As homeowners in Tallahassee, Florida, we love our pets. They’re part of the family. We also know that our humid climate means homes are constantly under attack from algae, mildew, and other organic growth. The best way to treat this is with a professional Soft Wash House Washing, which uses a specialized algaecide to clean the surface.
This leads to one of the most common and important questions we hear: “Is this process safe for my pets?”
The short answer is yes, the process is completely safe for your pets when the proper, professional precautions are taken. As a responsible company, pet safety is a core part of our cleaning process. Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps we follow to ensure your furry family members stay safe and happy.
1. Before the Cleaning: Setting Up for Safety
Preparation is the first step to a safe and effective clean. Before we begin, we ask homeowners to clear their porches, patios, and decks of all items. This includes furniture, rugs, and especially any pet toys, bedding, food bowls, or water dishes.
Removing these items is crucial for two reasons:
It ensures they don’t accidentally get sprayed.
It allows our team to thoroughly rinse the entire surface area, leaving no puddles or solution behind.
2. During the Cleaning: Keeping a Safe Distance
While we’re applying the cleaning solution and rinsing, all pets must be kept inside or in a secured area far away from the home’s exterior.
We know pets can be curious! Many like to “inspect” what’s going on or “assist” our technicians. While we love a friendly helper, it’s essential they stay clear of the work area to avoid getting dirt or our cleaning solution on their fur and paws.
What about potty breaks? If you need to walk your pet while we’re still working, we recommend walking them in the front yard if we’re in the back (or vice-versa). Be sure to walk them far away from the cleaning area and avoid letting them walk through any puddles.
This is especially important because our pets don’t wear shoes. A small, unknown cut on a paw that walks through even a mild cleaning solution could cause discomfort.
3. After the Cleaning: The “All-Clear” Signal
Once the house is sparkling clean, our team performs a final, thorough rinse of the siding, windows, and all flat surfaces we cleaned.
However, it’s still important to let these areas dry completely before letting your pets out to explore. Porches and patios, in particular, can take a little more time to dry. While the solution is heavily diluted, small puddles in these areas could still contain trace amounts of sodium hypochlorite (the algaecide).
The “all-clear” signal is when the surfaces are completely dry. At that point, the cleaning solution has been neutralized and rinsed away, and your exterior is 100% safe for your pets to enjoy.
Your Family’s Safety is Our Priority
At Hot Water Pressure Washing, we treat your property—and your pets—with the same care we use for our own. If you have any questions about our pet-safe procedures or would like a free estimate for your home in the Tallahassee, Florida area, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Nick LoomisOwner-Operator
Since 2012, Nick Loomis of Hot Water Pressure Washing has been a trusted expert in Tallahassee's pressure washing industry. With over a decade of experience, he's passionate about two things: delivering incredible results for his customers and finding innovative solutions to do the job right.
