A Fresh Approach to House Washing in Australia
Keeping your home’s exterior clean isn’t just about improving street appeal, it’s about protecting the value and lifespan of your biggest investment. In Australia’s warm, often damp climate, mould, mildew, algae, and grime can take hold quickly especially on south facing or shaded walls, eaves, roofs, and rendered surfaces. Left untreated, this build-up not only looks unsightly but can lead to staining, deterioration, and even health concerns. While old-school pressure cleaning once dominated the scene, safer, more effective solutions like soft house washing and hot water house washing are now setting the standard for smart home maintenance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why these two methods used alone or together deliver better, longer-lasting results without damaging your home’s exterior. Whether you’re based in the Central Coast, Sydney, or in Newcastle Cleanpass Services provides a professional, reliable, eco-friendly solution that protects what matters most.
How Homeowners Can Proactively Maintain Their Home’s Exterior (Without DIY Soft Washing)
Soft house washing should always be left to professionals but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do in between visits. With the right habits, homeowners can dramatically reduce organic growth like mould, algae, lichen, and mildew extending the life of their home’s exterior and keeping it looking fresh for longer.
Regular maintenance and some smart landscaping habits can significantly slow down the growth of mould, algae, mildew, and lichen. Here are some simple things you can do to maintain the exterior of your home. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can do without having to pick up a pressure washer. By proactively managing shade, moisture, airflow, and debris, homeowners can delay the return of organic growth and keep their exterior surfaces healthier for longer.
These preventative steps don’t replace professional house washing but they do make it more effective and less frequent.
1. Maintain Clear and Free-Flowing Gutters and Downpipes
Why it matters:
- Overflowing gutters can lead to constant water run-off down walls—perfect conditions for algae and lichen.
- Damp conditions near the roofline encourage algae and mildew growth on eaves and fascia boards.
What to do:
- Clean gutters and downpipes at least twice a year, or quarterly if your home is surrounded by trees.
- Install gutter guards to reduce debris build-up.
- After persistent rain, storms and windy days, check gutters for blockages or overflow.
Bonus Tip: Place a “downpipe leaf guard” in downpipe openings, this helps reduce blockages by preventing leaves and twigs from entering your downpipe, these are available for purchase on eBay.
Downpipe Leaf Guard
2. Keep Trees, Bushes, and Hedges Trimmed Back
Why it matters:
- Lack of sunlight traps moisture on surfaces, especially on southern walls or near heavy foliage.
- Plant overgrowth against walls creates pockets of trapped humidity and allows organic material to accumulate.
What to do:
- Trim back branches, hedges, vines and plants that touch or lean against your home.
- Keep hedges, branches, and shrubs at least 50–100cm away from walls.
- Don’t allow garden beds to encroach too close to the base of exterior walls especially if you use bark or mulch.
Bonus Tip: Avoid heavy planting near south-facing walls or behind fences where shade and dampness linger. Swap dense shrubs for open-structured plants like ornamental grasses near walls, these allow for airflow while still softening the space.
3. Direct Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems Away from the House
Poorly placed sprinklers create man-made water damage and can accelerate organic staining. Adjust sprinkler heads so they don’t wet walls, windows, or fences. Switch to drip systems near the home’s perimeter and most importantly, avoid pooling around foundations or decking where algae loves to grow.
Why it matters:
- Constant moisture from irrigation mimics rainfall and soaks surfaces for prolonged periods of time unnecessarily.
- Excess watering causes algae blooms and staining, particularly on lower walls and painted surfaces.
What to do:
- Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid spraying walls, windows, decks, and fences.
- Use drip irrigation or low-flow systems near the home’s perimeter.
- Ensure proper drainage around garden beds so water doesn’t pool near the foundations.
Bonus Tip: Set your irrigation system to run early in the morning, wet surfaces will have more time to dry out during the day, reducing the chance of algae forming.
4. Sweep Monitor Moisture-Prone Areas Like Decks, Pathways, and Pergolas
Some areas naturally attract water and will need more attention. Decks, patios, sidings and pathways are often the first places moss and algae appear. Sweep or blow weekly to remove excess dirt, leaves, and moisture-trapping debris.
