Featuring Professional Tips from Water Attack – Exterior Cleaning Specialists

Your home’s exterior takes more punishment than any other part of your property. Dust, pollen, mould, mildew, algae, and airborne pollutants constantly settle on its surfaces. Over time, these contaminants do far more than make your home look unkempt. They can slowly deteriorate paint, roofing materials, and structural surfaces.

Regular exterior cleaning prevents this gradual damage while keeping your home looking fresh, welcoming, and well cared for. But cleaning the outside of a house properly isn’t always straightforward. Use the wrong chemicals, and you risk stripping paint or damaging siding; use poor techniques, and you may cause water infiltration or streaking.

This guide walks you through the correct methods for cleaning walls, windows, gutters, and walkways. Plus, when DIY is safe and when it’s time to call in professional help from a trusted service like Water Attack, specialists in exterior pressure cleaning and soft washing solutions.

Why Exterior Cleaning Matters

Exterior cleaning is more than a cosmetic improvement. It’s essential home maintenance that protects both your property and your family.

Protects Your Home from Long-Term Damage

Contaminants like mould, mildew, and algae do more than stain surfaces. They actively break down building materials. Mould can damage timber, brick, and vinyl siding, while algae rapidly shorten the lifespan of roofing by eating through protective layers.

Regular cleaning removes these destructive elements before they take hold. Think of it as preventative care for your home. It’s far cheaper to maintain your home with exterior house washing than to repair rot, water damage, or degraded roofing later on.

Professional services such as Water Attack use surface-appropriate cleaning techniques that remove contaminants safely without risking damage to your home’s materials.

Improves Curb Appeal and Property Value

A well-maintained exterior boosts your home’s appearance and makes a strong impression on visitors and potential buyers. Clean windows, bright siding, and spotless driveways can increase perceived property value, and for sellers, this often translates to higher offers and quicker sales.

A clean home clearly communicates: This property has been cared for.

Water Attack’s professional pressure cleaning services are ideal for homeowners preparing a property for sale or wanting to refresh the appearance of ageing surfaces.

Creates a Healthier Outdoor Environment

Mould and mildew release spores that can trigger allergies, asthma, and respiratory irritation. Clearing these contaminants from your exterior protects your family, especially children, seniors, and those with sensitivities.

Debris-filled gutters and dirty outdoor areas also attract pests like insects and rodents. Routine exterior cleaning keeps these potential health risks at bay.

Step-by-Step Cleaning by Surface

Each material around your home requires a different approach to prevent damage.

How to Clean the Outside Walls

Brick
Use pH-neutral cleaners that loosen dirt without eroding mortar. Avoid harsh acids that permanently etch the surface.

Vinyl Siding
A gentle soap solution is best. Strong chemicals cause fading and brittleness. Soft washing is recommended for stubborn mould, an area where Water Attack’s low-pressure soft-wash system excels.

Timber
Wood-specific cleaners remove grime while preserving natural oils. Avoid abrasive methods that strip protective coatings.

Concrete/Render
Tougher materials tolerate stronger cleaning solutions and low-to-medium pressure washing.

Cleaning steps:

1. 1. Rinse the wall to remove loose dirt.

1. 1. Apply the correct cleaner for the surface.

1. 1. Scrub gently or use a pressure washer on appropriate settings.

1. 1. Rinse thoroughly.

When in doubt, a professional assessment from Water Attack ensures you use the right method for your specific surface.

Cleaning Walkways and Driveways

Concrete handles higher pressure than other materials, making pressure washing ideal.

Steps:

1. 1. Sweep loose debris.
   2. Apply degreaser for oil or tyre stains.
   3. Use a pressure washer (2,000–3,000 PSI).
   4. Move in smooth, even strokes to avoid striping.

Water Attack uses commercial-grade pressure washers that clean deeply without damaging surfaces, perfect for heavily stained driveways.

Tips for Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts

DIY steps:

• • Use a stable ladder and spotter.

• • Remove debris by hand.

• • Flush the downspout with a hose.

• • Use a plumber’s snake for stubborn clogs.

If your home is two storeys or you’re uncomfortable with ladder work, Water Attack offers safe gutter cleaning solutions, including ground-level pressure attachments for hard-to-reach areas.

Choosing the Right Tools and Methods

Using the wrong equipment can cause costly damage. Here’s how to clean safely and effectively.

When to Use a Pressure Washer

Ideal for:

• • Concrete

• • Brick

• • Certain vinyl siding

• • Driveways and large paved areas

Test a small area first. Softer materials like timber, stucco, or painted finishes can be damaged by high pressure.

Manual Cleaning for Delicate Surfaces

For fragile areas:

• • Use soft brushes

• • Apply low-pressure rinsing

• • Choose gentle, surface-safe cleaning agents

Soft-washing (low pressure + specialised solutions) is the industry standard for delicate materials, one of Water Attack’s key services.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

Vinegar, baking soda, and biodegradable cleaners deliver excellent results while protecting your garden and outdoor environment. Water Attack also uses environmentally friendly products that won’t contaminate surrounding plants, soil or waterways.

Safety Tips

• • Wear gloves, goggles, and non-slip shoes.

• • Keep electrical outlets dry.

• • Avoid ladders when surfaces are wet.

• • Never pressure wash windows, roofing shingles, or vents.

When to Call in the Pros

Some jobs require professional expertise to avoid damage or personal injury.

Signs You Need Professional Help

Call Water Attack if you notice:

• • Algae or mould returning quickly after cleaning

• • Roof streaking or moss growth

• • Stains that won’t lift, even after repeated scrubbing

• • Hard-to-reach gutters or rooflines

• • Siding discolouration

• • Stains covering large areas of your driveway

These issues often require specialised equipment and detergents that only professionals carry.

How Much Does Professional Exterior Cleaning Cost?

General pricing guide:

• • $2–$5 per m² for pressure cleaning

• • $380–$1,070 for single-storey homes

• • $840–$2,900 for double-storey homes

• • $230–$535 for gutter cleaning

• • $230–$535 for roof cleaning

Water Attack provides tailored quotes based on home size, surface type, and cleaning needs.

What to Expect from Our Professional Service

• • Full property assessment

• • Eco-friendly cleaning products

• • Surface-appropriate methods (pressure or soft wash)

• • Safety precautions for high-access work

• • Protective shielding of delicate areas

Water Attack delivers all of this with industry-grade equipment designed to clean thoroughly without harming your home’s finishes.

Conclusion

Regular exterior cleaning protects your home from long-term damage, improves curb appeal, and promotes a healthier environment. Different materials require different techniques: soft washing for delicate surfaces, pressure washing for concrete, and specialised products for stubborn stains.

While DIY methods work for basic maintenance, many tasks, especially roof cleaning, deep mould removal, or multi-level homes, are best handled by professionals.

Water Attack offers expert house washing services, pressure cleaning, soft washing, gutter cleaning, and eco-friendly solutions that restore your home’s appearance safely and effectively. Their specialised equipment and experience ensure every surface is cleaned correctly and thoroughly.

Want professional results without the risk?
Contact Water Attack today for exterior cleaning services tailored to your home’s needs