05/26/2026
One of the biggest mistakes I see in this industry is people blasting cedar shingles with heavy sodium hypochlorite mixes trying to “soft wash” them.
Yes… bleach will instantly brighten the wood.But what most homeowners DON’T understand is what happens after.
Overuse of sodium hypochlorite on cedar can:• Dry the wood out• Strip natural oils• Cause premature deterioration• Lead to fuzzing and fiber damage• Shorten the lifespan of the shingles• Leave the wood looking unnatural and uneven over time
Not every surface should be treated the same way just because it’s “faster.”
This is why experience matters.
At AWP, we believe in understanding the material BEFORE touching it. Cedar is a natural wood product and should be treated with methods designed to CLEAN and PRESERVE it — not just bleach it until it looks good for a Facebook picture.
Anybody can make something look clean for one day.A professional thinks about how it’s going to look and hold up months and years later.
Make sure you know who you’re hiring for your home.Cheap shortcuts can become expensive repairs.
Top down and on the ground.-AWP Exterior Cleaning LLC