Why it matters:
- Timber decks, paved areas, and patios stay damp longer, making them ideal locations for algae and moss to flourish.
- Moisture in these areas can spread to adjacent walls and structures compounding the problem.
What to do:
- As regularly as possible sweep or blow outdoor surfaces to prevent debris build-up (leaves, twigs, bark, soil).
- Reoil or reseal timber decks annually to help repel moisture.
- Check drainage around patios and ensure runoff moves away from the home.
Bonus Tip: Sprinkle dry washed river sand (promotes drainage) mixed (10 parts) with baking soda (1 part) between pavers during spring it discourages moss and algae growth and helps absorb moisture naturally. Baking soda creates an alkaline environment that deters moss and algae growth without harming pets or plants.
5. Remove Organic Debris and Building Material from Around the House
Debris traps moisture and provides nutrients for organic growth. Even a thin layer of leaf litter or bark can hold enough dampness to trigger mould or algae within days.
Why it matters:
- Piles of leaves litter, mulch piles, bark or compost stored near the house keep moisture levels high.
- Debris clogs drains, encourages insect activity, and leads to green stains or mould patches.
What to do:
- Regularly rake and dispose of leaf litter off lawns especially in autumn.
- Use a blower or broom to clear paths, driveways, and outdoor walls.
- Move compost bins, firewood piles, roof tiles, and stacked bricks well away from your home’s exterior.
Bonus Tip: For foundations not on a concrete slab, lay a narrow “drip edge” strip of gravel or crushed rock about 30–50cm wide along the base of exterior walls and fences. This helps suppress weeds, discourages debris build-up, and allows rainwater to drain away from the structure more efficiently.
Drip Edge Feature
6. Improve Sunlight and Airflow Around the Home
Sunshine and airflow are natural enemies of mould, algae and mildew. The more air and light that reaches walls, decks, and outdoor surfaces, the faster they dry after rain or humidity and the longer they’ll remain is great condition.
Why it matters:
- Where there’s shade, moisture, and little air movement, organic growth is almost guaranteed to take hold.
- Encouraging natural airflow reduces drying time after rain or watering.
What to do:
- Consider fencing styles that allow airflow like slatted or spaced timber.
- Rethink dense gardens that trap moisture.
- Design outdoor spaces with ventilation in mind especially if you’re in overly shaded or humid areas, and especially on the south-facing side.
Bonus Tip: Remove or reposition large outdoor items like bins, stacked furniture, or unused equipment that block airflow and trap dampness against walls or fences. Even everyday clutter can create shaded, poorly ventilated pockets where mould and mildew thrive.
7. Inspect Paint, Caulking, and Sealants Annually
Paint is your home’s first line of defence. When it cracks, bubble, peels, or fades, it leaves the underlying surfaces vulnerable to moisture, UV damage, and the early onset of mould or mildew.
Why it matters:
- Cracked or flaking paint allows moisture to penetrate walls.
- Unsealed gaps around windows and doors create cool, damp pockets.
What to do:
- Scrap off flaking, bubbling or cracked paint, clean, prime and repaint without unnecessary prolonged delay to protect underlying materials.
- Reseal joints around windows, eaves, vents, and exterior doors as needed.
- Consider anti-microbial or mould-resistant exterior paints if repainting.
Bonus Tip: When it’s time to repaint, choose a premium exterior-grade paint that contains mould and mildew inhibitors. Focus on high-risk areas like eaves, window trims, shaded walls, and damp-prone corners to help prevent organic growth before it starts.
8. Schedule Regular Professional Inspections and House Washing
Some jobs are best left to the pros and soft house washing is one of them. Even with consistent upkeep, organic growth will eventually return, especially in shaded or moisture-prone areas.
Why it matters:
- Even with perfect maintenance, organic growth will eventually return without periodic soft washing.
- Professionals can identify early signs of damage, rot, or structural vulnerability.
