After a winter of rain, road grit and fallen leaves, most homes look older than they are. Siding goes gray with grime, walkways turn green with algae, and windows wear a film that dulls every room inside. Before spending on paint or plants, clean. A weekend of washing can make a home look several years newer, and it is the one exterior project almost every seller should do.
Pressure washing without damage
A pressure washer is a powerful tool, and used carelessly it can strip paint, gouge wood, force water behind siding and etch soft stone. A few rules keep it useful:
- Use the lowest pressure that gets the job done and a wide fan nozzle, never a pinpoint tip, on siding.
- Spray downward or straight on, never upward under the edges of siding or shingles.
- Keep the wand moving and at a distance; test on an inconspicuous spot first.
- Skip old mortar, soft wood, painted surfaces that are already peeling, and anything with loose caulk.
- Do not pressure wash a roof. Shingles lose their protective granules under high pressure; roof cleaning is a job for a professional using gentle methods.
- Cover outdoor outlets and light fixtures, and keep water away from window seals.
For many homes, a garden hose, a long-handled brush and a bucket of mild cleaner are enough for siding. Save the pressure washer for concrete, stone and brick walkways, where it shines.
Windows and glass
Clean glass changes the feel of a home inside and out. Wash windows on both sides, including the frames, sills and tracks, and clean or replace screens. Many sellers remove screens before photos so the windows look brighter, then store them labeled by location. Do not forget glass in the front door, storm doors, garage door windows and any skylights you can reach safely.
The entry sequence
Walk the path a buyer takes and clean everything along it:
- Sweep and wash the walkway and steps; remove moss and algae, which are slippery.
- Knock down cobwebs from eaves, corners, light fixtures and the porch ceiling.
- Wash the porch floor and railings.
- Clean the front door, the threshold, the kick plate, the door hardware and the doorbell.
- Wipe down the mailbox and house numbers.
- Put out a clean, plain doormat.
The things people forget
- Garage doors, which collect grime along the panel lines, and the trim around them.
- Gutters, inside and out, along with downspouts and splash blocks.
- Outdoor furniture, cushions, the grill and the exterior of any shed.
- Trash and recycling bins, which should be clean and stored out of sight for showings.
- Air conditioning condenser housings, which can be gently rinsed of debris once the power is off.
- Window wells, dryer vents and the areas behind shrubs.
After the wash
Let everything dry and then look again from the street. Cleaning often reveals what actually needs repair, such as a cracked step or a patch of failing paint, and it may show that other items you planned to replace look fine after all. Schedule listing photos for a few days after the big clean, after a dry spell, and keep up with sweeping and spot cleaning while the home is on the market.
A Weekend Plan for the Exterior Clean
Breaking the work into a logical order keeps you from cleaning the same surfaces twice. Work from top to bottom, so dirt from higher surfaces does not land on finished ones below.
Saturday morning: high surfaces
- Clear gutters and rinse downspouts so they drain freely.
- Brush down cobwebs and wasp nests from eaves and porch ceilings, taking care around stinging insects.
- Wash siding gently, working in sections and rinsing as you go.
Saturday afternoon: windows and doors
- Remove and wash screens, then set them aside to dry.
- Clean windows, frames, sills and tracks.
- Wash the front door, storm door and garage door.
Sunday: hard surfaces and details
- Pressure wash the driveway, walkways, steps and patio, if appropriate for the surface.
- Clean the porch floor, railings and outdoor furniture.
- Wipe down light fixtures, the mailbox, house numbers and the doorbell.
- Stow tools, hoses and bins neatly out of sight.
North Georgia Exterior Notes
Homes in Cartersville, Bartow County and the surrounding area face a few regional challenges that make an exterior clean especially worthwhile in spring.
- Pollen. Spring in Georgia often brings a heavy yellow coating on porches, cars, screens and windows. Plan your big clean for after the heaviest pollen has passed if you can, and expect to rinse the entry again before photos and showings.
- Red clay. Clay soil can splash onto lower siding, foundations and walkways during heavy rain. A soft brush and mild cleaner usually lift it; harsh scrubbing can damage some finishes.
- Humidity and shade. Mildew and algae tend to grow on shaded, north-facing walls and walkways. These areas often need extra attention and may benefit from improved drainage or trimming back plants to let in more light and air.
Safety First
Exterior cleaning involves ladders, water, cleaning products and sometimes powerful equipment. A few precautions help prevent injuries:
- Never use a pressure washer from a ladder. The recoil can knock you off balance.
- Keep ladders on firm, level ground and have someone steady them when you climb.
- Wear eye protection and closed-toe shoes when pressure washing.
- Keep electrical cords and connections away from water.
- Follow product labels, protect nearby plants and avoid mixing cleaning chemicals.
- Hire a professional for second-story work, roof cleaning or anything that feels unsafe.
Mistakes That Undo a Good Clean
- Washing in full midday sun. Cleaner and water can dry too fast on glass and siding, leaving streaks and spots. Morning or late afternoon is easier.
- Cleaning after the photos. Schedule the wash before listing photos, not after, so the listing shows the home at its best.
- Letting it slide during the listing. A clean exterior fades quickly in pollen season. A quick weekly rinse of the entry keeps the first impression strong.
Exterior Cleaning Questions
Should I hire a professional pressure washing service?
If your home has delicate siding, multiple stories or extensive concrete, a professional may be safer and faster. Ask about their methods for siding and roofs, and confirm they carry insurance.
What if cleaning reveals damage?
That is useful information. Note it, and decide whether to repair it before listing or discuss it with your agent.
How often should I clean while the home is listed?
Sweep and spot clean the entry weekly, or more often during pollen season, and rinse the porch before key showings or open houses.
