Keeping your home’s exterior clean is not just about maintaining its appearance; it’s also about protecting your investment and ensuring your home remains in good condition for years to come.
When it comes to exterior house cleaning, homeowners often face a choice: tackle the job themselves or hire a professional service.
This article will explore the pros and cons of both approaches to help you decide which option is best for your situation.
Understanding Exterior House Cleaning
Before we compare DIY and professional options, let’s first understand what exterior house cleaning entails.
What is Exterior House Cleaning?
Exterior house cleaning involves removing dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other contaminants from the outside surfaces of your home. This can include:
- Siding (vinyl, wood, brick, etc.)
- Windows and window frames
- Gutters and downspouts
- Roofs
- Decks and patios
- Driveways and walkways
Why is Exterior House Cleaning Important?
Regular exterior house cleaning offers several benefits:
- Maintains your home’s appearance
- Prevents damage from mold, mildew, and algae growth
- Increases your home’s value
- Improves energy efficiency by removing grime from windows
- Extends the life of your home’s exterior materials
Now that we understand the basics, let’s explore the DIY approach to exterior house cleaning.
DIY Exterior House Cleaning
Many homeowners choose to clean their home’s exterior themselves. Here’s what you need to know about the DIY approach.
Pros of DIY Exterior House Cleaning
- Cost-effective: You’ll save money on labor costs by doing it yourself.
- Flexibility: You can clean on your own schedule and at your own pace.
- Personal satisfaction: There’s a sense of accomplishment in maintaining your own home.
- Familiarity with your home: You know your house best and can pay extra attention to problem areas.
Cons of DIY Exterior House Cleaning
- Time-consuming: Properly cleaning your home’s exterior can take several days.
- Physical labor: The work can be strenuous, especially for larger homes.
- Safety risks: Working on ladders or roofs can be dangerous.
- Potential for damage: Without proper knowledge, you might damage your home’s exterior.
- Equipment costs: You’ll need to buy or rent necessary cleaning equipment.
DIY Exterior House Cleaning Methods
If you decide to go the DIY route, here are some common methods:
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is an effective way to clean many exterior surfaces. However, it requires careful handling to avoid damage.
Steps for pressure washing:
- Choose the right pressure setting for your surface
- Start with a wider nozzle and test in an inconspicuous area
- Work from top to bottom, overlapping your strokes
- Keep the nozzle moving to avoid damaging the surface
Manual Scrubbing
Manual scrubbing might be necessary for delicate surfaces or small areas.
Tools needed:
- Soft-bristled brush
- Bucket
- Cleaning solution (appropriate for your surface type)
- Garden hose
Steps for manual scrubbing:
- Wet the surface with a hose
- Apply the cleaning solution
- Scrub gently with the brush
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments might be necessary for tough stains or biological growth.
Common chemical treatments:
- Bleach solutions for mold and mildew
- Specialized cleaners for specific stains or surfaces
Always follow manufacturer instructions and safety precautions when using chemical treatments.
Now that we’ve covered the DIY approach let’s look at professional exterior house cleaning services.
Professional Exterior House Cleaning
Hiring a professional house exterior cleaning service is another option for homeowners. Here’s what you should know about this approach.
Pros of Professional Exterior House Cleaning
- Expertise: Professionals have the knowledge and experience to clean effectively and safely.
- Time-saving: A professional team can complete the job much faster than a DIY approach.
- Advanced equipment: Professionals have access to commercial-grade cleaning equipment.
- Safety: Trained professionals know how to handle dangerous situations, like working on roofs.
- Consistent results: Professionals can achieve a thorough, even clean across all surfaces.
Cons of Professional Exterior House Cleaning
- Cost: Professional services are more expensive than DIY cleaning.
- Scheduling: You’ll need to work around the company’s availability.
- Less control: You won’t be directly involved in the cleaning process.
- Potential for untrustworthy services: It’s important to choose a reputable company.
What to Expect from a Professional Exterior House Cleaner
When you hire a professional service, here’s what typically happens:
- Initial assessment: The company will inspect your home and provide a quote.
- Preparation: They’ll cover plants and outdoor furniture to protect them.
- Cleaning: Using appropriate methods for each surface, they’ll clean your home’s exterior.
- Final inspection: They’ll review their work and address any remaining issues.
- Clean-up: They’ll remove any debris and ensure your property is left tidy.
Choosing a Professional Exterior House Cleaning Service
If you decide to hire professionals, consider these factors:
- Experience: Look for companies with a proven track record in exterior house cleaning.
- Insurance: Ensure the company is fully insured to protect you from liability.
- References: Ask for and check customer references.
- Equipment: Inquire about the types of cleaning equipment they use.
- Guarantees: Some companies offer satisfaction guarantees or warranties on their work.
- Environmental considerations: If you’re concerned about eco-friendly practices, ask about their cleaning products and methods.
Comparing Costs: DIY vs. Professional
One of the biggest factors in deciding between DIY and professional exterior house cleaning is cost. Let’s break down the potential expenses for each option.
DIY Costs
When cleaning your house exterior yourself, you’ll need to consider:
- Equipment costs:
- Pressure washer rental or purchase
- Ladders
- Brushes and scrubbers
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, etc.)
- Cleaning solution costs:
- All-purpose cleaners
- Specialized solutions for specific surfaces or stains
- Water and electricity costs
- Your time (while not a direct monetary cost, it’s valuable)
Professional Costs
Professional exterior house cleaning costs can vary based on:
- Size of your home
- Type of exterior surfaces
- Level of dirt or contamination
- Accessibility of your home
- Additional services (like gutter cleaning or window washing)
On average, professional exterior house cleaning can cost anywhere from $200 to $800 for a single-story home, with prices increasing for larger or multi-story houses.
While professional services are more expensive up front, they may save money in the long run by preventing damage and extending the life of your home’s exterior.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between DIY and Professional Cleaning
To help you decide whether DIY or professional exterior house cleaning is right for you, consider these factors:
1. Time Availability
Do you have the time to dedicate to a thorough exterior cleaning? If your schedule is already packed, a professional service might be the better choice.
2. Physical Ability
Exterior house cleaning can be physically demanding. If you have any health concerns or physical limitations, it’s safer to hire professionals.
3. Home Size and Complexity
Larger homes or those with complex architectural features may be better suited for professional cleaning.
4. Surface Types
Some surfaces, like delicate wood siding or historic brick, require specialized cleaning techniques. If you’re unsure how to clean these surfaces safely, consider hiring professionals.
5. Equipment Access
Do you have access to the necessary cleaning equipment? If not, factor in the cost of purchasing or renting equipment when making your decision.
6. Skill Level and Experience
If you’re comfortable with home maintenance tasks and have experience with exterior cleaning, DIY might be a good option. If you’re unsure or inexperienced, professional help may be safer.
7. Budget
While DIY is generally less expensive, consider the value of your time and the potential for costly mistakes. Sometimes, paying for professional service can be more cost-effective in the long run.
8. Safety Concerns
If your home has multiple stories or hard-to-reach areas, professional cleaners with proper safety equipment and training may be the safer choice.
Conclusion
Deciding between DIY and professional exterior house cleaning depends on various factors unique to your situation. Both approaches have their merits, and the right choice will depend on your time, budget, physical abilities, and the specific needs of your home.
If you have the time, equipment, and confidence to tackle the job, DIY exterior house cleaning can be a rewarding and cost-effective option. However, if you value convenience, expertise, and guaranteed results, hiring a professional exterior house cleaner might be the better choice.
