Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Cleaning Services

Outdoor cleaning is essential for keeping your property safe, free of unhealthy contaminants, whilst also enhancing its appearance, making it more welcoming to guests and patrons, and more appealing to potential tenants and buyers.

According to IBISWorld reports, there are more than 40,000 commercial cleaning businesses in Australia as of September 2024. If you’re considering hiring an outdoor cleaning service, you need to make sure that you pick the right one who can fulfil your specific cleaning requirements. Here are some of frequently asked questions about outdoor cleaning services to guide you.

1. What outdoor cleaning services are typically offered?

An expert outdoor cleaning company should be able to provide comprehensive services that usually include high-pressure cleaning, roof and gutter cleaning, house washing, building washing, driveway, floor and car park cleaning, graffiti removal, and window cleaning, among others. For more specialised work, they can also do roof painting, hard surface sealing, and even timber and sandstone cleaning.

2. How much does outdoor cleaning cost?

The following factors will help you estimate how much you need to pay for outdoor cleaning services:

The size of the property
Bigger properties need more time and materials, resulting in higher fees. Companies typically charge by the square footage of the space being cleaned. Some services offer a fixed rate or charge by the hour.
The level of dirtiness
Expect a higher cost if there are areas in your property that haven’t been cleaned for a long time since this will require more time and effort to clean thoroughly.
The specific items and surface areas that need to be cleaned
Each area of your property has a different fee. The outdoor cleaning service may give a discount by bundling cleaning services for different areas. The surface of the area should also be considered as it may require a specific cleaning agent and method.
The season of the year
Spring and summer are often peak times. You can save by booking during off-peak months, like late autumn or winter, when some companies may also offer special deals or discounts.

To give you an idea, roof and gutter cleaning could cost between AUD $150 and $350. High-pressure cleaning a driveway might range from AUD $150 to $400. Exterior wall washing typically costs around AUD $350, while patio cleaning is about AUD $150. A one-story house might cost between AUD $200 and $300, while a two-story home could range from AUD $400 to $600. For a three-story property, expect to pay between AUD $500 and $1,000, as special equipment is required to reach the upper levels. These prices aren’t set in stone, so you need to discuss this in detail with the outdoor cleaning company of your choice.

3. Are outdoor cleaning chemicals safe for pets and plants?

Most professional outdoor cleaning services use eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning solutions that are safe for pets, plants, and the environment. They can even collect and dispose the wastewater properly to prevent polluting the surrounding areas. Ask the exterior cleaning service provider if the cleaning agents they use are non-hazardous.

4. What should I do to prepare for outdoor cleaning services?

Remove any furniture, vehicles, or personal items from the area being cleaned to ensure the cleaners can work efficiently and avoid damage to your belongings. Keep pets indoors during the process to protect them from any loud noises or from exposure to cleaning products and water splashes.

5. How long does it take to clean a typical property?

This will depend on the size of the property, its level of dirtiness, and the type of cleaning services required. For example, cleaning the exterior areas of a standard house and driveway may take between two to five hours.

6. Is pressure washing safe for all surfaces?

Pressure washing is safe for most outdoor surfaces, including driveways, pathways, and patios. Delicate surfaces like wood decks or older roofs may require soft washing techniques to prevent damage. A reliable outdoor cleaning service should be able to do both high-pressure cleaning and soft washing to match the right types of surfaces.

7. What is the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to dislodge deep-seated dirt to clean hard surfaces, like concrete and stone. Soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with cleaning agents for delicate surfaces like roofs, siding, and wood.

8. Do I need to be home during the outdoor cleaning service?

There’s no need for you to stay at home whilst the outdoor cleaners do their work. As long as they have access to the areas that need to be cleaned, they can perform the service while you’re away.

9. Are there any certifications or accreditations that I should look for?

For your safety and security, it’s best to hire a professional exterior cleaning company with proper accreditations and certifications that comply with industry standards. If you own a multi-story residential or high-rise commercial property, it’s crucial to choose outdoor cleaners certified in working safely at heights, operating elevated platforms, and completing construction induction training. For strata properties, selecting a cleaning service with strata community accreditations is ideal.

10. How often should I have my roof and gutters cleaned?

It’s recommended to have your roof and gutters cleaned at least twice a year—once in spring and once in autumn. This prevents blockages, water damage, and debris buildup which can impact the structural integrity of your property if left unattended.

Complete outdoor cleaning services in Sydney

Maintaining the exterior cleanliness of your property can be challenging, but outdoor cleaning services can assist you with the right tools, equipment, and expertise to keep your property pristine.

Outdoor Cleaning Specialists is a trusted name in exterior house cleaning, building washing, roof and gutter cleaning, high-pressure washing, and other comprehensive cleaning services. With years of experience in cleaning residential, commercial, and strata properties across Sydney, we are an accredited corporate member of Strata Community Australia. Our cleaners are certified to safely work at heights and operate equipment. Contact us today, and our representatives will be happy to assist with your outdoor cleaning needs.

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