The Ugly Truth About Oxidation
What Is Oxidation on a House—and Why Is It So Noticeable After Power Washing?
If you've recently had your home professionally cleaned and noticed areas that still look dull, blotchy, or faded—even after a full house wash—you’re not alone. What you’re seeing is likely oxidation, a common condition that affects many exterior surfaces over time.
This article will explain what oxidation is, why it shows up after power washing, and what homeowners in Richmond and surrounding areas should know before scheduling a siding cleaning or house wash.
What Is Oxidation?
Oxidation is a natural weathering process that occurs when exterior surfaces—like vinyl siding, aluminum siding, painted metal trim, and gutters—are exposed to sunlight, moisture, and oxygen over time. These elements break down the outer surface of the material, leading to visible wear.
You can recognize oxidation by:
✔️ A chalky or powdery residue that rubs off when touched
✔️ A faded or dull appearance, especially on the sunny sides of your home
✔️ Uneven or streaky discoloration that doesn’t wash away with regular cleaning
Oxidation is particularly common on older homes or surfaces that haven’t been professionally cleaned in years.
Why Does Oxidation Show Up After Power Washing?
If we ever get the question: “Why does my siding look worse after it was washed?”
Here’s the answer: Oxidation is often hidden beneath layers of dirt, algae, mildew, and grime. So when we perform a thorough soft wash house cleaning, we remove that buildup—revealing the oxidized surface underneath.
Important note: Oxidation is not caused by power washing. It’s a pre-existing condition, and cleaning simply exposes what was already there.
What Surfaces Are Most Affected?
During our exterior cleaning services across Richmond and Central Virginia, we most commonly see oxidation on:
• Vinyl siding (especially darker colors)
• Aluminum siding
• Painted metal trim
• Garage doors
• Gutters and downspouts
What to Expect After Your House Wash
If your home has oxidation, here’s what you might notice post-cleaning:
• Certain areas may look dull, streaky, or blotchy, even though they’re fully clean
• Oxidation may be more obvious where heavy dirt or mildew was removed
• The oxidized surface may appear uneven, but it’s no longer dirty—just weathered
Can Oxidation Be Removed?
Standard house washing services do not remove oxidation. Since oxidation is a breakdown of the material itself—not surface contamination—it requires either specialized restoration techniques or repainting to fully restore the surface.
What Ducky Power Wash Can Do
At Ducky Power Wash, we provide expert soft washing and pressure washing services in the Richmond area. While we can’t reverse oxidation with a standard wash, we’re always happy to help you:
• Assess the condition of your siding or trim
• Explain what to expect before the job begins
• Recommend next steps, including painting or surface restoration if needed
Ready to Get Your Home Professionally Washed?
Whether you need vinyl siding cleaning, flat surface cleaning, or full house washing in Richmond, Henrico, Midlothian, or Mechanicsville area, Ducky Power Wash is here to help. We believe in educating our customers, not just cleaning their homes.
Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule your next exterior cleaning!
