How Often to Clean Your Home's Exterior to Preserve Value

Have you considered how frequently your home's exterior should be cleaned? This crucial maintenance task is often overlooked but should ideally be performed once or twice a year, or more often in certain conditions.

Though it may not be at the forefront of your mind, experts emphasize the importance of regular exterior cleaning. Doing so helps preserve the integrity of your home’s materials and can prevent expensive repairs down the line.

Here, cleaning professionals provide their best cleaning advice on how often to tackle this task and why it's so important.

Recommended Frequency for Exterior Cleaning

According to Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner of Sophia's Cleaning Service, "I suggest cleaning the exterior once or twice a year. It's not something that requires frequent attention, as your home’s exterior is designed to withstand the elements, and cleaning can be a labor-intensive job!"

However, Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless, notes that homes located in areas with high pollen, pollution, salt from the sea, or proximity to trees should consider cleaning more often, ideally every six to nine months.

“Cleaning the exterior eliminates dirt, mildew, algae, and pollutants that can damage siding and paint, leading to costly repairs,” she explains. “It also enhances curb appeal and helps maintain property value.”

Why Hiring Professionals is Recommended

Many outdoor cleaning tasks can be done independently, but this one is best left to the professionals, according to our cleaning experts.

Karina states, "Professionals are trained to safely and effectively pressure wash or soft wash your home without harming paint, siding, or landscaping. They also utilize commercial-grade equipment and eco-friendly cleaning solutions that outperform store-bought products—saving you time, effort, and avoiding potential repair costs."

This may seem counterproductive if you aim to save money, but remember that cleaning siding without causing damage and power washing require skill, both crucial for effective exterior cleaning.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

While most professionals arrive with the necessary tools for exterior cleaning, having a few essential items can be beneficial for other outdoor cleaning tasks, such as washing your front door or driveway.

All prices were accurate at the time of publication.

Telescoping Ladder

Ladders can be bulky to store and use, but this one collapses into a compact size and extends up to 12.5 feet, with a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds.

Westinghouse Electric Pressure Washer

This compact pressure washer is easy to operate for all outdoor cleaning tasks, including exterior cleaning, featuring an extendable wand and quick-connect nozzles.

30 SECONDS Cleaner & Stain Remover Concentrate

This outdoor cleaner effectively eliminates mold and mildew stains and, despite its powerful concentrated formula, is safe for plants and lawns.

Common Questions

What is the typical cost of pressure washing a house?

Generally, the average cost for exterior cleaning using a pressure washer is around $310, with most homeowners spending between $212 and $447 based on information from Angi.

To avoid unexpected expenses, it's advisable to have a professional assess the project type and surface area for a complete and accurate estimate.

Meet Our Experts

With contributions to various notable publications, Karina possesses extensive knowledge about both indoor and outdoor cleaning tasks and knows which jobs are best suited for professionals.

Since its establishment in 1984, Sophia's Cleaning Service has become a trusted, family-owned company specializing in both indoor and outdoor cleaning.

Looking for additional ways to enhance your curb appeal beyond exterior cleaning? Check out these small upgrades that can boost your home's value, from installing double-glazed windows to converting existing spaces.