How often do you clean the exterior of your home? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “not very often.” Let’s face it – cleaning the outside of your house is not a fun task. It’s hard work and it can be dangerous if you’re not careful.

But the truth is, your home’s exterior needs to be cleaned regularly too. Dirt, pollen, mold, algae, and other outdoor pollutants can build up on your siding, windows, roof, and other surfaces, making your home look dirty and uninviting. And if those pollutants aren’t removed, they can actually cause damage to your home over time.

It’s ok if you don’t want to do it yourself. But it’s probably best to bring in the pros for the dirty work. Here are 10 exterior house cleaning services to take care of annually if not more often.

1. Roof Cleaning

Let’s start at the top with your roof. It makes no sense to clean your deck or your siding and then have roof debris fall later on.

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, but most homeowners neglect it until something goes wrong. A dirty roof can lead to leaks and other damage. Algae and moss can also grow on your roof, causing it to deteriorate faster.

Cleaning your roof, therefore, involves a lot more than simply washing it clean. You’ll need to remove any algae growth and moss spores. Then, you’ll want to seal it to deter further growth and protect it from decaying leaves.

A professional roof cleaning company will have the equipment and experience needed to clean and seal your roof.

2. Gutter Cleaning

Your gutters play an important role in protecting your home from water damage. They channel water away from your foundation and siding.

But if they’re full of leaves and other debris, they can’t do their job properly. That’s why it’s important to have them cleaned out as often as necessary. This depends on the time of year and if you live in an area with a lot of trees.

In the winter, blocked gutters can cause ice dams to form on your roof. These dams can damage your gutters, shingles, and even your ceilings. So it’s important to keep them clean all year round.

You might be tempted to clean your gutters yourself. Sounds like an easy enough job, right? But do you have all the right equipment? If you do, just be sure to never lean your ladder directly on your gutters as the pressure can cause them to become disfigured or even break. That’s why this is another good job for the pros.

3. House Washing / Siding Cleaning

Your home’s siding takes a beating from the elements all year long. Over time, it becomes stained and dingy. This has major negative effects on your curb appeal. Avoid being the ugliest house on the block by taking care of the stone, wood, stucco, or siding on your house.

A professional house washing will remove dirt, pollen, mold, algae, and other pollutants from your house’s exterior. They will use the right solutions that kill any harmful growth from your exterior walls without causing damage.

If you have vinyl or aluminum siding, it’s especially important to keep it clean. That’s because these materials are more susceptible to damage from pollution.

4. Window Cleaning

Dirty windows are unsightly. They can also affect your home’s energy efficiency. Dirt and grime can prevent sunlight from entering your home, making it harder to keep it warm in the winter. They will also trap heat making it hard to keep cool in the summer.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the window sill itself and any decorative coverings or features surrounding the window. These are the little nooks and crannies that spiders and other creepy-crawlies like to hide. Mold might be hiding here as well.

Window cleaning can be an easy job, and if you have a 1-story home you may be able to tackle this one yourself. Things get tricky if your home has two or more levels or your windows are hard to reach because of shrubs. That’s when you want to call in the professionals. They have the equipment and experience needed to clean your windows.

5. Skylight Cleaning

Those beautiful skylights that let natural light into your home get dirty and stained over time. Not only does this affect your view, but it can also let in less light.

Cleaning a skylight is a tricky job that’s best left to professionals. They have the ladders and other equipment needed to reach and clean your skylight safely.

They will also know what solutions to use so they don’t damage your skylight. And if you have a solar-powered skylight, they will know how to clean it without affecting its performance.

6. Screen Cleaning

Your screens work hard to keep bugs and other pests out of your home. But they can’t do their job properly if they’re covered in dirt, grime, and pollen. That’s why it’s important to clean them regularly.

Screen cleaning is another simple job that you may be capable to perform yourself. If your screen isn’t removable, or it pops out in its casing, you can wash them down with a soft brush and mild soapy water.

It’s a tedious task that can take a lot of time and energy on your part. We understand if you want to outsource this job too. The right professionals will make quick work of cleaning your screens and then cleaning up after themselves.

7. Deck & Porch Cleaning

Your deck and porch are some of the first things people see when they come to your home. These are your entertainment spaces or where you go to relax outdoors and enjoy a bit of nature. So you want to make sure they’re always looking their best.

That means regularly cleaning your deck or porch. To clean your deck or porch, first sweep away any dirt, pebbles, leaves, and other debris. Then use a garden hose to wash it down. Remove any bird droppings and stains as soon as possible so they don’t set in and become harder to take care of.

