Searching for exterior house washing on the Gold Coast turns up a wall of ads with prices that swing around. Add results for "exterior house near me" and it gets hard to tell who will treat paint, timber and gardens with care. The right team cleans thoroughly while protecting finishes. The wrong one forces water under flashings and leaves streaks you will notice for months. Use this guide to compare on method, safety, equipment and value before you book.
What Method Do You Need?
Not every surface should face the same pressure. A soft wash uses low pressure with a measured solution to break down mould and salt film on painted cladding, rendered walls and delicate trims. High pressure suits concrete, some brick and other hard areas when handled correctly. A reliable operator explains the plan per surface, masks sensitive features, then rinses to neutralise residue. If a quote applies one method to everything, walk away. Mismatched pressure causes raised timber grain, sandy render and hidden leaks that show up after the crew leaves.
Safety You Can Verify
- Insurance and paperwork: ask for public liability insurance and Safe Work Method Statements for ladder use, roof access and chemical handling
- Working at height: expect harness points or mobile platforms on two storey sections, plus trained operators near solar inverters and outdoor power
- Runoff control: confirm how they divert and neutralise runoff so it does not scorch lawn or enter ponds
- Site protection: drop sheets, plant covers and tape on vents show the crew plans to prevent problems, not just clean them up
A team that invests in safety protects people and property, which keeps the day smooth and incident free.
Gear That Protects Paint
Clean results come from matched tools, not just more pressure. Look for adjustable machines with fan nozzles sized to the job. Pro soft wash rigs should meter dilution so chemistry lifts grime without biting into paint. Surface cleaners prevent zebra striping on big flat areas. Inline filters keep grit out of pumps and off walls. Ask what they will use on your cladding. The answer should be specific and confident, not guesswork.
What Really Drives Price
- Size and height: two storey work takes longer and may need access gear
- Surface type and condition: heavy mould or salt film needs dwell time and controlled rinse
- Access: tight side paths, steep drives or limited tap points add labour
- Scope: walls only, or walls with eaves, fascias, gutter fronts and paths
- Stains and extras: rust dribbles, lichen under gutters, or oil on paths add steps
The very lowest number often skips masking or plant protection, then leaves streaks you pay to fix later.
How To Read Quotes Fairly
- Scope: get a clear list of areas included and any exclusions
- Method: confirm soft wash on paint and render, pressure on suitable hard areas
- Chemicals: ask dilution, dwell time and the plan to protect gardens and ponds
- Access plan: ladders, platforms or roof anchors, plus who pays if conditions change
- Rinse and tidy: window rinses, debris removal and final clean up
- Weather policy: how wind or rain days are handled
- Guarantee: what they will do if stains return within a set period
A transparent quote is a quality signal by itself.
Red Flags That Risk Your Paintwork
- One flat price for “the lot” with no site visit
- Only high pressure offered for timber or render
- No mention of plant protection or runoff control
- Refusal to show insurance or safety paperwork
- “We just blast it” as the method of choice
You want measured pressure, controlled chemistry and a tidy workflow that respects finishes and gardens.
Before Wash Day: Quick Prep
- Close windows and doors, then check old seals on timber frames
- Move cars and light furniture away from the wash zone
- Keep pets inside during application and first rinse
- Point out flaky paint, old repairs or known leaks so the operator adapts the approach
- Flag pond fish or delicate plantings at booking so covers are ready
Good teams still do their own checks. Your prep makes the day smoother and helps prevent avoidable mess.
Soft Wash Chemistry in Plain English
Soft wash is not code for bleach and hope. It is a measured solution applied at low pressure, allowed to dwell, then rinsed to neutralise residue. Strength changes with surface and contamination. On painted cladding, lower concentration with longer dwell protects the film. On stubborn mould, a staged approach beats one hot mix. Ask how gardens are shielded, where runoff goes and how neutralising is handled. This protects plants, metals and coatings while still delivering a clean result.
Working Around Solar, Timber & Render
Modern homes mix materials, so method must adapt. Around solar, keep chemistry clear of inverters, cover sensitive gear, then rinse frames and glass in line with maker guidance. On timber, work along the grain with a wide fan at moderate pressure to avoid furring. On render, test a discreet patch, rely on soft wash, then rinse with a wide fan to prevent erosion. Matching technique to material is how you clean well without shortening coating life.
Maintenance Between Services
Gold Coast humidity and sea air bring mould back faster than inland suburbs. Stretch time between washes with a few habits. Rinse windward walls with a gentle hose after strong winds. Trim plants off cladding so air and light keep surfaces dry. Keep gutters clear so overflow does not streak fascias and eaves. Spot clean small marks early with mild approved cleaners. These steps reduce build up and make the next service faster and cheaper.
Insurance, Neighbours & Timing
In townhouses or shared walls, check body corporate rules before booking. A quick note in the letterbox keeps neighbours on side. Schedule around paintwork or roof repairs so trades are not undoing each other. If you plan to sell, book the wash after garden clean up and before photos so paths and walls look consistent. If you are claiming weather damage, keep invoices and product notes for your records.
What a Quality Finish Looks Like
After a proper wash you should see even colour, clean junctions at trims and no tide lines under eaves. Timber should look fresh, not fuzzy from overpressure. Render should feel intact with no sandy patches. Paths should be free of swirl marks. If windows were rinsed, spotting should be minimal. Where stubborn lichen sat tight, a pro will flag any faint ghosting and outline a follow up plan rather than hiding it with a harsh pass.
Book Jackson’s Window Cleaning — Exterior House Washing
At Jackson’s Window Cleaning, we deliver careful exterior house washing suited to local salt, sun and humidity. From soft washing painted cladding to safe rinses around windows and solar we protect gardens and finishes while bringing back kerb appeal.
Visit jacksonswindowcleaning.com.au/house-washing to request an itemised quote. Tell us your cladding type, house height and any access quirks and we will map a safe, effective clean that lasts.
