House washing

Walked first

We look, then we quote

We walk around the house with you first and agree what’s being washed. Soft washing is available if you’d like a gentler clean: see soft washing.

Real estate agents and body corporates are welcome to call us for a quote too. Payment is cash or a bank transfer when the job’s finished.

Gold Coast conditions

Warm, humid and rarely dry

The Bureau of Meteorology’s records for the Gold Coast Seaway put the average day from January to March at 28 to 29 degrees, with overnight lows of 21 to 22. Average humidity at 9am over those three months is 70 to 72 per cent.

The Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority notes that mould grows in damp and poorly ventilated areas, and that tropical areas carry a higher risk. Outside, the signs to look for are dark or green patches on walls, black spotting, and dirt and cobwebs built up under the eaves.

Where rain does not reach

Eaves, garage doors and sheltered walls

Rain washes the front of a house, but not the sheltered parts. COLORBOND steel’s maintenance guide names wall cladding under eaves, the tops of garage doors and the underside of eave gutters as areas that stay unwashed. It says to hose them down at least every six months, and more often where marine salt spray is prevalent. It also says to keep soil and mulch from banking up against the walls.

When we walk the house with you, tell us which walls and areas you want done and we will agree the list before we quote.

Wash water

Where the water goes

Gold Coast City Council says that every time it rains, pollutants wash into the stormwater drains and discharge into creeks, rivers, canals and the ocean. A house wash moves a lot of water across walls and paths, so it is fair to ask any cleaner where theirs ends up.

Getting ready

Before the day

• Close windows and doors on the sides being washed.
• Move outdoor furniture, pot plants and bins away from the walls.
• Tell us about anything you know is loose, cracked or flaking, such as render, paint or fittings.
• Decide whether you want the eaves and garage doors included.

Renting?

Check before you book

The Residential Tenancies Authority says who deals with mould depends on the cause. Where the property causes it, such as a leaking roof, it is typically the property manager or owner. Where it comes from how the home is used, such as not using an extractor fan, it is typically the tenant. If you rent, check with your property manager or owner before you book an outside clean.

Pressure or soft

Choosing the gentlest clean that works

Soft washing is available on any job. If your walls are older, painted, or you simply want the gentlest option, say so when you call and we will talk it through. There is more on the soft washing page.

Before you book

Questions to ask any house washer

• Will you walk the house with me before you quote?
• What exactly is included in the price?
• How do you keep water out of windows, vents and light fittings?
• Where does the wash water go?

Ask us the same four. If you also want the roof or gutters looked at, mention it when you call.