Exterior cleaning is the professional cleaning and maintenance of a property’s external surfaces, including walls, roofs, gutters, windows, driveways, decks, fences, and commercial buildings.
In New Zealand’s humid and coastal conditions, regular exterior cleaning helps prevent mould growth, surface damage, and premature wear.
This complete guide explains the different types of exterior cleaning services, the methods used such as soft washing and pressure washing, typical NZ cost ranges, how often each service is needed, and when it’s best to hire a professional.
What is Exterior Cleaning?
Exterior cleaning is the process of cleaning and maintaining the outside surfaces of a property to prevent damage and preserve appearance.
It includes services such as house washing, roof treatment, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, driveway cleaning, deck and fence washing, and commercial building washing.
Exterior cleaning focuses on removing dirt, mould, algae, moss, salt residue, pollution buildup, and surface stains. In New Zealand’s climate, these contaminants develop quickly due to humidity, rainfall, and coastal air exposure.
What Does Exterior Cleaning Include?
Exterior cleaning services typically cover:
- Exterior wall washing (soft wash house washing)
- Roof treatment and moss removal
- Internal and external gutter cleaning
- Exterior window cleaning
- Driveway and concrete cleaning
- Deck and fence cleaning
- Commercial building washing
You can see a full breakdown of our exterior cleaning services in NZ on our main service page.
Residential vs Commercial Exterior Cleaning
Residential exterior cleaning focuses on private homes. The goal is to maintain curb appeal, protect paintwork, and prevent long-term surface deterioration. Services are usually scheduled annually or seasonally depending on exposure.
Commercial exterior cleaning focuses on retail buildings, offices, warehouses, and body corporates. In addition to appearance, commercial cleaning often supports compliance, health and safety, and brand presentation.
Preventative Maintenance vs Reactive Cleaning
Preventative exterior cleaning is scheduled maintenance done before visible damage becomes severe. For example, washing a home every 12–18 months prevents heavy mould buildup and protects paint.
Reactive cleaning happens after staining, moss growth, or surface damage has already developed. While effective, reactive cleaning can require stronger treatment and sometimes higher costs.
In most NZ properties, preventative cleaning reduces long-term maintenance expenses and extends the lifespan of exterior materials.
Why Does Exterior Cleaning Matter in New Zealand?
Exterior cleaning matters in New Zealand because the climate accelerates surface deterioration. Humidity, rainfall, and coastal exposure create ideal conditions for mould, algae, and salt buildup.
Without regular maintenance, these elements damage paint, cladding, roofing, and concrete surfaces.
How Does Exterior Cleaning Protect Property Value?
Regular exterior cleaning helps maintain your property’s market value. A clean exterior improves curb appeal and signals that the home is well maintained. This is especially important before selling or renting.
Stained cladding, mould growth, and dirty roofs reduce perceived value. Routine services like house washing and roof treatment prevent visible deterioration that can discourage buyers.
How Does It Preserve Paint and Cladding?
Mould and algae trap moisture against surfaces. Over time, this weakens paint adhesion and can lead to peeling or premature repainting.
Soft washing removes organic growth before it penetrates coatings. Preventative cleaning reduces repainting frequency and protects materials such as weatherboards, plaster, and brick.
You can learn more about how house washing protects exterior surfaces.
Are There Health Benefits to Exterior Cleaning?
Exterior mould growth affects more than appearance. Spores can travel indoors through open windows and ventilation systems.
Removing mould, pollen, and organic buildup reduces allergens around your home. Cleaning gutters also prevents stagnant water, which can attract pests and bacteria.
Roof maintenance plays a role here as well. Regular roof treatment limits moss growth that can retain moisture and contribute to damp conditions.
What Types of Exterior Cleaning Services Are Available in NZ?
Exterior cleaning in New Zealand covers a wide range of services designed to protect different parts of a property. Each service targets specific surfaces and problems, from mould growth on walls to blocked gutters and stained concrete.
Below is a complete breakdown of the most common exterior cleaning services in NZ, what they include, when they are needed, typical cost ranges, and recommended frequency.
What is House Washing?
House washing is the cleaning of exterior walls to remove dirt, mould, algae, spider webs, and environmental buildup.
