How to Clean the Exterior of the House: 6 Pro Tips

Uncategorized - by Chintan Sandesara - January 16, 2025

How to Clean the Exterior of the House

You step outside and notice your house looks a bit dull. The walls are dusty, the windows are streaky, and there’s some dirt on the driveway. You think, “I should clean this up, but where do I even start or how to clean the exterior of the house?” Don’t worry—it’s easier than it seems.

Cleaning the outside of your house might feel like a big task, but it’s not as hard as you think. With the right steps, tools, and tips, you can make your house look fresh and brand-new. 

Here’s the brief for you: To clean the exterior of the house, you have to use water, soap, and tools like a brush or pressure washer to clean dirt and stains from your house. 

Start at the top and work down for the best results.

What This Write-up Will Cover
We’ll talk about why cleaning your house’s exterior is important. 
You’ll learn easy ways to do it and get tips to make the job simple. 
We’ll also help you decide if you should clean it yourself or call a pro. 
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do!

Why Clean the Exterior of Your Home?

Think of your house exterior as its skin. It faces weather, dirt, and grime. Cleaning it offers many benefits:

1. Boosts Curb Appeal

When your house looks clean, it feels fresh and welcoming. It makes a great impression on visitors and neighbors. If you ever want to sell your home, a clean exterior can even make it worth more. 

Clean walls, windows, and driveways show that you take care of your property. This simple effort can go a long way in improving how your house looks. Plus, it helps your home stand out in the best way.

2. Prevents Damage

Leaving dirt, mold, or mildew on your house for too long can cause problems. These things can eat away at your walls, roof, and windows over time. This weakens the materials and might lead to cracks or leaks. 

So, cleaning stops this damage from getting worse. When you clean regularly, you basically save money by avoiding expensive repairs later. It’s like giving your house a little extra care so it stays strong and lasts longer.

How to Clean the Exterior of the House

Here are the most common methods:

MethodBest ForTools Needed
Pressure WashingConcrete, bricks, sidingPressure washer, cleaning solution
Soft WashingDelicate surfacesGarden hose, soap, soft brush
Hand CleaningWindows, small areasBucket, sponge, ladder

1. Pressure Washing

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing uses a strong stream of water to clean tough dirt and stains. It works really well on hard surfaces like driveways, patios, and concrete. The high pressure can blast away grime that’s been stuck for years.

But you need to be careful with pressure washing. If the water pressure is too strong, it can damage delicate areas like wooden siding, painted walls, or window frames

***Always test it on a small spot first. If you’re not sure how to use a pressure washer, it’s a good idea to ask someone with experience or hire a professional.

You should pressure wash your house once a year, or more if you live in a humid or messy area. Wood siding needs less cleaning than vinyl or metal. 

Spring is the best time, especially before selling your home.

Now, you might think about how you can clean the outside of your house without a pressure washer. Don’t worry. There are options too.

2. Soft Washing

a man soft washing to clean the exterior of a house

Soft washing is gentler. It uses a mix of water, cleaning solution, and low pressure to clean surfaces. It’s great for wood, vinyl siding, and painted walls. Soft washing can remove dirt, mold, and algae without harming delicate materials.

This method is perfect if you’re worried about damaging your house while cleaning. You’ll need a garden hose or a soft washing attachment for your pressure washer. 

Add a safe cleaning solution that won’t harm your plants or pets, and you’re good to go.

3. Hand Cleaning

a man cleaning a house

Hand cleaning is the most precise way to clean small or hard-to-reach areas. It works well for windows, corners, and spots where machines can’t reach. You’ll need a bucket of water, soap, a sponge or soft brush, and sometimes a ladder.

It takes more time and effort, but you can focus on the details. Hand cleaning is great for making sure every part of your home looks spotless. It’s also the safest method for fragile areas like glass or painted trim.

All the above methods will surely improve the exterior appearance of our home.

Tips for Cleaning Your Home’s Exterior

Here are some pro tips on how to clean outside of the house. Hopefully, these tips will make your job easier and safer:

Before everything, wear safety gear. Put on safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. These protect you from splashes, debris, and harsh cleaners.

1. Start at the Top

start at the top to clean exterior of House

Always begin cleaning at the top of your house and work your way down. Why? Because water and dirt naturally flow downward. If you start at the bottom, dirt from the top will just mess up the areas you’ve already cleaned. 

For instance, clean your gutters first. Gutters collect a lot of dirt, leaves, and debris. It’s best to clean them before washing the rest of the house to avoid more mess.

Basically, starting at the roof or highest point saves you time and keeps everything looking great. 

Also, don’t try to clean the whole house at once. Work in smaller sections. This keeps you from getting overwhelmed.

2. Use the Right Tools

use the right tools to clean your house

Choosing the right tools makes a big difference. For tough stains on driveways or concrete, a pressure washer works wonders. But for delicate surfaces like wood, vinyl, or painted areas, use a soft brush or sponge instead. 

The wrong tool can scratch or damage your house, so think about what you’re cleaning before you start.

3. Use the Right Nozzle

a man use nozzle to properly clean a house

Different nozzles spray water in different ways. Pick the right one for what you’re cleaning. Use a wider nozzle for general cleaning like walls or patios. 

A narrow nozzle works best for tough stains or hard-to-reach spots. 

Always check the nozzle before starting to avoid damage.

4. Choose the Right Day

a man clean a house

The weather matters when cleaning the outside of your house. Cloudy days are the best for cleaning. Why? If it’s too sunny, the water and cleaning solution dry quickly and leave streaks. 

Windy days can blow dirt right back onto your clean surfaces. Check the weather forecast and pick a calm, cloudy day for the best results.

Besides, you can check out this informative blog to learn about a good house cleaning schedule.

5. Test Before You Spray

Test Before You Spray

If you’re using a pressure washer, always test it on a small, hidden spot first. The high pressure can sometimes damage siding, paint, or windows. Testing lets you adjust the pressure to a safe level. 

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to keeping your home in good shape.

6. Use Safe Cleaning Solutions

Use Safe  Cleaning Solutions

Always choose cleaning products that are safe for the environment. Eco-friendly cleaners won’t harm your plants, grass, or pets. Read the labels and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage your surfaces or run off into your garden. 

If you’re unsure, you can even make your own cleaner using water, vinegar, and a bit of dish soap.

Definitely, these are the best ways to wash the exterior of the house.

Pros and Cons of DIY House Cleaning

ProsCons
Saves moneyTime-consuming
Learn new skillsRisk of damage if not done right
Great workoutRequires equipment and effort

So, should you hire a pro?

If your house’s exterior, even interior, basically your full house, is really dirty or tricky to clean, hiring a pro can save you time and effort. At Maid Wonder, we specialize in cleaning services for not only homes but also offices. 

Doesn’t matter if it’s deep cleaning tough spots, move-in/move-out prep, or regular touch-ups, we’ve got you covered. We use safe methods, and our customer-first approach ensures no hidden costs or hassles. 

Let us handle the hard work while you sit back and enjoy your sparkling home!

Want to learn, “How much does a home cleaning service cost?” Then, you can check out this informative blog now.

Wrapping Up

So, coming to this point, we can assume that you now have a pretty good idea of how to clean the exterior of the house. Cleaning the outside of your house keeps it looking good and lasting longer. You can do it yourself or hire a pro. 

Regular cleaning makes a big difference. Start with small steps, stay safe, and enjoy the clean look.

Let us know how these tips have worked for you.