Protecting plants, pets and windows when your house gets washed

The question homeowners ask most before a house wash is rarely about the siding. It's about the azaleas. Or the boxwoods, the hydrangeas along the porch, the new sod, the vegetable bed, the dog. A cleaning that leaves the house spotless and the landscaping dead is not a good trade, and most people reasonably worry about it.

The good news is that plant and lawn damage is mostly preventable with a few simple steps on both sides. Here's what that looks like around Marietta, Acworth and the other towns north and west of Atlanta.

Why plants get hurt at all

There are two ways a wash can harm landscaping. The first is the cleaning solution itself. Products meant to break down algae and mildew can burn leaves and stress roots if they land in concentration and sit there. The second is force. A hard stream of water can strip bark from young shrubs, tear soft leaves and blast mulch and pine straw out of the beds, which leaves roots exposed.

Neither problem is mysterious. Both come down to care: how the solution is mixed and applied, how the beds are treated before and after, and whether the person holding the wand is paying attention to what's beside the wall.

What a customer in Acworth said

One of Soldiers Elite's customers, Stacey L of Acworth, had heavy mold and mildew on her siding. Her published words about the job:

"My house had a lot of mold and mildew on the siding and was happy to see that Ray not only used chemicals that didn't kill my plants and grass, but was very professional" (Stacey L, Acworth, Ga)

That is the outcome to ask any contractor about before you book. It's reasonable to say, "I have plants against this wall. What will you do to protect them?" and to expect a clear answer.

What you can do the day before

• Move potted plants, hanging baskets, garden art and patio furniture away from the walls.
• Take down anything fragile that's attached to the house, like wind chimes, wreaths and bird feeders.
• Point out any new plantings, delicate perennials or sod that's still rooting in.
• Put away toys, tools and hoses so the crew can walk the whole perimeter.
• Close and latch every window, and check the screens for tears.

What to tell the crew when they arrive

Walk the property with whoever is leading the job, even if it only takes five minutes. Point out the plants you care about most and say which ones you'd hate to lose. Mention any irrigation heads, outdoor outlets or light fixtures that aren't sealed well. Flag the vegetable garden or the herb pots, because anything you plan to eat deserves a more careful conversation.

A common practice among careful contractors is to rinse nearby plants with fresh water before and after the cleaning, which dilutes any solution that drifts over. Many also cover or shield the most delicate plants. Ask what the plan is for yours. A thoughtful answer tells you more than a promise does.

Windows, doors, pets and kids

Closing windows before the wash isn't just for dry floors. Water pushed upward toward a window seal can find a gap you didn't know you had. Check the weatherstripping on doors and make sure the garage door is closed and sealed at the bottom. Turn off any outdoor outlets that you don't need and cover exterior light fixtures if they don't look watertight.

If you have a window unit air conditioner, take it out the day before or tell the crew it's there. They'll need to work around it.

Keep dogs and cats indoors for the duration of the job. Wet surfaces are slippery, hoses and wands look like toys, and a nervous animal can bolt through an open gate. If you have a fenced yard, make sure the gate is closed and let the crew know so no one opens it by mistake. Children should stay inside, too, until the work is done and the ground has dried.

Cleaning solution should be fully rinsed from walls and surfaces before pets go back out. Ask when it's safe to let them out, and wait for that answer.

The standard to hold a contractor to

Soldiers Elite publishes its philosophy in plain terms: "We operate on values that are essential to being successful in life. With this in mind, we will take care of you from start to finish and this extreme care and respect will extend to your property and surroundings." The company is owned by Army combat veteran Raymond Miley and employs veterans and National Guard members. You shouldn't take any contractor's words on faith, this one's included. Ask the questions, watch how the crew treats your yard in the first ten minutes and expect them to take your concerns seriously.

If you're planning a house wash and want to talk through your landscaping first, call Ray at (678) 203-2912 or use the contact page. Tell him what's growing along the walls.