Spring is the perfect time to give the outside of your home some attention. After months of Canberra’s cold winter weather, exterior surfaces can accumulate dust, dirt, cobwebs, mould, algae, bird droppings and other grime.
A good exterior wash can make a remarkable difference to how your property looks, but there is more to it than simply pointing a pressure washer at the house.
At Tiger Clean, we believe the key is knowing what to clean, how to clean it and, importantly, what not to pressure wash.
Here are 10 things worth knowing before you start.
1. Not Everything Should Be Pressure Washed
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that more pressure means a better clean.
High-pressure water can damage painted surfaces, timber, render, seals and other delicate materials. It can also force water into places it was never intended to go.
The cleaning method should always be matched to the surface. Sometimes pressure washing is appropriate; other times a gentler wash is the better option.
2. Start at the Top and Work Down
Just like cleaning inside your home, gravity matters.
If you clean the lower areas first and then wash above them, dirty water can run down over surfaces you have already cleaned.
Start with higher accessible areas and gradually work down towards walls, paths, patios and driveways. It can save a considerable amount of time and prevent you from doing the same job twice.
3. Pay Attention to Mould and Algae
Spring is a good time to inspect shaded and damp areas around the property.
Look closely at south-facing walls, pathways, balconies, fences and areas that receive limited sunlight. These can be particularly susceptible to mould and algae growth.
Don’t just think about appearance either. Algae on paths, steps and outdoor tiles can become slippery when wet.
4. Your Windows Need More Than a Quick Hose
Clean windows can completely change the appearance of a home.
Exterior glass gradually collects dust, rain marks, insects, cobwebs and environmental grime. Simply spraying the windows with a garden hose can leave mineral deposits and water spots behind.
For a proper spring clean, consider cleaning the glass, frames, tracks and accessible window surrounds.
It is amazing how much brighter your home can feel when you look outside through professionally cleaned windows.
5. Don’t Forget the Eaves and Cobwebs
People naturally focus on the walls and windows because they are the most obvious parts of the house.
But look up.
Eaves, outdoor light fittings, entryways and corners can collect significant amounts of dust, insects and cobwebs over winter.
Removing these can make a surprisingly big difference to the overall appearance of your home.
6. Be Careful Around Doors, Windows and Electrical Areas
Water and buildings require some common sense.
Avoid directing high-pressure water towards door seals, window seals, electrical outlets, external lighting, vents and other openings.
A pressure washer can push water through gaps that ordinary rain would never reach.
Before starting, check the area and identify anything that needs to be protected or cleaned using a different method.
7. Your Driveway and Paths Can Transform the Look of Your Home
Sometimes the biggest visual improvement isn’t the house itself — it’s what surrounds it.
Driveways, paths, steps, patios and other hard surfaces gradually become darker as dirt and organic matter build up.
Pressure washing suitable hard surfaces can reveal just how much their appearance has changed over time.
Cleaning the driveway and front path can be particularly effective because they are some of the first things people see when approaching your home.
8. Balconies and Outdoor Entertaining Areas Deserve Attention Too
Spring means warmer weather, longer days and the return of outdoor entertaining.
Balconies, courtyards and entertaining areas may have gone largely unused during winter and can accumulate dirt, leaves, cobwebs and grime.
Cleaning floors, balustrades, outdoor surfaces and accessible glass can help get these spaces ready for spring lunches, barbecues and entertaining.
9. Think About Where the Dirty Water Is Going
Before you begin washing, look at the area below and around where you’re working.
Dirty water can run onto freshly cleaned surfaces, garden beds, neighbouring properties or areas containing furniture and other belongings.
Move outdoor furniture, pot plants and other items where necessary and plan your cleaning sequence before starting.
You should also take care to prevent cleaning chemicals or contaminated runoff from entering stormwater drains.
10. Exterior Cleaning Is a Great Addition to Your Spring Clean
A spring clean doesn’t have to stop at the front door.
You might have a beautifully cleaned kitchen, bathroom and living room, but dirty windows, cobweb-covered eaves and stained outdoor areas can still make the property feel like it needs attention.
Combining your spring house clean with window cleaning and pressure washing can give your home a much more complete seasonal refresh.
Get Your Home Ready for Spring with Tiger Clean
Spring is one of the best times of year to refresh your home — inside and out.
At Tiger Clean, we provide professional residential cleaning in Canberra and surrounding areas, with additional services including window cleaning, carpet cleaning and pressure washing.
Whether you’re preparing for spring entertaining, catching up after winter or simply want your home looking its best, we can help.
Tiger Clean — Thorough. Reliable. Trustworthy.
Luxury living starts at home.