5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Exterior Cleaning Company in Florida

Florida's exterior cleaning market ranges from legitimate, insured professionals with trained technicians to uninsured solo operators working from consumer-grade equipment purchased at the hardware store. The difference in quality, safety, and long-term outcome is significant — and because exterior cleaning involves working on your property with water, chemicals, and sometimes access to your roof, choosing the right company matters. These five questions will help you evaluate any exterior cleaning company before hiring.

1. "Do you carry general liability insurance, and can you provide a certificate?"

General liability insurance protects you if the cleaning company damages your property — a cracked window, pressure-blasted stucco, damaged roof tile, or damaged landscaping. An uninsured company that causes damage leaves you paying for repairs out of pocket. Any legitimate company will provide a certificate of insurance from their carrier on request. If a company resists or can't provide this, move on.

2. "Are your employees covered by workers' compensation insurance?"

If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, Florida law creates potential liability exposure for the homeowner. Workers' compensation coverage ensures that injured employees are covered by their employer's insurance rather than potentially making a claim against your homeowner's policy. Legitimate employers carry this coverage; companies using contractors or "subcontractors" without workers' comp are taking a risk that extends to your property.

3. "Will you soft wash my stucco walls or pressure wash them?"

This question immediately distinguishes knowledgeable professionals from amateurs. The correct answer is always soft washing for stucco and painted surfaces — high-pressure washing causes concrete and stucco damage. Any company that proposes to pressure wash your stucco walls, or that doesn't know what soft washing is, should not be cleaning your home's exterior.

4. "What cleaning solutions do you use, and are they biodegradable?"

Professional exterior cleaning uses sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or sodium percarbonate-based solutions for biological growth, often combined with surfactants. These are effective, industry-standard chemicals. The question reveals whether the company understands the chemistry they're using and whether they use appropriate concentrations. Companies that claim to clean with "just water" on biological growth are providing inferior results; companies that can't name their products may be using inappropriately harsh or uncontrolled chemistry.

5. "Can you provide references from the area?"

A company with a legitimate track record in your market can provide references without hesitation — or point you to Google reviews from identified local customers. Newer companies or those with poor track records often struggle with this question. Check Google reviews and ask specifically for references from the type of work you're requesting (roof cleaning, window cleaning, etc.).

Caldwell Clean answers yes to all five questions. Contact us for a free quote — call (937) 776-5094.