.

Do you follow OSHA and commercial safety standards?

Absolutely — we use OSHA-compliant ladder practices, PPE, chemical-handling procedures, and slip-prevention protocols.

Commercial Operations & Logistics

Do you need water access?

Yes — we need access to a good, steady-flowing water supply on-site to complete commercial cleaning safely and effectively.

Can you clean multi-story buildings?

Yes — we use soft wash systems, lifts, and water-fed poles.

Do you offer emergency commercial services?

Yes — including graffiti removal, spill cleanup, dumpster pad sanitation, and snow/ice emergencies.

Commercial Results & Reporting

Do you provide before-and-after photos?

Yes — ideal for HOAs, facility managers, and corporate documentation.

What payment options are available?

Check, card, ACH, and Net-15 / Net-30 for approved accounts.

Do you provide W-9s, vendor paperwork & COIs?

Yes — all standard onboarding documents available.

Ready to Schedule Your Exterior Cleaning Service?

Whether you need soft washing, roof cleaning, commercial pressure washing, gutter cleaning, or full exterior cleaning for your home or business, Streamline Softwash delivers safe, reliable, high-quality results across the Chicagoland suburbs.

 

We proudly serve Naperville, Downers Grove, Orland Park, Oak Brook, Bolingbrook, Woodridge, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, and all surrounding communities.

Explore our full Service Area Hub to see coverage and nearby towns.

 

 View Our Full Service Area

Get a Free Quote Today

Have questions? Need pricing? Want to book your cleaning?

 

We make it simple:

 

  • Fast, no-pressure estimates

  • Clear communication

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Residential & commercial service

  • Fully insured & highly rated

 

 Call: (630) 895-0871

 Request a Free Quote Online

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