What Does House Washing Include?
- Cleaning cladding (weatherboard, brick, plaster, vinyl)
- Removing mould and algae
- Rinsing exterior window frames
- Cleaning eaves and soffits
When Is House Washing Needed?
- Visible green or black mould
- Dull or faded paint appearance
- Spider web buildup
- Before selling or repainting
What Method Is Used?
Most homes in NZ require soft washing. This uses low pressure and specialised cleaning solutions to safely remove organic growth without damaging paint.
Typical NZ Cost Range
| House Size | Typical Cost (NZD + GST) |
|---|---|
| Up to 80 sqm | $249 – $269 |
| 81–180 sqm | $269 – $299 |
| 181–350 sqm | $299 – $399 |
| 350+ sqm | $399 – $450+ |
For detailed pricing, see our House Washing Cost Guide.
How Often Is It Needed?
Most NZ homes require washing every 12–18 months. Coastal or shaded homes may require annual cleaning.
If you’re located locally, see our:
What is Roof Treatment?
Roof treatment is a moss and mould control service that prevents organic growth from damaging roofing materials.
What Does It Include?
- Application of moss and mould treatment
- Surface coverage across entire roof
- Long-term regrowth prevention
What Is “Spray and Leave”?
Spray and leave treatment applies a cleaning solution that works gradually over 6–12 months. Rain activates the treatment, breaking down moss and lichen naturally.
When Is It Needed?
- Visible moss or lichen growth
- Black streaking
- Before roof repainting
Typical NZ Cost Range
| Roof Size | Typical Cost (NZD + GST) |
|---|---|
| Small | $99 – $149 |
| Medium | $199 – $249 |
| Large | $259 – $299 |
See the full Roof Treatment Cost Guide for details.
How Often Is It Needed?
Typically every 2–3 years, depending on climate and roof exposure.
You can also read our guide on moss and mould removal.
What is Gutter Cleaning?
Gutter cleaning removes debris that blocks water flow and prevents overflow damage.
Exterior vs Internal Cleaning
- Exterior cleaning removes visible staining.
- Internal cleaning removes leaves, sludge, and blockages.
Why Is It Critical?
Blocked gutters can cause:
- Roof leaks
- Foundation damage
- Mould growth
- Pest infestation
Typical NZ Cost Range
| Property Size | Typical Cost (NZD + GST) |
|---|---|
| Small | $159 – $169 |
| Medium | $189 – $209 |
| Large | $220 – $299 |
See the full Gutter Cleaning Cost Guide.
How Often Is It Needed?
Every 6–12 months, especially in tree-heavy areas.
What is Window Cleaning?
Window cleaning removes dirt, water spotting, and environmental residue from glass surfaces.
Residential vs Commercial
- Residential focuses on homes.
- Commercial includes retail fronts and offices.
What Is the Pure Water System?
Professional window cleaning often uses purified water systems. This leaves a streak-free finish without chemical residue.
Typical NZ Cost Range
| Property Size | Typical Cost (NZD + GST) |
|---|---|
| Small | $70 – $80 |
| Medium | $120 – $150 |
| Large | $199+ |
Full details are available in the Window Cleaning Cost Guide.
How Often Is It Needed?
Every 6–12 months for homes. Commercial properties may require quarterly cleaning.
What is Driveway & Concrete Cleaning?
Driveway and concrete cleaning removes embedded stains and organic growth from hard surfaces.
What Does It Remove?
- Oil stains
- Tyre marks
- Moss and algae
- Dirt buildup
Pressure Washing vs Surface Cleaning
Pressure washing uses controlled high pressure. Surface cleaners provide even cleaning without striping.
Typical NZ Cost Range
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Driveway | $3 – $6 per sqm |
| Pathways | $3 – $5 per sqm |
| Patio | $3 – $5 per sqm |
See our Driveway Cleaning Cost Guide.
How Often Is It Needed?
Every 1–2 years, depending on traffic and exposure.
What is Deck & Fence Cleaning?
Deck and fence cleaning restores timber surfaces by removing dirt, mould, and weathering buildup.
