Older brick and stucco near Old Town Fairfax that needs gentler, earlier attention than vinyl siding
Service areas / Fairfax County
Exterior cleaning in Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax’s older brick and stucco near Old Town need a gentler soft wash — pressure on aging mortar causes damage that doesn’t show up until later.
Get a free quote (703) 382-5848
★★★★★ 5.0 rating · 145 reviews · Licensed & insured
145five-star reviews
4 yrsserving Northern Virginia
Licensed& fully insured
Soft washsafe on roofs & siding
Local conditions
What we see most in Fairfax
Mature tree canopy driving heavier shade and algae growth in established neighborhoods
A mix of residential and small commercial/institutional work near downtown and George Mason University
Roof soft washing on older asphalt shingle roofs showing years of algae buildup
Most requested
Services for Fairfax properties
House soft washing
We clean vinyl, HardiePlank, brick, stucco, and painted siding using low pressure and a cleaning solution rather than force.
Roof cleaning
Black streaks on a Northern Virginia roof are Gloeocapsa magma, an algae that feeds on limestone filler in asphalt shingles.
Commercial
We work with HOAs, property management companies, and commercial property owners across Fairfax and Loudoun on scheduled exterior cleaning — building washing, sidewalks, parking structures, dumpster pads, amenity areas, and courts.
About the area
Exterior cleaning conditions in Fairfax
Fairfax is one of the older cores of Northern Virginia — the independent City of Fairfax sits at the county’s center, with a historic Old Town district of 18th- and 19th-century brick storefronts and homes, and George Mason University anchoring the area just south of downtown. That history means Fairfax has a wider mix of building ages and materials than the newer subdivisions further out: established brick colonials from the mid-20th century alongside student and faculty housing, offices, and newer infill construction.
Brick and older stucco behave differently than the vinyl siding common in newer neighborhoods. Brick is porous, and algae or mildew that sits on it too long can work into the surface and leave a stain that does not fully lift even after cleaning — which is why older Fairfax brick tends to need attention sooner rather than later. Stucco holds moisture longer than vinyl too, so it stays hospitable to algae growth for longer stretches after a wet week.
Mature tree canopy is another constant in Fairfax’s older, established neighborhoods near downtown, and Fairfax also brings a fair amount of institutional and small commercial work given the concentration of offices and university-adjacent buildings around downtown and George Mason.
Common questions
Fairfax FAQs
Is pressure washing safe on old Fairfax brick?
High pressure on aged brick and mortar can erode the mortar joints and drive water into the wall. We use a low-pressure soft wash on brick for exactly that reason.
Do you clean commercial or office buildings near downtown Fairfax?
Yes. We take on sidewalks, entryways, and building exteriors for offices and property managers near downtown and George Mason, usually on a recurring schedule.
Do you serve all of Fairfax?
Yes. We serve residential and commercial properties throughout Fairfax and the surrounding area. If your property is close by but falls just outside the city boundary, contact us and we will confirm availability.
How much does exterior cleaning cost in Fairfax?
Pricing depends on the surface, square footage, access, and the amount of buildup present. We provide a free written quote before work begins, usually within one business day.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Velocity Washers is fully licensed and insured. We can provide a certificate of insurance when needed for commercial properties, HOAs, or property managers.
Will soft washing harm my plants or landscaping?
No. We pre-wet surrounding landscaping, use the appropriate solution strength for the surface, and rinse plants again when the work is complete.
What is the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?
Soft washing uses a cleaning solution at low pressure and is the right method for roofs, siding, painted surfaces, and older masonry. Pressure is reserved for durable hard surfaces such as suitable concrete.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
Usually not, as long as we can access the work area and have confirmed the scope in advance. We will let you know if we need anything from you before the visit.
How long does a typical exterior cleaning visit take?
Most residential projects are completed in one visit. The exact timing depends on the size of the property, the surfaces being cleaned, and the level of buildup.
What happens if weather affects my appointment?
We monitor weather closely. If rain, wind, or temperatures make the work unsuitable, we will contact you and reschedule for the next appropriate opening.
Is it safe for children and pets?
We ask that people and pets stay clear of the work area while we clean and until the surfaces have been thoroughly rinsed and dried. We will let you know when it is ready to use again.
Do you need access to an outdoor water connection?
In most cases, yes. We will confirm access requirements when we prepare your quote and let you know ahead of time if anything different is needed.
How often should I clean my Fairfax property?
Most properties benefit from annual exterior cleaning. Homes with dense tree cover, limited sun, or persistent moisture may need attention more often to keep algae and mildew from building up.
Can you clean more than one exterior surface during the same visit?
Yes. Roofs, siding, concrete, decks, windows, and other exterior surfaces can often be quoted together so the work is coordinated in one visit where practical.
How do I get started?
Use the quote form, call, or text us with a few details about the property and the surfaces you want cleaned. We will review the request and provide a clear written quote.
Free quote
Get a quote in Fairfax
Written quote within one business day.