What Pressure Washing Can’t Remove (And Why): Artillery Fungus, Vine Roots & Oxidation Explained
- David Moore
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Looking for professional pressure washing near me in Bradenton, Parrish, Palmetto, or Lakewood Ranch? At Sunshine AquaWash, we believe in honest expectations. While professional pressure washing and soft washing remove most algae, mildew, dirt, and organic buildup, some stains and surface conditions cannot be safely removed with standard exterior cleaning services. This guide explains what pressure washing can’t remove — and why — so you know exactly what to expect before your service.
🚫 Artillery Fungus (Tar-Like Black Dots on Siding, Stucco & Fences)
Artillery fungus appears as tiny black or brown dots that shoot from mulch beds and bond chemically to siding, soffits, stucco, vinyl fencing, and other exterior surfaces.
Why pressure washing can’t remove it safely:
The spores harden and bond like adhesive
Higher pressure risks damaging siding, paint, or vinyl
Even specialty cleaners may not fully remove staining
Important note:
Artillery fungus staining is excluded from standard house washing and fence cleaning services. No exterior cleaning company can guarantee full removal without risking surface damage.
Tip for prevention:
Consider replacing wood mulch near siding with stone or rubber mulch and keeping landscaping pulled back from exterior walls.
🌿 Creeping Vines & Root Staining (Ficus, Ivy, Climbing Plants)
Creeping vines attach tiny root systems to stucco, brick, painted siding, and fencing. When removed, root shadows and staining can remain embedded in porous surfaces.
Why pressure washing can’t remove vine root stains:
Roots penetrate pores in stucco and masonry
Pressure washing can damage finishes
“Ghosting” or shadow stains may remain permanently
Important note:
Vine root staining is excluded from standard house washing and fence cleaning services. Cleaning may improve appearance, but complete removal is not guaranteed. In many cases, repainting is the only way to fully restore appearance.
🧪 Oxidation on Paint, Stucco & Vinyl Fencing
Oxidation is surface breakdown caused by UV exposure. It shows up as chalky residue, faded streaks, or uneven discoloration on painted surfaces and vinyl fencing.
Why pressure washing doesn’t fix oxidation:
Oxidation is material degradation, not dirt
Pressure washing can worsen fading
Proper removal requires restoration methods
Aggressive cleaning may void manufacturer warranties
Important note:
Oxidation removal is not included with standard pressure washing or fence cleaning services. We safely remove organic growth and surface grime — not surface breakdown.
⚠️ Why We Don’t “Force” These Stains Off
If removing a stain risks damaging your siding, paint, stucco, or fence, we won’t attempt it. Our priority is safe cleaning that protects your property long-term — not aggressive methods that can lead to costly repairs or premature repainting.
✅ What Professional Pressure Washing Does Remove
Our professional soft washing and pressure washing services are designed to safely remove:
Algae
Mold
Mildew
Dirt & grime
Spider webs
Pollen
Organic buildup
From homes, fences, driveways, pool cages, patios/lanai, roofs (soft wash only), and concrete surfaces.
Looking for details? Check out our services:
📍 Local Service Areas
Sunshine AquaWash proudly serves Bradenton, Parrish, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, and surrounding communities. If you’re searching for power washing near me or pressure washing near me, we provide honest assessments and professional results — with clear expectations up front.
❓ FAQs
Can pressure washing remove artillery fungus?
No. Artillery fungus bonds chemically to surfaces and is excluded from standard house washing and fence cleaning. Removal attempts can damage siding or paint.
Can you remove vine root stains from stucco or fences?
No. Vine root staining embeds into porous surfaces. Cleaning may improve appearance, but complete removal is not guaranteed and is excluded from standard services.
Does pressure washing remove oxidation on vinyl fences or painted surfaces?
No. Oxidation is surface degradation caused by UV exposure. Pressure washing does not fix oxidation and may make fading worse.
Why didn’t all stains come off after my house wash?
Some stains are permanent or bonded to surfaces (artillery fungus, vine root staining, oxidation). We prioritize safe cleaning over aggressive methods that could damage your home.
Do you guarantee stain removal?
We guarantee professional removal of organic buildup (algae, mold, mildew, dirt). Certain stains cannot be safely removed and are excluded from standard services.
Not sure what’s staining your home or fence?
Send us a photo or request a free quote — we’ll tell you honestly what can and can’t be removed before we start.
Call: (813) 421-2790
Get a Free Quote: https://www.sunshineaquawash.com
