Auckland gets a lot of rain, a lot of humidity and a lot of sun. That combination is perfect for mould, mildew and algae to build up on the outside of your home. If you have ever looked at a fence or a wall and thought that colour was not there before, you know exactly what we are talking about.
So how often should you actually get it sorted? Here is a straightforward answer.
Once a year is the baseline for most Auckland homes
For the average Auckland house with decent sun exposure and good drainage, a full house wash once every 12 months keeps things in good shape. That covers the walls, roof fascia, gutters, deck, driveway and paths.
Some homes need it more often. If your place is in a shaded area, close to the bush, has a lot of south-facing wall, or sits in a low-lying suburb with high moisture, you might find you need it every 6 to 9 months to stay on top of the growth.
Signs you need a wash sooner
- Dark streaks or a green tinge on the walls or roof
- Slippery paths or driveway (algae is a genuine trip hazard)
- Black spots on the deck or fence
- You cannot remember the last time it was done
- You are getting the house ready to sell or rent
Does the suburb matter?
It really does. If you are in West Auckland (Henderson, Waitakere, Titirangi) you are dealing with higher rainfall and more bush surroundings, so growth builds up faster. The North Shore and East Auckland suburbs tend to be a bit better, but they still get their share. Central Auckland homes often deal more with road grime and pollution than biological growth.
We did a house in Titirangi last winter that had not been washed in four years. The mould was deep into the weatherboard. It came up fine, but it took twice as long and cost more. A yearly wash would have saved the owners a fair chunk.
What does a house wash actually cover?
When we do a full house wash, we cover all exterior walls, the driveway and paths, deck or patio, fences, and window sills and frames. We use different techniques depending on the surface. Painted weatherboard gets a gentle soft wash with a biodegradable cleaning solution. Concrete gets a proper high-pressure blast.
What does it cost?
A standard three-bedroom home in Auckland typically comes in between $200 and $400 for a full wash. See our house washing prices and what’s included, or get in touch for an accurate quote.
Soft wash or pressure wash — which one does your home need?
These get confused constantly, and the difference matters. A soft wash uses low pressure with cleaning solutions that break down dirt, mould and algae chemically — it’s the correct method for painted weatherboard, Linea, plaster, and virtually all wall cladding, where high pressure can strip paint, force water behind joints, and void cladding warranties. A pressure wash uses mechanical force and belongs on hard surfaces: concrete paths, driveways, brick fences and pavers. A professional crew carries both and knows which surface gets which — if someone quotes you a “house pressure wash,” ask more questions.
Washing before painting or selling
Two situations where the schedule goes out the window. If you’re repainting, a thorough wash isn’t optional — paint simply doesn’t bond to chalky, dirty or mouldy surfaces, and every reputable painter will require it (many quote it as a line item; booking it yourself is usually cheaper). If you’re selling, a house wash is one of the highest-return jobs you can do before photos: street appeal is the first filter buyers apply, and a clean exterior reads as a well-maintained home throughout. Agents routinely tell vendors the wash pays for itself several times over.
Is it worth doing yourself?
A ladder, a water blaster and a weekend gets you part of the way — but the risks are real. High pressure on cladding causes the damage described above, working at height on wet surfaces is how a large share of home DIY injuries happen, and without the right solutions the mould returns within weeks because the spores were never killed, just rinsed. A professional soft wash includes treatment that keeps growth suppressed for far longer, carries insurance if anything goes wrong, and takes hours instead of your weekend.