What to do:
- Book professional house washing every 12–24 months depending on your environment (coastal, shaded, high rainfall, etc.).
- Request a quote from a qualified team who uses low-pressure, biodegradable solutions (never DIY!).
- Avoid DIY pressure washing the exterior of your home, it can damage paint, seals, windows, insect screens, render, brick and cladding.
Bonus Tip: Schedule your house washing after tree pruning or roof cleaning, this timing helps maximise the results and slows down future regrowth.
9. Monitor Roof Condition and Clean Periodically
Your roof is often the first place where lichen, algae, and moss take hold especially on older tiles, shaded sections, or near overhanging trees. Because it’s out of sight, growth can spread for months before becoming visible from the ground. Regular monitoring ensures early detection and helps prevent organic matter from washing down onto walls, eaves, gutters, paths and windows frames below.
Why it matters:
- Roof run-off carries organic material down walls and windows.
- Algae on roof tiles and solar panels can reduce efficiency and damage surfaces over time.
What to do:
- Have the roof professionally inspected every 2–3 years.
- Check for moss growth around chimneys, skylights, flashings and solar panel fixtures and fittings.
- Keep valleys and flashing areas free of leaf litter and debris.
Bonus Tip: Install a simple leaf diverter or downpipe leaf guard on your downpipes and consider adding a gutter whisker at the base of roof valleys especially in areas beneath overhanging trees. These low-cost additions help reduce debris build-up, minimise trapped moisture, and extend the time between professional roof cleans.
10. Use Landscaping Wisely to Channel Water Flow
Thoughtful landscaping does more than boost kerb appeal it plays a crucial role in managing surface water and minimising damp conditions around your home. Trim back branches, hedges, and climbing plants that touch or lean against exterior walls or wrap around your downpipes. Maintain a minimum clearance of 50–100cm to allow for proper airflow and natural sunlight exposure, both of which help exterior surfaces dry faster after rain.
Why it matters:
- Poorly designed garden beds can trap moisture at the base of your home.
- Driveways and pavers that slope toward the house cause pooling and erosion.
What to do:
- Ensure your yard slopes away from the house (minimum 5% grade recommended).
- Use gravel, agi drains, or swale drain to redirect stormwater.
- Avoid heavy mulching near walls and opt for inorganic ground cover like river stones.
Bonus Tip: Avoid heavy planting near south-facing walls or behind fences where shade and dampness tend to linger. These areas receive the least sunlight, making them slow to dry after rain and highly prone to mould, moss, and mildew. Instead, choose low-growing, widely spaced plants or decorative gravel that allows better airflow and light penetration helping to keep the base of your home dry and breathable.
Agi Drain
Swale Drain
Understanding Soft Washing and How It Works
Soft washing is a smart, surface-safe cleaning method that tackles the root cause of stains and discolouration on your home’s exterior organic growth like mould, mildew, algae, moss, and lichen. Rather than simply blasting away surface grime, soft washing applies a specially blended eco-friendly cleaning solution at low pressure. This solution is designed to soak deep into the surface, killing off spores and bacteria at their source. After allowing time for the treatment to work, the area is gently rinsed with low pressure water, leaving your exterior clean, sanitised, and undamaged. It’s an ideal approach for painted surfaces, render, timber, and roofing, offering long-lasting results without the risk of etching, flaking, or water intrusion.
Soft washing efficiently uses low pressure combined with powerful, eco-friendly detergents to treat and eliminate organic contaminants like:
- Mould (non-systemic)
- Algae
- Lichen
- Mildew
- Dirt and dust
- Airborne pollutants
Rather than relying on brute force like traditional pressure washing, soft washing targets the biological root of the problem, making it ideal for painted surfaces, timber, Colorbond, and render.
What Is Hot Water House Washing and Why it’s Best?
Hot water house washing takes exterior cleaning to a whole new level delivering the gold standard in soft house washing. Cleanpass Services operate an autonomous boiler system built into our pressure washer system that has the ability to be set at a temperature of up to 155°C, this delivers hot water to the surfaces being cleaned at approximately 90°C, combined with low-pressure steam reaching a temperature of around +140°C.
