Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to OCD Clean’s FAQ page! Here, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about our cleaning services to help you understand what we offer and how we operate. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

General Questions

We offer residential and commercial Soft/Pressure Washing for homes, windows, driveways, patios, decks, siding, and other exteriors, plus professional concrete cleaning for driveways and patios.

Our estimates are based on the square footage of the area. You can measure the length and width or use Google Maps, or simply give us approximate measurements and we’ll confirm on-site.

No charges are made before service. All payments are pre-authorized on your credit card but are only captured once the work is completed to your satisfaction.

Getting an estimate from OCD Clean is simple! Just go to this page Get An Estimate. After you submit your request, our team will get in touch by phone or email to go over your needs.

We proudly serve Powell River and its surrounding areas! We are committed to providing top-notch cleaning services to the vibrant communities around Powell River. Whether you need soft/pressure washing, concrete cleaning we bring our expertise and attention to detail to every job, ensuring your home or business looks its best. As a local business, we understand the unique needs of our community and strive to exceed your expectations with every service.

Measuring square footage is easy! Here’s a simple guide:

  • Concrete, patios, driveways: Multiply length × width.

  • Roofs or homes: Measure base area length × width.

  • Irregular shapes: Divide into rectangles, measure individually, then sum.

  • Fences: Measure total length around the perimeter.

Tip: If you’re unsure, just provide us with basic measurements or rough estimates, and our team can help refine the details when we arrive!

Want to try measuring with Google Maps? Check out this guide for help!

OCD Clean uses a range of professional cleaning agents to tackle dirt, mold, and mildew effectively. Our primary solutions include Sodium Percarbonate (oxygen bleach) and Sodium Hypochlorite, chosen based on the type of surface, level of staining, and project needs.

  • Sodium Percarbonate (oxygen bleach) is an eco-friendly option that breaks down into oxygen, water, and soda ash, leaving no harmful residues and making it safer for plants, soil, and surrounding areas.

  • Sodium Hypochlorite is an industry-standard disinfectant and stain remover used for stubborn mold, mildew, and heavy-duty exterior cleaning. We always apply it responsibly and safely, using proper dilution and rinsing techniques. We always apply it responsibly, protect surrounding plants and property, and minimize runoff. We also offer alternative eco-friendly solutions where possible. If you have any concerns, please let us know — we’re happy to discuss the safest, most effective option for your home.

Vinegar vs. Sodium Hypochlorite vs. Oxygenated Cleaners for Exterior Cleaning

Choosing the right cleaning solution is key for safely and effectively removing algae, mold, mildew, and stains from your property’s exterior. Here’s how these common options stack up for different surfaces like roofs, siding, and concrete.

1. Vinegar

  • Pros: Natural and biodegradable. Can help with light organic stains and small moss patches on vinyl siding, patio furniture, or garden features.
  • Cons: Not strong enough for heavy-duty cleaning jobs on roofs, concrete, or large siding areas. Requires scrubbing, which can damage delicate surfaces like shingle granules or painted finishes. Not practical for large jobs.
  • Best for: Small DIY spot treatments on garden features or lightly soiled vinyl siding. Not recommended for full roof or driveway cleaning.

2. Sodium Hypochlorite (Liquid Pool Chlorine or Bleach)

  • Pros: Industry-standard solution for exterior cleaning. Highly effective at killing mold, mildew, algae, and moss at the root, providing longer-lasting results. Works well for soft washing asphalt shingles, metal roofs, tile roofs, concrete driveways, walkways, brick, stone, stucco, and vinyl siding. Recommended by ARMA for asphalt shingles when properly diluted.
  • Cons: Must be used at the correct dilution to avoid surface damage. Typical final dilution: about 1% for house siding, 3–4% for roofs, and up to 3% for concrete. Requires careful application to protect landscaping and runoff areas.
  • Best for: Professional soft washing or pressure washing of all major exterior surfaces: roofs (shingles, metal, tile), siding (vinyl, wood, fiber cement), and hardscapes like concrete, stone, and pavers.

