If you’ve lived around Brisbane, Caboolture, or the Sunshine Coast for a while, you’ll know how quickly a clean wall can turn green. One week, everything looks bright and fresh, and a few humid days later, there’s mould creeping up the paint again. It’s just part of life here in Queensland — warm air, sea breeze, and a bit of rain make the perfect mix for grime and mildew.
I’m Michael from Queensland Quality Cleaning and Property Maintenance, and keeping homes looking their best through all that weather is what my team does every day.
People often ask, “How often should I wash my house?” The short answer: probably more often than you think. But it depends on where you live, the season, and the type of surfaces you have.
Here’s a simple, practical guide based on what we’ve seen in maintaining homes across Moreton Bay, Brisbane, and surrounding regions.
Why Regular House Washing Matters
It’s not just about keeping things looking tidy. Dust, salt, and pollen settle into the paint and slowly eat away at it. In our climate, that mix often turns to mould, which can damage coatings and leave black streaks that are tough to remove.
A regular house wash clears away that grime before it becomes a problem. It also helps gutters flow freely, prevents slippery surfaces, and extends the life of your paintwork — saving you money on repairs and repainting later on.
As I always tell clients, a good wash once or twice a year costs far less than a full repaint every five years.
How Queensland’s Weather Shapes Your Cleaning Schedule
Each season brings its own set of cleaning challenges. Here’s what to expect — and when to plan your next house washing service.
Summer: Humidity and Mould Season
Hot, sticky air means mould and algae thrive. You’ll often notice a musty smell or green patches on shaded walls. Early summer is the perfect time for a soft wash before the storms arrive. We use gentle, eco-safe detergents that remove mould without harming paint or plants. Around Brisbane, most homes need at least one thorough clean during this period to stay on top of it.
Autumn: Leaves and Gutter Build-Up
By March and April, leaves start clogging gutters and roofs. That’s when we handle a lot of roof cleaning and gutter cleaning jobs across Moreton Bay.
A quick rinse of the exterior walls helps, too, since dust tends to stick after those windy days. Autumn cleaning sets your home up for winter — keeping rainwater draining properly and preventing overflow stains.
Winter: Dry but Dusty
Winter in Queensland is mild, making it a great time for light maintenance. We often do a low-pressure rinse to clear cobwebs and pollen. It’s not essential for everyone, but if you’re near a busy road or large block, dust can build up faster than expected.
For properties on acreage, a mid-year pressure clean keeps walls and driveways looking fresh.
Spring: The Big Refresh
Spring is a favourite for homeowners. The weather’s pleasant, there’s less rain, and you start noticing how dull things got over the wet months.
We see a big rise in exterior house cleaning bookings before Christmas, especially around the Sunshine Coast, where salt spray from the sea takes a toll on paint. It’s the best time to wash, brighten, and protect your home before the next round of summer humidity.
Signs It’s Time for a House Wash
You don’t need a checklist — just keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs:
- Green or black streaks on paint or eaves
- Chalky or faded patches on coloured walls
- Slippery driveways or walkways
- Overflowing gutters after rain
- A musty or damp smell on shaded walls
If you’ve noticed any of these, it’s time to give your home a little care. Even if you can’t see mould, you’ll often smell it first.
Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing
For most Queensland homes, soft washing is the safest and most effective approach. It’s easier on paint but still powerful enough to remove grime. Pressure washing is great for concrete, tiles, and fences — but too much force can strip protective coatings.
We adjust our methods depending on the surface. For example, timber weatherboards need a gentler touch than brick or render. Experience makes all the difference.
So, How Often Should You Really Wash?
- Brisbane & Caboolture homes: Once a year usually does the trick.
- Coastal homes (Redcliffe, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast): Twice a year — every six months — is ideal.
Salt air and humidity can damage paint faster, so regular cleaning extends the lifespan of your exterior surfaces. After heavy rain or a run of humid weeks, it’s worth checking your walls. Even a quick spot clean can stop mould before it spreads.
Before You Repaint
Never paint over a dirty surface. Paint only adheres properly to a clean, dry wall. A pre-paint wash ensures a smooth finish and prevents bubbles or peeling later.
Many of our clients book us to wash their homes before roof painting or full exterior repainting — it makes all the difference in results.
Your Year-Round Cleaning Routine
Here’s a simple cycle that keeps most Queensland homes looking great without overdoing it:
- Summer: Soft wash for mould and algae.
- Autumn: Clear gutters and rinse exterior walls.
- Winter: Light rinse to remove dust and cobwebs.
- Spring: Full wash to prepare for heat and storms.
If you follow that routine, your home will stay clean, bright, and protected all year round.
Final Word
Keeping your home’s exterior clean isn’t about being fussy — it’s about protecting your investment. Queensland’s weather is tough on paint and surfaces, but a little regular care goes a long way.
If you’re not sure what your house needs or when to schedule your next clean, get in touch with us at Queensland Quality Cleaning and Property Maintenance.
We’re always happy to visit, assess your property, and recommend the best service — whether that’s house washing, roof cleaning, or solar panel cleaning.
That’s what we do — helping Queensland homeowners keep their properties clean, safe, and looking their best, season after season.
