Is Roof and Siding Wash Safe for My Pets and Plants?

By Top Dawg Pressure Wash Blog 0 Comments

If you’re like most homeowners, you want your home to shine—but not at the expense of your garden or your furry friends. So when you hear that soft washing includes chlorine-based solutions, it’s natural to wonder:
Is it really safe for my pets, plants, and property?

The good news? When handled properly by professionals, soft washing is not only effective—it’s also safe. At Top Dawg Pressure Wash, we understand these concerns and take every possible precaution to protect the things you care about.

Let’s break it all down—what we use, why we use it, and how we make sure your home is cleaned without any compromise on safety.

Why Is Chlorine Used in Soft Washing

Soft washing relies on a chlorine-based cleaning solution—specifically, sodium hypochlorite, the same active ingredient found in pool treatments and household bleach. It’s widely used across the industry because it’s one of the most effective ways to eliminate organic growth like moss, algae, mildew, and bacteria.

When applied properly, sodium hypochlorite doesn’t just clean the surface—it treats the problem at its source. That means your roof and siding stay cleaner for longer, with fewer chances of regrowth.

At Top Dawg Pressure Wash, we apply a carefully diluted solution using soft wash systems designed for safety and precision. The solution is strong enough to break down grime but gentle on your property and safe when handled by trained professionals.

📞 Call Top Dawg Pressure Wash at (778) 539-8948 to learn how we deliver powerful results—without putting your home, garden, or pets at risk.

Our Safety-First Process: How We Protect What Matters

We’ve built our entire cleaning approach around the idea of maximizing results while minimizing risk. Every member of our team is trained not just in how to clean—but how to protect your pets, plants, and property every step of the way.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Pet Safety Is a Priority

We always recommend keeping pets indoors during and immediately after the service. It’s a simple step that eliminates risk from chemical exposure or runoff.
After the wash, we thoroughly rinse any accessible surfaces to remove any residual cleaning solution before pets return outdoors.
If you have pet bowls, toys, or enclosures in the yard, we’ll move or cover them to keep everything safe and dry.

2. Landscaping and Garden Protection

Before we begin, we wet down all surrounding plants and shrubs. This saturates the soil and helps prevent chlorine absorption through the roots.
During application, one technician is assigned to rinse plants constantly with clean water. This acts as a barrier and buffer for any possible overspray.
If you have sensitive plants, flowers, or vegetable gardens, we’ll cover them with breathable tarps to prevent contact with the solution.

What About Property Protection?

We don’t just stop with pets and plants—we also take steps to protect your home’s features and finishes.

Outlets, doorbells, and cameras are taped and sealed to prevent moisture from getting in.
We move or tarp furniture, cushions, and grills so nothing is exposed to chemicals or overspray.
Our soft wash systems are designed to apply cleaning solution gently, without using pressure that could blow water behind siding or damage delicate surfaces.

And yes—this includes siding materials like vinyl, Hardie board, stucco, cement board, and wood. Each is safely cleaned using custom-diluted solutions tailored to the surface type.

Why DIY Soft Washing Can Be Risky

If you’ve ever considered doing your own soft wash with store-bought bleach or rented sprayers, consider this: improper application is where risks begin.

DIYers often over-concentrate their solutions, leading to leaf burn, lawn spots, or pet hazards.
Without a dedicated rinse tech, it’s easy to forget to soak or re-soak nearby landscaping.
Pressure settings are frequently misjudged—even “light” pressure from a pressure washer can blow water behind siding or damage paint and sealants.
Most importantly, homeowners rarely have the training to balance safety and effectiveness, which is crucial when using sodium hypochlorite.

The safest choice? Let a trained professional handle it. At Top Dawg, soft washing isn’t just our job—it’s our specialty.

“But It’s Still Chlorine—Should I Be Worried?”

It’s important to remember: chlorine is only dangerous when misused. What makes our service safe is how we apply it.

We use a low-concentration solution, typically between 3–6% sodium hypochlorite—far less than pool shock and properly diluted for exterior use. It’s powerful enough to break down mold and grime but safe when applied by a trained technician.

And most importantly, we never leave it to sit where it can cause harm. Everything is rinsed down, neutralized, and left looking better than ever—without residue, streaks, or risks.

What Homeowners Can Expect During the Service

We make the process as smooth as possible, with a focus on safety and transparency.

Before we begin, we’ll walk through your property and identify areas that need protection or special handling.
We’ll explain how long pets should remain indoors (typically 1–2 hours after the job is finished).
You’ll see our team actively moving furniture, covering sensitive areas, and spot-checking plant zones throughout the service.
After the wash, we’ll take a final walkthrough, ensure all rinsing is complete, and answer any questions you have about re-entry or outdoor use.

FAQs: Pet, Plant, and Property Safety

Is chlorine harmful to pets?

Only if they come into direct contact with it. Our team ensures pets stay inside and surfaces are thoroughly rinsed before they return.

What happens if plants get sprayed?

Accidental exposure can cause wilting, but we prevent this by soaking plants in water first and rinsing continuously during the job.

Do you cover outlets and electronics?

Yes. We tape, seal, or cover outlets, doorbells, cameras, and other electronics to protect them from any moisture or mist.

How soon can my pets go outside again?

We recommend waiting 1–2 hours after cleaning is complete and the surfaces have dried. We’ll confirm this with you before we leave.

What if my dog drinks from a puddle after cleaning?

We rinse and dry surfaces thoroughly, but it’s best to wait 1–2 hours before letting pets back out to avoid this risk altogether.

Final Thoughts: Safe. Thorough. Trusted.

Your home deserves to shine—and your pets, plants, and property deserve to be protected in the process.

With Top Dawg Pressure Wash, you get all the benefits of powerful exterior cleaning without the worry. From start to finish, our safety-first approach ensures a spotless home and total peace of mind.

Soft washing doesn’t have to mean harsh treatment. When handled with expertise, it’s a gentle, highly effective way to clean—and it’s 100% safe when done right.

📞 Call Top Dawg Pressure Wash at (778) 539-8948 Ready for a worry-free clean? Let’s talk. We’re here to help.

Is Roof and Siding Wash Safe for My Pets and Plants?