What is House Washing? Everything You Need to Know
Think of your home’s exterior like a favourite white shirt. No matter how much you love it, time, weather, and the occasional accidental spill will leave their mark. The same goes for your house—dust, mould, mildew, and general grime all slowly build up, making your place look tired. That’s where house washing comes in.
This guide will walk you through what house washing is, why it matters, how it’s done, what it costs, and when it’s worth skipping the DIY and letting the pros (hi, that’s us 👋) handle the hard stuff.
What is House Washing?
In simple terms, house washing is the ultimate deep clean for your home’s exterior. We’re talking walls, gutters, fascias, eaves—all the spots you probably don’t think about until they’re looking a bit shabby. The goal? Wash away the dirt, stains, and algae so your place looks fresh, feels healthier, and stays protected from long-term damage.
Depending on the surface, pros use different approaches. High-pressure house cleaning brings the muscle for tough areas like driveways and bricks, while soft wash house cleaning is the gentle giant for painted or delicate surfaces. It’s like choosing between a heavy-duty scrub and a gentle face wash; the trick is knowing which your home needs.
Benefits of House Washing
So why bother with it? Here’s the lowdown:
- Instant street appeal: Your home goes from “lived-in” to “listed on the block” in an afternoon.
- Protects your investment: Mould and grime don’t just look unappealing, they slowly chew away at paint and surfaces.
- Health boost: Fewer allergens, less mould, and cleaner air around your home.
Long-term savings: Regular cleaning helps you dodge costly repairs and keeps your paint job lasting longer.
Why is House Washing Important?
Brisbane’s subtropical climate is perfect for mould and mildew—not so perfect for your walls. Skip regular washing and you risk surface damage, discolouration, and even rot. The longer grime stays put, the harder (and more expensive) it is to fix.
Consider house washing as preventative care; kinda like a dental check-up for your home. A little attention now saves big headaches later. Plus, it keeps your place looking sharp all year round.
How to Wash the Exterior of a House
Alright, so you’re ready to tackle the outside of your place. Where do you even start? If you’re keen for a DIY approach, here are the basics:
- Clear the stage — move pot plants, cover the BBQ, shut the windows, and give your garden a bit of protection.
- Pick your weapon — for small touch-ups, a garden hose and mild detergent might do. For the big jobs, you’ll need serious gear like a pressure cleaner (and the know-how to use it without stripping paint).
- Scrub smart — use soft brushes on delicate areas, let detergents do the work, and rinse thoroughly so you’re not left with streaks.
- Stay safe — ladders, water, and power tools don’t always play nice together. If it looks dodgy, step away and call in the pros.
DIY can handle the little stuff, but let’s be real, spending your Saturday balancing on a ladder with a pressure washer isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. That’s why most homeowners let the experts swoop in to get it done properly. It’s faster, safer and way less stressful.
How Much is House Washing?
The big question: how much is house washing going to set you back? The honest answer is it depends. A tidy single-storey brick home in Brisbane isn’t going to cost the same as a double-storey weatherboard on a steep block. Here’s what usually affects the price:
- Size of your home – more walls = more work.
- Surface type – brick, render, timber, or paint all need different TLC.
- Method used – soft wash house cleaning is gentle and precise, while high-pressure house cleaning packs more punch for heavy-duty jobs.
- Accessibility – tricky angles, heights, or overgrown gardens can add a little extra.
Most homeowners can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a professional wash. The best way to know for sure? Skip the guessing and get a clear, upfront quote tailored to your home.
High-Pressure House Cleaning vs. Soft Wash House Cleaning
Not all dirt is created equal, and not all homes need the same muscle. That’s why there are two main ways to tackle house washing:
High-pressure house cleaning: Think of this as the heavy lifter. It blasts away stubborn dirt, grease, and stains with serious water pressure. Perfect for driveways, brick walls, concrete paths, and pavers, anywhere tough surfaces can handle a bit of force.
Soft wash house cleaning: The gentler sibling. Instead of brute force, it uses low pressure combined with eco-friendly detergents to carefully wash delicate surfaces like painted walls, render, or timber. It gets the grime gone without stripping your paint or damaging finishes.
Here’s the kicker: using the wrong method can do more harm than good. Blast painted weatherboards with high pressure, and you could be waving goodbye to half your paint job.
That’s why MKL doesn’t take chances. We check out your home, pick the right approach, and deliver the kind of cleaning that makes your place sparkle without the stress. Learn more about our pressure cleaning services.
When Should You Schedule House Washing?
For most Brisbane homes, once a year is the sweet spot for house washing. Our climate is a mix of humid summers and stormy seasons, so grime builds up faster than you think.
That said, some homes need more frequent TLC. If you’ve got lots of shade, live near busy roads, or spot green patches creeping up sooner than expected, a clean every six months is a smart move.
The best times? Spring and autumn. You’ll wash away seasonal build-up and enjoy a home that looks fresh just in time for entertaining. Not sure what’s right for your place? Request a free quote and we’ll help you lock in the perfect schedule.
Professional House Washing with MKL Pressure Cleaning
There’s a big difference between a quick DIY rinse and a pro job. With professionals, you get:
- The right method for every surface.
- Faster, safer, cleaner results.
- A finish that actually lasts.
When you hire MKL, you’re not just paying for a wash, you’re investing in peace of mind. See our 5 questions to ask before hiring a pressure cleaning company.
Ready to Restore Your Property’s Shine? Let’s Get Started!
Keeping your home clean shouldn’t be a chore that eats up your weekends. Regular house washing protects your investment, boosts street appeal, and keeps your place looking sharp year-round.
Ready to see the difference? Book your professional house washing in Brisbane today and enjoy that fresh, just-cleaned feeling without lifting a finger.