Wet & Forget® vs. Professional Pressure Washing
Many homeowners face the decision of whether to attempt a DIY approach for their exterior cleaning needs with products like Wet & Forget® or to opt for professional pressure washing services just as ours here at A1 Pressure Washing & Roof Cleaning. Wet & Forget® claims to clean outdoor surfaces in one easy step, the one-and-done solution for removing algae, grime and mildew, which can be very tempting for some homeowners to try it instead of hiring a professional. But is it effective, does Wet & Forget® really work?
As experts in the field of pressure washing and soft wash roof cleaning for residential homes and commercial building in Southwest Florida since 1996, we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience trying just about every chemical over the past 25+ years.
We aim to be fair in our assessment. After all, a product that claims to eliminate the need for scrubbing, rinsing, and even mixing solutions sounds like the ultimate solution for exterior cleaning, so we understand why homeowners might find it appealing, and if it truly delivers on its promises, we’d want to use it too! Let’s examine this product more closely and see the performance of Wet & Forget® to compare it with professional power washing.
Understanding Wet & Forget® Products
Wet & Forget® is a well-known brand offering “bleach-free” solutions for cleaning roofs, siding, and other exterior surfaces without the need for scrubbing, rinsing, or power washing. Since I get asked the question the most before a roof cleaning project “Does Wet & Forget® Work?, we will look at Wet & Forget® Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover, which is one of their key products. The active ingredient is Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, which is only 9.9% of the product. This ingredient is also known as Benzalkonium chloride, a common ingredient in many household cleaners like Clorox disinfecting wipes, Lysol disinfecting spray, Scrubbing Bubbles, and Purell Products just to name a few.
Despite its non-bleach formula, and according to online publications and articles, they are ammonia-based. So basically, Wet & Forget® Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover is the same type of product and works like the cleaners you use on your counters, toilets, and showers. So that’s not necessarily a bad thing if it’s safe and effective, that’s a good thing, right?
Customer Feedback, Homeowners Happy With Wet & Forget® Results?
At a quick glance, with the price of around $30 per gallon, the reviews appear positive and Amazon rates it 4.4 out of 5 Stars based on 10,217 reviews.
The Amazon reviews show a mix of customer opinions. This cleaner promises significant results but requires time and patience. For instance, some of the reviews have reported effective outcomes on various surfaces, although it often took many months to see visible changes.
Such as Reviewer T. Bergmann on November 21, 2024 stated “If you want immediate results this isn’t it. But I purchased the long range nozzle and reached what I needed to and walked away. Siding looks brand new.”
Sharon F. on October 29, 2024 stated “This stuff really works, Use this to remove the algae from my deck. Sprayed it on in the morning and by afternoon the green was all gone.. It worked so well on the deck. I thought I’d try it on my cloth hammock that had mildew on it. I had to spray it a couple of times, but it took it all off and now the hammock looks like new”.
Tracy said on August 7, 2024 “This product actually works. It does take a few months to see great results. Easily applied.”
Glen had a good experience and on August 13, 2024 wrote: “It works, I have a shaded area at my front door and the concrete was getting a green algae or mold. Sprayed it on and the next day it was gone. Just remember to mix it as directed. Side note, it smells like miller lite beer.”
While some users praise the product for eventually delivering good results, others express dissatisfaction, noting that despite following manufacturers application instructions , the moss or mold remained physically attached to surfaces, having to look for alternative cleaning methods.
Such as Michael who posted his review on July 11, 2024 wrote: “Does not work, I tried 3 applications of the product. Once I even tried double strength. 6 months later there is no appreciable difference. None.”
AJ voiced his concerns on March 18, 2024 and wrote “Does not work, did absolutely nothing”
David had similar results and posted his review on June 23, 2024 saying “Modern day snake oil, Put it on twice over the last month. It doesn’t work at all.”
Unfortunately, Maggie also did not have a good experience with the Wet & Forget® product and stated on November 2, 2023 “Didn’t do anything. Just didn’t make any change. Has been two months, maybe need to wait longer but have already done two applications”.
While some customers praise Wet & Forget® for its effectiveness and cleaning their surfaces as advertised, many others are disappointed, leaving them to question why they’ve just wasted their time and hard earned money, now having to seek out alternative cleaning methods such as hiring a professional soft washing and pressure washing company.
Safety Considerations and Dangers of Wet & Forget®
It’s crucial to highlight the potential hazards of using Wet & Forget®, especially inside enclosed spaces without proper protective gear and respirators. This particular ingredient is not something you want to mess around with and should be taken seriously, it’s extremely toxic, even though it is the reason the product has had such great success. Even when it’s diluted, the product can be highly corrosive and harmful if it comes into contact with skin or eyes, or if inhaled directly it can irritate your lungs.
With that being said, It is important to be very cautious when using Wet & Forget® Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Stain Remover on a windy day.
While Wet & Forget has stated on their Facebook page that their product can be used on solar panels to remove moss, mildew, and algae, we believe that any chemical left on the surface could potentially cause damage over time. Chemical residues may also lead to spotting on the glass, which can reduce the efficiency of your panels. For the safest and most effective solar panel cleaning, we recommend using a water-fed pole brush system with purified water. This method gently removes grime without the need for chemicals and ensures a 100% spot-free dry, keeping your solar panels performing at their best.
What Is A1 Pressure Washing’s Experience With Wet & Forget® Results?
At A1 Pressure Washing & Roof Cleaning, we have explored various cleaning products and methods over the years.
We have tried almost every over the counter cleaning products from the big box stores such as Home Depot and Lowes, our experience suggests that while DIY products like Wet & Forget® can be appealing for their ease of use and availability for a quick pick up. They often do not match the effectiveness and efficiency as advertised and ultimately professional pressure washing services paired with commercial cleaning products ended up being the best solution.
While the product was very easy to apply, and when we tried to “forget” about it, our clients didn’t let us, as they paid for a clean roof, and even after a long time had passed, the product had yet to deliver results that would even slightly resemble a clean roof here in Florida.
Our negative experience with products like this from the big box stores not only motived us to look for a better and more cost effective solution, but also produces immediate results for our paying clients. Which lead us on the journey to become leaders in the soft washing and power washing industry here in Sarasota & Charlotte County.
The Benefits of Professional Pressure Washing & Soft Washing
We understand that it is nice to save a few dollars and the satisfaction you get when you take care of your homes upkeep on your own. But, we also understand the frustration when your money and time is wasted on products that make claims and does not deliver on their promises.
In the end , nothing compares to the thorough, immediate, and lasting results from professional power washing and soft washing company such as ourselves. Our team is equipped with the right tools and expertise to safely and effectively clean your home’s exterior surfaces, including roofs, siding, patios, decks, and driveways in a timely and professional manner.
Why Choose A-1 Pressure Washing & Roof Cleaning?
Choosing professional services ensures that your home not only looks its best but is also maintained using the safest and most effective methods available. Our North Port, FL community values quick, visible results and the peace of mind that comes with professional upkeep.
For homeowners weighing the pros and cons of products like Wet & Forget® versus professional cleaning services, it’s clear that professional pressure washing provides a more reliable, effective, and time-efficient solution. When you’re ready to enhance your home’s curb appeal and protect its longevity, consider the trusted services of A-1 Pressure Washing & Roof Cleaning.
Feel free to contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation to keep your home pristine and clean.
