Preparing For Exterior House Cleaning Services

House Washing (Soft Wash):

• Ponds: If you have a fishpond, please cover it securely (e.g., with a tarp, plastic, or timber) and let us know about it in advance so we can take extra caution.
• Plants & Vegetation: Generally resilient, but applying fresh water to plants immediately after cleaning can help if any slight wilting or burning is noticed.
• Fresh Paint, Varnished/Oiled Surfaces & Oxidisation: 

• • CRITICAL: Our cleaning solutions can react negatively with freshly painted, varnished, lacquered, or sealed surfaces that have cured for less than 6 weeks. This can lead to issues like delamination or peeling.

    Furthermore, please be advised that any wooden fixtures, including windows, blinds, or decking, that have varnish or oil protection older than 18 months, particularly if exposed to direct sunlight, may react in a similar manner, potentially leading to adverse effects such as stripping or discolouration.

    Please inform us before we commence work if any areas on your property fall into these categories, as we may need to avoid them. House Washing Experts is not liable for damage to freshly cured or inadequately protected older wooden surfaces if not notified prior.

  • Similarly, bare wooden fixtures (doors, window frames, posts) or wooden deck areas that haven’t received a professionally applied new coat within the last 12 months may be prone to ‘bleeding’ (discoloration). Please NOTIFY our technician prior if you want these areas avoided; otherwise, this will be at the owner’s risk.
  • Oxidisation: Removing dirt and mould often reveals pre-existing oxidisation (a chalky, dull layer) on painted surfaces, which is a natural effect of UV exposure and weathering. Our cleaning process removes the grime, revealing the true condition underneath. House Washing Experts is not liable for existing oxidisation revealed by the cleaning process; this indicates the area is due for repainting.
  • Internal Paint Used Externally: Occasionally, internal paint (not rated for external conditions) is used on exterior areas. This can exacerbate cleaning effects. We are not liable for adverse reactions where inappropriate paint has been used externally.
  • Pre-existing Stains: Please note that some pre-existing stains (e.g., rust, calcium, red earth, hard water marks) or old markings may not be removed completely, and their removal can sometimes lead to minor paint loss or bleeding, especially on darker, sun-exposed surfaces.

Roof Cleaning:

• Risk Acknowledgment: Please be aware that all roof cleaning carries an element of risk, including potential for leakage due to pre-existing cracked tiles or corroded pointing. All roof cleaning is done at the owner’s own risk.
• Water Tanks: Customers with water tanks must ensure to disconnect or divert downpipes, or securely cover any open tank holes with a tarp or secured plastic.
• Broken/Cracked Tiles: Any known broken or cracked tiles must be fixed prior to our job commencing to avoid water leakage.
• Downpipe Flow: Please inform us if any downpipes flow away from the curb (e.g., through another property).
• Hidden Damage: Due to age, dirt, and mould build-up, unnoticeable pre-existing damage (like oxidisation, chalking, or paint deterioration) may be present and become visible after cleaning.

Pressure Cleaning (Hard Surfaces like Driveways, Patios):

• Risk Acknowledgment: Please be aware that pressure cleaning can be abrasive. All pressure cleaning is done at the owner’s own risk.
• Clear the Area: Ensure all items (pots, outdoor furniture, electrical items, pet beds, etc.) are moved from the cleaning area prior to commencement.
• Areas of Concern: If you have any new concrete, existing cracks, chips, soft spots, or weakened areas, please point these out to our technician before we begin pressure cleaning.

Gutter Cleaning:

• Access: Ensure full access is available around the exterior of the property for cleanup. Please unlock all gates and have pets secured.
• Gutter Guard: We will remove leaves/debris from the top of gutter guards and roof valleys. If you wish for gutter guards to be removed and re-installed for cleaning underneath, please inform us prior to your cleaning, as additional charges will apply.
• Harness Fee: A harness fee may apply if access is deemed a risk according to OH&S National Code of Practices for the Prevention of Falls (AS/NZS 1891.1).

Important Final Notes:

• Inspection & Payment: If you are not present upon completion and wish to inspect the clean before finalising payment, we request you or a third party be available on the day. If neither you nor a third party are available, a $99 call-out fee will be charged for a separate return visit for inspection prior to payment finalisation.
• House Washing Experts will not be held liable if the above preparation guidelines are not followed correctly by the property owner.