Timber Sensitivity
Timber requires controlled pressure to prevent splintering or fibre damage.
Soft Wash vs Pressure
Soft washing is safer for delicate or painted timber. Pressure may be used carefully on heavy staining.
Typical NZ Cost Range
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Deck Cleaning | $3 – $6 per sqm |
| Fence Cleaning | $3 – $5 per sqm |
Full pricing is available in the Deck Cleaning Cost Guide.
When Is It Needed?
Typically every 1–2 years, depending on exposure.
What is Commercial Building Washing?
Commercial building washing maintains retail, office, and industrial properties.
What Does It Cover?
- Retail shopfronts
- Offices
- Warehouses
- Body corporate properties
Why Is It Important?
- Maintains brand image
- Supports health and safety compliance
- Prevents long-term cladding deterioration
Pricing Structure
Commercial pricing is usually inspection-based, as access, height, and surface types vary.
See our Commercial Cleaning Cost guide for more information.
How Often Is It Needed?
Most commercial buildings require cleaning every 6–12 months, depending on exposure and business type.
What Methods Are Used in Exterior Cleaning?
Different surfaces require different cleaning methods. Using the wrong method can cause damage, reduce surface lifespan, or produce poor results. In New Zealand, exterior cleaning typically uses three main methods: soft washing, pressure washing, and water blasting.
What is Soft Washing?
Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that uses specialised cleaning solutions to remove mould, algae, and organic growth.
Instead of relying on force, soft washing relies on chemical application to kill contaminants at the root. The surface is then gently rinsed with controlled water pressure.
Soft washing is ideal for:
- Painted weatherboards
- Plaster cladding
- Roof tiles
- Vinyl siding
- Decks and fences (when delicate)
Soft washing is the safest method for most residential house washing in NZ because it protects paint and prevents water intrusion behind cladding.
If you want a detailed comparison, read our guide on Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing.
What is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to remove surface dirt, stains, and debris.
This method is effective for hard surfaces that can tolerate force. However, it is not suitable for painted cladding or delicate materials.
Pressure washing is typically used for:
- Concrete driveways
- Paving
- Brick walls
- Some commercial surfaces
Improper pressure washing can strip paint, damage timber fibres, and force water into wall cavities. That is why correct pressure control and surface assessment are critical.
What is Water Blasting?
Water blasting is a heavy-duty cleaning method designed for industrial or heavily stained surfaces.
It uses higher pressure than standard pressure washing and is often applied in commercial or industrial environments.
Water blasting is commonly used for:
- Large concrete areas
- Industrial yards
- Warehouse floors
- Heavy oil-stained driveways
Because of its intensity, water blasting must be carefully managed to avoid surface damage.
You can see typical pricing in our Water Blasting Cost Guide.
How Often Should Exterior Cleaning Be Done in NZ?
Exterior cleaning frequency in New Zealand depends heavily on climate, location, and surface exposure. Humidity, rainfall, coastal salt air, and tree cover all accelerate mould growth and surface buildup.
Below is a general guideline for how often most NZ properties require exterior cleaning:
| Service | Typical Frequency in NZ |
|---|---|
| House washing | Every 12–18 months |
| Roof treatment | Every 2–3 years |
| Gutter cleaning | Every 6–12 months |
| Window cleaning | Every 6–12 months |
| Driveway cleaning | Every 1–2 years |
How Much Does Exterior Cleaning Cost in NZ?
Exterior cleaning costs in New Zealand typically range from $99 to $1,200+ GST, depending on the service, property size, access, and condition.
Smaller single services sit at the lower end, while bundled or large-property jobs sit at the higher end.
Below is a general pricing overview for common services:
| Service | Typical NZ Range (NZD + GST) |
|---|---|
| House washing | $249 – $450+ |
| Roof treatment | $99 – $299 |
| Gutter cleaning | $159 – $299 |
| Window cleaning | $70 – $350+ |
| Driveway cleaning | $3 – $6 per sqm |
| Deck cleaning | $3 – $6 per sqm |
| Fence cleaning | $3 – $5 per sqm |
| Commercial building wash | Inspection-based |
These are general market ranges. Exact pricing depends on property size, height, contamination level, and accessibility.
