After the Storm, a Safer Way to Clean Your Exterior
Category: Cleanup Guidance
After storms, fires, and flooding, the cleanup order matters as much as the cleaning. Public agencies in California give consistent advice for ash, soot, mud, and debris on driveways, walkways, patios, siding, and doors. Here is the short version.
Soft wash vs. Pressure wash
Soft washing or a gentle low-pressure rinse is usually the first choice for lightly dirty surfaces. It removes loose material while being gentler on the surface.
Pressure washing makes sense only for durable surfaces after loose debris is removed, and only when the wash water can be contained and disposed of properly.
Dry sweeping and leaf blowers are not recommended for ash or fine soot, because they put particles back in the air.
A safer sequence
Check for hazards first. Skip areas with unstable walls, sharp debris, electrical hazards, or suspected contamination, and call a qualified contractor or local authorities.
Wear basic protection: an N95 mask, gloves, eye protection, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes.
Mist ash or dust lightly, collect larger debris, and bag it for disposal following local instructions.
Clean with low water first: a gentle hose rinse, then damp wiping with mild soap if needed.
Keep wash water out of storm drains. Drains lead to waterways, not a treatment plant.
For heavy soot, caked mud, fragile surfaces, or areas near drains, bring in a pro who can protect drains and control runoff.
If your property needs exterior cleanup after the storms, we're available to help.