This advanced method supercharges cleaning power while dramatically reducing the need for reliance on harsh chemicals. The result? A longer-lasting clean, fewer environmental impacts, and faster drying times particularly on cladded and brick surfaces, windows, and trims.
Surfaces cleaned with hot water and steam tend to dry much quicker than those cleaned with cold water alone, helping to prevent moisture retention and lowering the chance of organic regrowth. That means fewer watermarks on glass and less time waiting for your home to return to full use.
We combine hot water and steam washing to effectively target and remove:
- Oily residues and road grime along driveways, sidings, and garage doors
- Grease buildup around BBQs, outdoor kitchens, and bin areas
- Moss and black mould on cooler, shaded, or south-facing walls
- Stubborn dirt and soot in high-traffic zones or near major roads
Choosing hot water house washing for a deeper clean, faster drying times, and long-lasting results without harsh chemicals or surface damage is the best available option. The high temperature lifts stubborn dirt and kills organic material at its source, reducing regrowth and protecting painted or rendered surfaces. Because it dries quickly, especially on glass and smooth finishes, there’s less streaking, fewer watermarks, and minimal downtime for your property. It’s ideal for homes near roads, shaded areas, or spaces with frequent moisture exposure where cold water just isn’t enough. For a clean that lasts longer, looks better, and protects your investment, hot water house washing is the smart solution.
Soft Wash vs. Hot Water Pressure Cleaning vs. Cold Water Pressure Cleaning
Feature | Cold Soft Washing | Hot Water House Washing | Cold Water Pressure Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
Water Pressure | Low | Medium | High |
Water Temperature | Ambient | >90°C | Ambient |
Suitable for Painted/Delicate Surfaces | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes (adjustable) | ❌ Risk of damage |
Organic Growth Removal | ✔️ Excellent | ✔️ Excellent | ❌ Limited |
Oil & Grease Removal | ❌ Poor | ✔️ Superior | ❌ Poor |
Environmental Impact | Moderate (eco-detergents) (requires more detergent) | Low (eco-detergents) | Higher (require harsher agents) |
Ideal Use | Algae, dust, cobwebs | Mould, algae, bacteria, cobwebs, insect infestation | Concrete, driveways, patios |
For most Australian homes, a soft wash with hot water and steam gives you the best of both worlds, gentle surface cleaning coupled with increased cleaning power.
Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing: What’s the Difference?
If you’re looking to clean the outside of your home, one of the first questions that might pop up is: “should I pressure wash the house”? While the idea might sound like a good one, pressure washing and soft house washing are actually quite different and knowing which one to use can make a big difference in both the results and the longevity of your surfaces.
Water Pressure – The biggest difference lies in the pressure itself. Pressure washing relies on high-powered water jets, typically ranging between 1,000 and 4,000 PSI, used to forcefully remove dirt and grime from hard surfaces. While effective on hard surfaces like concrete, this level of force is far too aggressive for more delicate areas. Soft washing, on the other hand, uses low pressure (under 500 PSI), making it gentle enough for painted surfaces, render, timber, and roofs.
Cleaning Solutions – Pressure washing ‘typically’ relies on water and force alone, which is great for surface dirt on hard surfaces but not ideal for biological growth. Soft washing combines low pressure with purpose-formulated solutions including mould and algae treatments, surfactants, and deodorising agents to actually kill and remove organic growth at the source.
Long-Term Results – Here’s where soft washing really shines. Pressure washing can remove surface mould, but because it doesn’t kill the spores or the root system, growth often returns within weeks. Soft washing not only removes the visible stains but treats the root cause, keeping surfaces clean for much longer, often up to a year or more.
Surface Safety – Using high pressure on the wrong material can lead to damage especially on render, soft timber, older paint, windows and glass balustrades. Soft washing is designed to clean these sensitive surfaces safely, making it a far better option when you want results without the risk of cracks, etching, or water intrusion.