What Affects Exterior Cleaning Costs?
Several factors influence the final price:
- Property size – Larger homes require more time and materials.
- Surface condition – Heavy mould, moss, or oil staining increases labour.
- Access difficulty – Multi-storey properties or steep roofs require additional safety measures.
- Service bundling – Combining services often reduces overall cost per service.
- Regional demand – Pricing may vary slightly between Auckland, Tauranga, and Hamilton.
Can You Bundle Exterior Cleaning Services to Save Money?
Yes, bundling exterior cleaning services in NZ typically reduces the total cost compared to booking each service separately. Combining services lowers setup time, labour duplication, and travel costs, which results in better overall value.
What Is Included in Package 1 (House Wash + Roof Treatment)?
Package 1 combines house washing with roof treatment.
This package is ideal for homeowners who want to remove mould from walls while also preventing moss and lichen growth on the roof.
Why this combination works:
- Both services target organic growth.
- Cleaning the house first prevents roof runoff staining.
- It protects both cladding and roofing materials at the same time.
What Is Included in Package 2 (House Wash + Roof Treatment + Gutter Cleaning)?
Package 2 adds gutter cleaning to the house and roof bundle.
This is a full exterior maintenance solution.
This package helps:
- Prevent roof overflow damage.
- Stop gutter blockages.
- Reduce mould spread from clogged gutters.
- Protect paint, roofing, and drainage systems together.
What Are the Benefits of Bundling Services?
Bundling services provides both financial and practical advantages.
Cost efficiency
- One setup instead of multiple visits.
- Lower combined labour time.
- Reduced travel and equipment deployment costs.
Comprehensive protection
- Walls, roof, and drainage systems are maintained together.
- Organic growth is treated across all surfaces at once.
- Prevents one surface from contaminating another.
Less disruption
- One scheduled appointment instead of multiple bookings.
- Faster overall completion.
What Should You Expect from a Professional Exterior Cleaning Company?
Choosing a professional exterior cleaning company in NZ should involve more than just price. A reputable provider follows a structured process, prioritises safety, and selects the correct cleaning method for your property.
Inspection Comes First
A professional company should assess your property before starting work. This inspection identifies:
- Surface type (painted cladding, plaster, brick, timber)
- Level of mould or contamination
- Access requirements (height, roof pitch)
- Drainage and runoff considerations
Proper inspection prevents damage and ensures the correct treatment is applied.
You can learn more about our process on our About Sun SoftWash.
Correct Method Selection
Not every surface should be pressure washed.
A professional exterior cleaning company will choose between:
- Soft washing for delicate surfaces
- Controlled pressure washing for hard surfaces
- Water blasting for heavy-duty areas
Incorrect method selection is one of the most common causes of exterior damage. Professional assessment reduces that risk.
Safety Compliance
Exterior cleaning often involves working at height, handling chemicals, and operating specialised equipment.
A professional provider should follow:
- Height safety protocols
- Controlled chemical handling procedures
- Equipment safety standards
Safety compliance protects both the property owner and the workers.
ECIA Accreditation Matters
In New Zealand, ECIA accreditation signals adherence to industry standards.
The Exterior Cleaning Industry Association (ECIA) sets a Code of Practice for exterior cleaning businesses. Accredited members commit to safe work practices, proper training, and professional conduct.
You can read more in our blog on Why ECIA Accreditation Matters in Exterior Cleaning.
Choosing an accredited provider reduces risk and increases confidence in service quality.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Exterior Cleaning in NZ
Exterior cleaning in New Zealand is not just about appearance. It is a preventative maintenance strategy that protects paint, roofing, drainage systems, and hard surfaces from long-term damage.
Services such as house washing, roof treatment, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, and driveway washing all play different roles in preserving your property.
NZ’s climate accelerates mould growth, salt buildup, and surface deterioration. Regular maintenance prevents minor buildup from turning into expensive repairs. Scheduling services at the right intervals is typically far more cost-effective than reacting to damage later.
If you are unsure which exterior cleaning services your property needs, a professional assessment can provide clarity. You can request a free quote or inspection to determine the right maintenance plan for your home or commercial building.
