Facade Cleaning

Here’s the short answer: every 6 to 12 months.

But the real answer? It depends on:

• The facade materials (render, natural stone, glass facade, concrete, metal cladding)
• The type of building and its location (coastal = salt spray; city = pollution buildup; bush = red dust)
• Type of dirt and grime (algae, lichen, water stains, carbon, bird droppings)
• Cleaning requirements based on weather exposure, building types and facade over time

What We Recommend By Building Type:

• Retail or commercial buildings: Every 3–6 months
• High-rises or glass facade towers: Annual facade inspection, with regular cleaning touch-ups
• Industrial sites: Quarterly chemical cleaning or water-based cleanings, depending on emissions
• Apartments & strata blocks: Annually or after The Wet

Regular cleaning reduces facade maintenance costs especially when you’re dealing with delicate surfaces or special facade materials.

Not all surfaces like being blasted with a high-pressure cleaner. The right cleaning systems come down to matching the technique with surface cleaner compatibility. Here’s how we do it:

1. Soft Washing (Low pressure + chemical cleaning)

• Best for: Coloured render, acrylic coatings, soft brush-friendly surfaces
• Key tools: Bristled brush, soft brush, ph-neutral detergents, algae treatment
• Why: Effective cleaning without damaging the paint or causing flaking

2. Pressure Washing

• Best for: Concrete walls, stone cleaning, hard exterior surfaces* Tools: Pressure washer, surface cleaner, high-pressure cleaning systems
• Caution: Avoid on delicate surface types or glass facades

3. Steam & Hot Water Cleaning

• Best for: Historic buildings, old render, stubborn stains
• Method: Warm water or hot water with controlled pressure; often a manual cleaning process
• Note: Use soft washing if unsure — hot water can damage some finishes

4. Water-Based Methods & Rope Access Techniques

• Rope access using a basic rope access kit is essential for vertical professionals cleaning high-rise facades
• Used for: Exterior walls, glass facade windows, upper-level decorative features
• Add-ons: Art wash, drone washing, warm water systems for sensitive jobs

From coastal corrosion to bore water mess, Aussie buildings face it all. Here’s what we’ve scrubbed off across regions:

VIC & NSW:

• Algae on shaded sides
• Mould on porous render during winter
• Pollen grime in spring

QLD & Northern Areas:

• Algae and moss from high exposure time during The Wet
• Salt crystals and water stains from the ocean breeze
• Dust storms bring red dirt on vertical surfaces

Response: Use biocide for organic buildup of dirt and grime, alkaline cleaners on soot, and water cleaning post-wet season. Always follow up with regular inspections.

Let’s put these old wives’ tales to rest:

“Pressure washing fixes everything.”

• Nope. It fixes some and ruins others. Use high-pressure cleaning only where safe.

“Bleach is king.”

• Bleach eats into metal and renders. Opt for chemical cleaning systems tailored to the surface.

“One clean a year is enough.”

• Tell that to buildings facing algae bloom after three wet weeks.

“Soft washing isn’t strong enough.”

• Soft washing, when done right, handles algae, mould, and dirt like a champ, minus the surface damage.

DIY Works For:

• Low-rise, ground-level work
• Using warm water and a soft-bristled brush for pollen or dust
• Regular rinsing with clean water to prevent buildup

Time to Call in Professional Facade Cleaning Services:

• Rope access required
• Extensive staining or hard-to-reach zones
• EPA compliance for runoff
• When the high-pressure cleaner damage risk is high

Reliable services like Window Cleaning Melbourne Crew bring not just advanced equipment but also knowledge of building types, facade cleaning process, water-based methods, and cleaning techniques.

Approximate Rates (Metro Areas):

• Retail shopfront (street-level): $350 – $600
• Two-storey residential render: $750 – $1,200
• Commercial building with rope access: $2,000 – $10,000+

Factors that influence cost:

• Access needs (scaffold, boom lift, rope access)
• Level of staining or exposure time since last clean
• Type of dirt and chemical vs water cleaning
• Use of art equipment or specialised equipment

Your building exterior isn’t just for show. It’s about longevity, safety and sending the right message to staff, tenants and potential buyers. Whether it’s a glass facade in the CBD or natural stone on a heritage church, every surface has its needs.

Looking for building cleaners who get the fine details right and know their cleaning techniques from ancient times to today’s rope access? The Window Cleaning Melbourne Crew is your guy.

Need services that actually get the job done? Call us — we’ll tailor the cleaning to your building type, materials and cleaning service requirements.