Can I just use bleach to kill algae?

Household bleach can kill surface algae but is not formulated for exterior surfaces. It can damage landscaping, discolor paint, and does not provide the residual protection of professional algaecides.

How fast does algae come back after pressure washing?

In Florida, pressure-washed surfaces typically show new algae growth within 3-6 months because the spores were not killed.

Is algae dangerous to my home?

Algae itself is not structurally dangerous, but it holds moisture against surfaces, which can accelerate paint failure, mildew growth, and surface degradation.

Soft Washing

Will Pressure Washing Remove Algae?

Pressure washing can remove visible algae from a surface, but it does not kill the spores at the root. In Florida’s humid climate, the algae typically returns within months. Soft washing uses specialized algaecides that kill algae at the cellular level, which keeps surfaces clean for years rather than months.

The Difference Between Rinsing and Killing Algae

Algae on a surface is like a weed in a lawn. If you mow the top off, the root is still alive and it grows back. Pressure washing removes the visible algae growth, but the spores embedded in the surface are still alive. Soft washing kills the entire organism.

Pressure Washing

Removes Visible Algae

Blasts algae off the surface
Does not kill spores at the root
Algae returns in 3-6 months
High pressure can damage some surfaces
No residual protection

Soft Washing

Kills Algae at the Root

Algaecide kills algae cells
Spores are destroyed, not just rinsed
Surfaces stay clean 2-5 years
Low pressure is safe for all surfaces
Residual protection against regrowth

Why Florida Homes Get Algae So Fast

Florida’s climate is ideal for algae growth. The combination of heat, humidity, frequent rain, and shade creates the perfect environment. North-facing walls, areas under tree canopy, and surfaces near irrigation overspray are the most vulnerable.

On Wesley Chapel properties, we frequently see green algae on the north side of stucco homes, on shaded fence sections, and on pool deck surfaces that stay damp. The growth is not a sign of neglect. It is a natural result of the Florida climate.

Where Algae Grows and How to Treat It

Surface	Recommended Method	Expected Duration
Roof shingles	Soft wash only	3-5 years
Stucco and siding	Soft wash	1-2 years
Concrete driveway	Pressure wash + treatment	12-18 months
Pavers	Pressure wash + seal	18-24 months
Screen enclosures	Soft wash	6-12 months
Fences	Soft wash by material	12-18 months

For surfaces that can handle pressure washing, like concrete, we often combine pressure washing with an algaecide treatment. This gives you the immediate visual result of pressure washing plus the longer-lasting protection of soft washing.

See our house soft washing and roof washing services for professional algae removal.

Have a question about your property?

Get a free, no-obligation quote for exterior cleaning across Wesley Chapel and Tampa Bay.

Get a Free Quote Call 813-733-9246

Serving Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, Tampa & the greater Tampa Bay area.