Maintaining the exterior of your home is just as important as keeping the interior clean. Over time, your house’s exterior can accumulate dirt, grime, mold, mildew, algae, and environmental stains that not only look unsightly but can also damage the surfaces. Professional exterior house cleaning services and DIY methods ensure your home looks its best, improves curb appeal, and preserves the longevity of siding, brick, or stucco. In this guide, we’ll explore best exterior house washing solutions, cleaning products, costs, DIY tips for cleaning without a pressure washer, and how to choose exterior house cleaning services near me.
1. What is Exterior House Cleaning?
Exterior house cleaning, sometimes called house washing, involves removing dirt, mold, mildew, algae, and pollutants from the outside of a home. Unlike routine sweeping or rinsing, exterior cleaning uses specialized techniques and products to clean siding, brick, stucco, or wood safely and effectively. Depending on the type of surface, this can be done using:
Pressure washing – high-pressure water removes dirt, moss, and stains.
Soft washing – low-pressure water combined with detergents to safely clean delicate surfaces.
Manual cleaning – scrubbing with brushes and eco-friendly cleaning sprays for areas that cannot be pressure washed.
This service is essential for homeowners preparing to sell, repaint, or simply maintain their property’s appearance.
2. Exterior House Cleaning Services
Professional exterior house cleaning services specialize in removing tough grime and protecting home surfaces. Common offerings include:
Washing siding, brick, stucco, or wood.
Roof and gutter cleaning.
Deck and patio cleaning.
Removal of mold, mildew, algae, and moss.
Window washing and driveway cleaning.
When searching online, keywords like “exterior house cleaning services near me” help find local providers. Many companies offer customizable packages based on the home’s size, surface type, and specific problem areas. Platforms like Yelp, Angi, and HomeAdvisor list verified services with customer reviews, helping you choose the best option for your budget and location.
3. Best Exterior House Washing Solution
Choosing the right exterior house washing solution is crucial for effective cleaning without causing damage. Some of the most recommended products include:
Simple Green House & Siding Cleaner: Ideal for vinyl, aluminum, stucco, painted wood, and more. Effective for pressure washers or manual application.
Oxy Solve House & Siding Cleaner: Uses peroxide to eliminate mold, mildew, and algae safely on multiple surfaces.
Dirtex House Wash (Savogran): Heavy-duty solution for stubborn grime and discoloration on vinyl, wood, or stucco.
Moldex Outdoor Wash: Oxygen-based cleaner that’s safe for the environment and effective against moss, mildew, and algae.
Zep House & Siding Cleaner: Construction-grade formula for tough build-up on brick, vinyl, stucco, or wood.
These products are compatible with pressure washers, soft wash systems, or manual spray applications, depending on your preferred method.
4. How to Clean the Outside of Your House Without a Pressure Washer
Not every homeowner owns a pressure washer, and some surfaces can be damaged by high-pressure water. For safe and effective cleaning without a pressure washer:
Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle – Combine with a house cleaning spray for mild to moderate dirt.
Eco-friendly DIY solutions – Mix warm water with mild dish soap for dirt and dust, or vinegar and water for mildew and algae.
Pump sprayers with specialized cleaners – Products like Wet & Forget, Mold Armor, or oxygen-based cleaners can be sprayed on and rinsed after letting them sit.
Soft scrubbing – Use a long-handled brush for decks, siding, or areas that accumulate moss and grime.
Safety tips: Always wear gloves and goggles, especially when using bleach or oxygen-based solutions. Work in sections to avoid streaks and rinse each area thoroughly.
5. Exterior House Cleaning Spray Products
Spray products make DIY exterior cleaning easier. Recommended options include:
Simple Green Oxy Solve Spray – Concentrated cleaner for algae and mildew.
Wet & Forget Outdoor – Requires minimal scrubbing; let it work over time to remove stains.
Moldex Outdoor Spray – Non-toxic, environmentally safe, and effective for wood, vinyl, and brick.
Zep Heavy Duty Cleaner Spray – Designed for stubborn grime and mold removal, often used with a garden hose or low-pressure nozzle.
Always read manufacturer instructions to ensure safe and effective use.
6. Exterior House Cleaning Cost
Professional exterior house cleaning prices vary based on house size, number of stories, surface type, and cleaning method:
Small single-story homes may cost $200–$400.
Medium-sized homes often range from $400–$700.
Large two or three-story homes can cost $700–$1,500 or more, especially for soft washing or roof cleaning.
Additional factors include mold or algae treatment, gutter cleaning, driveway washing, and accessibility. Using a cost calculator or requesting quotes from multiple providers ensures you know the expected expense before hiring a service.
7. Exterior House Cleaner for Pressure Washer
Pressure washers are effective but must be used with care. Recommended cleaners compatible with pressure washers include:
Simple Green Oxy Solve House & Siding Cleaner – Diluted and applied with a pressure washer for large surface cleaning.
Savogran Dirtex House Wash – Heavy-duty formula for tough grime.
Zep House & Siding Cleaner – Effective for brick, stucco, and vinyl siding.
Tips for safe pressure washing:
Use a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.
Start at low pressure and gradually increase as needed.
Apply cleaner from bottom to top, then rinse from top to bottom to avoid streaking.
Avoid spraying near electrical outlets, light fixtures, or delicate surfaces.
8. DIY Exterior House Cleaning vs Professional Services
DIY Cleaning
Pros:
Cost-effective
Can be done on your schedule
Control over products used
Cons:
Time-consuming
Risk of damaging surfaces
May not remove tough mold, algae, or stains
Professional Services
Pros:
Faster and thorough
Access to commercial-grade equipment and cleaners
Safe for delicate surfaces and high areas
Cons:
More expensive
Requires scheduling in advance
For homeowners with large or multi-story houses, or heavy mold and algae growth, professional exterior house cleaning services are often the most efficient choice.
9. Tips for Choosing Exterior House Cleaning Services
Check online reviews on platforms like Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Yelp.
Compare multiple quotes to ensure competitive pricing.
Ask about the type of cleaning method (soft wash vs high-pressure wash).
Confirm which surfaces are safe to clean and what products are used.
Ensure the company provides insurance in case of accidental damage.
10. Maintenance Tips After Cleaning
Rinse siding periodically with a garden hose to prevent build-up.
Apply preventative solutions like Moldex or Wet & Forget to reduce algae and mildew growth.
Keep gutters clean to prevent water staining.
Trim trees and shrubs near the house to reduce moss and mildew growth.
Inspect your exterior annually for damage, mold, or grime.
Regular maintenance helps prolong the life of your siding and reduces the need for professional deep cleaning.
11. Conclusion
Exterior house cleaning is essential for maintaining your home’s appearance, protecting your siding, and increasing curb appeal. Whether you hire exterior house cleaning services near me or do it yourself with a house cleaning spray or pressure washer-compatible products, knowing the costs, best solutions, and safe techniques is crucial. From professional services using soft washing solutions to DIY approaches that clean without a pressure washer, every home can achieve a fresh, spotless exterior.
For more tips, expert guides, and product recommendations on home maintenance, visit Dwellmend.com.