3. Oxygenated Cleaners (Sodium Percarbonate)

  • Pros: Eco-friendly alternative that uses oxygen bubbles to lift dirt, algae, and light stains. Safe for delicate areas and plants when used properly. Good option for wood decks, fences, and lightly soiled siding.
  • Cons: May not penetrate and kill tough black algae or deeply embedded mold as effectively as sodium hypochlorite. Often requires more scrubbing or repeat applications.
  • Best for: Homeowners who prefer a gentler approach for light cleaning on wood, decks, fences, and moderate staining on siding and patios.

Our Recommendation

For most exterior surfaces, a properly diluted sodium hypochlorite soft wash or pressure wash remains the most effective way to safely restore your property’s appearance and help prevent future growth. We tailor our mix ratios for each surface — using about 1% for siding, 3–4% for roofs (asphalt shingles, metal, tile), and up to 3% for concrete — always applied with professional-grade equipment, surfactants for better cling, and thorough rinsing to protect your landscaping.

Every job is done responsibly with the right technique — whether it’s a gentle soft wash for your home’s siding or a deep clean for driveways, patios, or your roof. Your home stays clean, protected, and looking its best, season after season.

Soft/Pressure Washing

Our team uses surface-specific settings to effectively clean surfaces like siding, decks, and driveways—without causing damage.

It’s generally recommended to schedule pressure/soft washing annually. However, the frequency can depend on factors like local climate, surface type, and the amount of dirt and debris build-up.

Absolutely. Our professional team uses the appropriate pressure settings and cleaning solutions for each surface, ensuring that your home is cleaned thoroughly without any damage.

OCD Clean uses a range of professional cleaning agents to tackle dirt, mold, and mildew effectively. Our primary solutions include Sodium Percarbonate (oxygen bleach) and Sodium Hypochlorite, chosen based on the type of surface, level of staining, and project needs.

  • Sodium Percarbonate (oxygen bleach) is an eco-friendly option that breaks down into oxygen, water, and soda ash, leaving no harmful residues and making it safer for plants, soil, and surrounding areas. This product is mainly used for cedar shake roofs and wooden decking and fences.

  • Sodium Hypochlorite is an industry-standard disinfectant and stain remover used for stubborn mold, mildew, and heavy-duty exterior cleaning. We always apply it responsibly and safely, using proper dilution and rinsing techniques. For your home’s exterior, we typically use a diluted solution of about 1% for siding and general house washing, around 3% for roof cleaning, and about 3% for concrete surfaces. This ensures we get excellent cleaning results without using the product at full strength, protecting your surfaces and surrounding areas.

Concrete Cleaning

We recommend having your concrete professionally cleaned at least once a year to maintain its appearance and prevent damage. However, the frequency may vary based on factors such as local climate, surface type, and the level of dirt and debris accumulation.

Yes — when needed, we use a carefully diluted sodium hypochlorite solution (commonly known as bleach). This is the industry standard for soft washing and roof cleaning because it’s the most effective way to remove mold, mildew, algae, and other organic growth. We always apply it responsibly, protect surrounding plants and property, and minimize runoff. We also offer alternative eco-friendly solutions where possible. If you have any concerns, please let us know — we’re happy to discuss the safest, most effective option for your home.

Payment and Policies

We offer two convenient ways to pay:

One-Time Payment: The full amount will be pre-authorized on your credit card before service. Payment is only processed once the work is complete and you’re satisfied.

Four-Month Payment Plan: Split the total into four equal monthly payments, starting after the job is finished.

Note: All payments are securely pre-authorized on your credit card in advance — this protects us from non-payment, ensures funds are available, and holds the authorization for up to seven days. Funds are only captured once the work is done.

Cancellation Policy:

Please cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.

You can cancel or pause your service at any time from within your account with no penalties. We ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid any charges.

If you are not satisfied with our service, please refer to our Refund Policy for details on how to request a refund. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to address any concerns promptly.

For any further questions or assistance, please reach out to us through our Contact Us page. Thank you for choosing OCD Clean!