If “house washing” makes you picture someone blasting a garden hose at bricks while shouting about mould, you’re not alone. But there’s a bit more to it than that. Done right, house washing is a vital part of exterior cleaning that helps protect your investment, enhances your street appeal, and prevents all that Aussie grime from damaging your exterior surfaces.
We’re the crew that has been soft-washing rendered homes, lifting bore stains off brickwork, and pressure cleaning weatherboards longer than most people have owned a pressure washer. So, if you’re wondering when to clean, what gear to use, and what to steer well clear of, you’re in the right place.
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What You Need to Know about House Washing
House washing is the process of cleaning a home’s exterior surfaces — from external walls and eaves to verandahs, solar panels, windows, fascia and gutters. Depending on your external surface types, weather exposure and level of filth it could involve:
- Soft wash method (low pressure, detergent-based — our preferred method for most jobs)
- High-pressure cleaning (for tougher stains like stubborn mould and driveway cleaning)
- Hand scrubbing (yes, sometimes the old way still works best on delicate items or classic timber finishes)
It’s not a one-size-fits-all game. We tailor the exterior cleaning approach depending on:
- Surface material (weatherboard, brick, render, vinyl, etc.)
- Exterior paint type and condition of paint
- Age and condition of the surface
- Level and type of grime (mould, mildew, dust, cobwebs, bird droppings, built-up dirt — the lot)
Soft Wash vs High Pressure
One time we saw someone blast their painted timber cladding with high pressure water and strip half the colour off. Don’t be that bloke.
Soft wash is our go to for most exterior finishes. Eco friendly detergents and low water pressure to lift and rinse built up grime without damaging paint, render or sealants.
High pressure has its place — driveways, bricks or stubborn grime on hard surfaces — but we keep it well away from fragile finishes and exterior mold prone areas.
Method | Pressure Level | Ideal For | Not Recommended For |
---|---|---|---|
Soft Wash Method | Low | Painted surfaces, render, vinyl, timber | Loose paint, thick grease on concrete |
High-Pressure Water | High | Pavers, concrete, bricks, driveway cleaning | Soft render, weatherboard paint |
Is DIY House Washing Worth It?
Yes, you can wash your house yourself — just like you can tile your bathroom or rewire a shed. But that doesn’t mean you should.
DIY fails we’ve seen include:
- Water pressures are too high, gouging render or damaging exterior finishes
- Using the wrong cleaning methods for exterior surface types
- Cheap detergents are harming pets, families’ health and plants
- Homeowners on ladders with a slippery hose — recipe for a costly fall
If you’re determined to do an external clean yourself, follow these tips:
- Always test a small patch before doing a full clean
- Use soft brushes and neutral pH detergent on delicate surfaces
- Work from top to bottom in stages to avoid streaking
- Know when to call in an experienced team
We bring commercial equipment, access to water strategies and experience you can’t fake. You get peace of mind and real results — not half a wall cleaned before the pressure washer dies.
Washing Frequency Guide
Depends on your location, surface materials and average humidity. Here’s a breakdown:
- Coastal homes: Every 6–12 months (that salty air eats everything)
- Humid regions (QLD, Northern NSW): Annually — mould over time is relentless
- Dusty inland towns: Every 12 months or post-storm season
- Urban areas: Every 1–2 years depending on pollution and mould build-up
Skipping regular exterior cleaning can lead to:
- Costly repairs down the track
- Water damage from clogged features
- Degraded paintwork
- Reduced property value
When to Call the Cleaners
- Green streaks and stubborn mould on render or timber
- Dark patches and discolouration near downpipes
- Slippery surfaces on paths and steps
- Dust-coated windows and solar panels are losing efficiency
- Buildup of dirt can dull colour and crack coatings
Common Surface Types We Clean
- Weatherboard: Soft wash process with eco-safe detergents
- Brick: Medium-pressure clean; deep cleaning as needed
- Render: Soft wash only — pressure washers will damage it
- Colorbond: Soft wash with occasional scrubbing for complete removal
- Timber cladding: Soft wash and hand treatment for delicate items
Pricing
We have competitive pricing to suit your budget. Pricing depends on:
- House size
- Surface type and grime level
- Ease of access
Here’s a rough guide:
- Small single-storey home: $250–$400
- Medium 2-storey home: $400–$800
- Larger homes or business property: $800–$1500+
We’ll give you an exact price with no hidden extras. Affordable prices and great service are what we’re about.
Final Scrub
Exterior cleaning isn’t just about looks. It’s about protecting your investment, improving air quality and giving your home the love it deserves.
When you hire Window Cleaning Melbourne Crew, you get an experienced team with real customers who back us, art equipment built for deeper cleaning and a passion for making homes sparkle again.
So whether it’s a dirty fence, stained brickwork or your solar panels covered in bird poop — we’ve got the expertise in pressure washing and external cleaning services to sort it. We’re your go-to for homes that need honest care and great paint service.
Looking for affordable exterior house cleaning in Melbourne? Get in touch today and see why we’re trusted by homeowners and commercial businesses.
Your satisfaction is our top priority. We tailor our services to meet your specific needs
We are committed to environmental responsibility. Our cleaning products are eco-friendly.
Pricing
We offer competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of our services.
Expertise
As a locally owned and operated company, we understand the unique needs of our community.
FAQ
Will house washing remove all mould?
It removes it from the surface but average humidity and environmental conditions will bring it back. That’s why regular cleaning is part of a smart maintenance plan.
What’s the best way to clean solar panels?
Soft washing. Solar panels are delicate and need non-abrasive cleaning to avoid damage. Our team handles them with care.
Is high-pressure cleaning bad for paint?
If used incorrectly yes. The condition of the paint and the exterior paint type should dictate the cleaning method. That’s why our process in stages helps assess and protect surfaces.
Can you do external cleaning for commercial businesses too?
Yes. We do building washing and external cleaning for businesses, strata and shops — with competitive pricing and great window cleaning.
What do I need to prepare for the house washing process?
Just give us access to water, secure pets and move any delicate outdoor items. The rest is taken care of by our house washers.