After washing it down, you might need to scrub stubborn stains with a brush. You can also use a power washer for this job but be careful not to damage your deck or porch. Go with the low setting on your power washer for this job.

Finish off by sealing your flooring or treating it as necessary to extend the life of your deck or porch.

8. Patio & Walkway Cleaning

Your patio and walkway see a lot of foot traffic, so they become stained and dirty over time. Cleaning them will depend on the type of material they’re made of.

For concrete, you can use a power washer or a garden hose with a nozzle attachment to remove any dirt or debris. You might need to scrub stubborn stains with a brush and some soapy water. Be sure to rinse away all the soap afterward.

For bricks or stone, you’ll want to use a soft-bristle brush and some soapy water. It’s a good idea to patch test a part of the brick first with the soap solution you intend to use. Most bricks are porous and your solution may either damage them or change the color you so carefully selected.

Again, be sure to rinse away all the soap afterward. If you use a power washer, turn down the pressure so you won’t chip away at the bricks too much.

9. Driveway Cleaning

Your driveway is integral to your home’s curb appeal. If there are oil stains, tire marks, or other blemishes, it can really drag down the look of your property.

To clean your driveway, start by sweeping away any dirt and debris. Then use a garden hose to wash it down. For oil stains, you’ll need a degreaser and some elbow grease. Be sure to read the instructions on the degreaser before using it. Some require that you leave it on for a certain amount of time before washing it off.

After degreasing, you can either power wash or hose down your driveway again. Once it’s dry, you might need to apply a sealant to protect it from future stains and weather damage.

10. Solar Panel Cleaning

Solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bills. But if they’re covered in dirt and grime, they can’t work properly. That’s why it’s important to have them cleaned regularly.

Cleaning solar panels is a job that’s best left to professionals. They have the right tools and equipment to do the job right. Plus, they’ll know how to clean your solar panels without damaging them.

A professional solar panel cleaning will remove dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and other pollutants from your panels. This will help them work better and save you money on your energy bills.

How Often Should You Have Your Home Exterior Cleaned?

How often you clean the exterior of your house will depend on a few factors. The type of material your home is made of, the climate you live in, and how often it rains or snows are all things to consider.

In general, you should have your home exterior thoroughly cleaned every 12 – 18 months. But if you live in an area with a lot of pollen or other allergens, you might need to have it done more often. The same goes for if you live in an area with a lot of dust or dirt.

You might also want to consider having your home exterior cleaned more often if you entertain outdoors often. This will help keep your deck, patio, and walkway looking their best.

How to Choose an Exterior Cleaning Service

When you’re ready for exterior house cleaning, it’s important to choose a reputable and reliable company. Here are some things to look for:

1. Experience

The company you choose should have experience cleaning the type of material your home is made of. They should also be familiar with the climate in your area and what types of stains or dirt are common. Going with a company that is local to your area and has been in operation for a number of years is essential.

2. Insurance

Make sure the company you’re considering is insured. This will protect you in case of any accidents or damages that might occur during the cleaning process.

3. Reviews

Check out online reviews to get an idea of what other customers have thought about the company’s services. You can also ask friends or family if they’ve used an exterior cleaning service before and if they have any recommendations.

4. Pricing

Get quotes from a few different companies to compare pricing. Be sure to ask about any discounts or specials they might be running. They might offer you a discount if you schedule multiple services at once, or join any subscription programs they have. Keep in mind that a low price does not mean you are getting a good deal. Make sure the company you hire is protecting you from liability every way they can.

5. Schedule

Find out what days and times the company is available to clean. Within reason, they should be able to work around your schedule so that you’re not disrupted. You’ll also want to know how long a job will take.

The Best Exterior House Cleaning Services Near Me

You want a pristine home inside and out, without all the work it takes to maintain it. We can help. DAPrDAN offers extensive exterior house cleaning services in the Puget Sound area of Washington. We are experienced in all types of exterior cleaning, from solar panel cleaning to deck maintenance to roof washing and more.

We offer service plans with monthly financing that gives you the peace of mind of knowing your home’s exterior is maintained on a timely schedule. From critical exterior cleaning services like moss removal and gutter maintenance to complete services that take care of even your screens and skylights, find out why our customers love us.

Get an instant quote on your job and see why there are so many 5-star reviews of our work all across review sites like Google and Yelp.