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Understanding when your home requires a thorough washing is crucial for maintaining its condition and street appeal. This blog aims to help homeowners recognise the telltale signs that it’s time to clean the exterior of their house. Regular house washing not only preserves the structural integrity of your home but also enhances its aesthetic appeal.

Visible Signs of Dirt and Grime:

  1. Mould Stains on Walls: Different stains on your home’s walls can indicate issues. Rust stains often indicate metal corrosion and dark streaks are a sign of mould development. Understanding what different stains mean can help you address potential problems before they escalate.


  2. Green Growth: The appearance of green patches on your home, whether mould, moss, or lichen. These organisms can cause significant damage to exterior surfaces by retaining moisture, which leads to wood rot and compromised structural materials.
  3. Mould: Dark spots or streaks, particularly in shaded areas, suggest mould presence. These can pose health risks by triggering allergies and respiratory issues, making their removal through at least an annual washing program imperative.


  4. Faded Colours: Noticeably dull or faded exterior paint can signal it’s time to repaint. Before painting a thorough wash is essential to ensure the new coat adheres properly and lasts longer.
  5. Mould on Surfaces: Green or black streaks on roofs or walkways are typical signs of algae growth. Algae can deteriorate these surfaces over time, necessitating prompt cleaning to prevent long-term damage.


  6. Pest Issues: If you notice an increase in pests like spiders or insects, dirt and debris might be attracting them.
  7. Debris Accumulation: Leaves, dirt, and other debris accumulating in corners or on porches are clear indicators that it’s time for a comprehensive wash to maintain cleanliness and prevent material decay.
  8. Peeling Paint: If paint is peeling or bubbling, dirt buildup can often contribute to the early decay or breakdown of the paint surface.

Regular washing not only improves aesthetics but also can also help maintain your home’s condition and value!Top tip – Houses should only be softwashed not water blasted. Elite Proper Wash are experts in house soft washing.

Unpleasant Odours

If there’s a persistent musty or mouldy smell around the exterior of your house, this could be a sign of mould or mildew buildup on your surfaces. These odours often become more pronounced in areas with poor drainage or where water collects, such as near downspouts and shaded corners.

Neighbourhood Comparisons

Take a moment to compare your home’s exterior to others in your neighbourhood. If your house looks noticeably dirtier or more worn, it may be time to schedule awesome exterior cleaning. Always good to start with a house wash. Keeping up with neighbourhood standards boosts your home’s aesthetic and supports property values in your area.

Expert Tips

Here’s a quick checklist to help homeowners assess whether their home needs washing:

  1. Visually inspect for any stains or growth on walls and roof.
  2. Sniff for musty odours around the house, which might indicate mould.
  3. Conduct seasonal checks, especially after harsh weather, to maintain your home.
  4. Checking gutters regularly if you have tall plantings is a must to ensure the water continues to drain away from your home and not into it
Before and after photo of a gutter that has been cleared of leaves and debris
Ignoring the signs that your home needs washing can lead to more than just aesthetic decline; it can cause lasting damage that becomes increasingly costly. Doing regular maintenance ensures your home looks its best and remains in good health. And it will be market ready if you decide it’s time to move.

If you would like to discuss what should be on your annual maintenance plan for your home or, would like to schedule in a house wash, Contact Elite Property Wash for expert house washing services to revive your home’s exterior and help you avoid future problems and expense.