Surfaces That Benefit from Hot Water Soft Washing
While every home is different, certain surfaces respond exceptionally well to the power of hot water and steam. The Cleanpass Services team assesses each property individually and recommends hot water washing where it will achieve the best results both visually and structurally. This method is particularly effective on areas where standard cold-water cleaning may fall short.
We may recommend hot water washing for the following surfaces:
- Heavily Stained Cladding and Weatherboards
Years of grime, road film, and oxidation can bond to cladding and make cold water ineffective. Hot water and steam breaks these bonds safely.
- Moss-Covered Render, Brickwork, and Masonry
Moss and algae cling tightly to porous surfaces like render or brick. Heat and steam lift the growth from the roots, reducing regrowth.
- Dusty, Polluted Façades and Painted Surfaces
Homes in dry, rural, or industrial areas often collect fine dust and soot that sticks to surfaces. Hot water cuts through this build-up quickly and without damage or need for harsh chemicals.
- Walls Facing High-Traffic Roads or Urban Zones
Soot, car exhaust, and airborne pollutants accumulate faster near roads. Hot water and steam easily remove greasy residues without over-saturating delicate exterior finishes.
- North- and South-Facing Walls with Persistent Shading
Walls that receive little sun often develop black mould, green algae, and mildew. Steam penetrates surface growth to penetrate deeply and killing the organic material at its core.
- Roofs, Gutters, Eaves, Fascia and Soffits
These areas are prone to organic build-up, overflow stains, and cobwebs. Hot water ensures a thorough clean without disturbing roof coatings or flashing.
Why It Matters.
Targeting these problem areas with hot water not only produces a superior finish but also extends the time between washes. It’s a smart, long-term strategy for maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more presentable home exterior especially in harsh or high-moisture environments.
Our state-of-the-art systems allow us to adjust temperature and pressure on the fly, ensuring safe treatment across all surfaces.
Eco-Friendly and Safe
While hot water boosts cleaning performance, it also allows us to reduce chemical use significantly making it a more sustainable option. All our detergents used are biodegradable, pet-safe, and garden-friendly.
By breaking down organic contaminants and emulsifying oils and pollutants with heat, we clean faster and more thoroughly without the environmental footprint.
Long-Term Benefits of Hot Water House Washing
- Surface Protection – No peeling paint, etched concrete, or cracked render just clean, intact finishes.
- Extended Clean Time – By neutralising the root cause of organic growth (not just blasting it off), soft washing lasts up to 4x longer than cold house washing.
- Healthier Home – Mould and algae spores pose health risks, especially to children, pets, and those with allergies. We remove the source safely.
- Higher Property Value – Street appeal matters. A professionally washed home stands out on the street and can significantly boost buyer confidence.
- Preventative Maintenance – Just like repainting or roof repairs, exterior cleaning should be part of your regular home maintenance potentially saving you thousands long-term.
Investing in regular soft house washing isn’t just about appearances it’s about protecting your home, your health, and your property value. By choosing the right method for the right surface, you’re extending the life of your exterior, reducing costly repairs, and creating a cleaner, safer environment for your family. It’s smart, preventative maintenance that pays off year after year.
Custom Cleaning Plans
Every home is different. That’s why we tailor every quote based on:
- Age and condition of exterior surfaces
- Levels of soiling or biological growth
- Orientation (north/south-facing, shaded areas)
- Material types (timber, extruded cladding, Colorbond, brick, etc.)
We’ll recommend the perfect combination of soft washing and hot water treatment where necessary without upselling or pressure tactics.
When Should You Book a House Wash?
We recommend a full house wash at least once a year especially after:
- Rainy seasons or storms
- Bushfire ash exposure
- Autumn leaf drop
- Humid summers (ideal for algae/mould growth)
Spring and early summer are perfect times to restore your home’s shine and prepare for entertaining season.
House washing isn’t just another cleaning service it’s the future of safe, sustainable home maintenance in Australia. With the perfect balance of low pressure, smart chemistry, and heat-boosted power, your home stays cleaner for longer, with no damage and no fuss.
Experience the Cleanpass difference today, your home more than likely needs it more than you know.!
