A guide to cleaning exterior surfaces

Cleaning approach

Inspect for weak areas, old repairs and coatings. Remove loose debris, test a small area and use controlled, even passes with suitable hard-surface equipment. Finish edges carefully rather than chasing stains with a concentrated jet.

Cleaner selection

A concrete-compatible detergent for general grime; targeted organic-growth treatment or degreaser where needed. Oil removal is a different scope from a general clean.

Where heat helps

Useful for oil, grease and gum. Cold water is often sufficient for ordinary loose dirt after suitable preparation.

What needs care

A close jet can etch tracks or remove cement paste. New, dusty, spalling or poorly cured slabs need advice from the concrete supplier before machine cleaning.

The likely result

Cleaner concrete can still show repairs, tyre marks and deeply absorbed oil. Cleaning does not level a slab or repair cracking.

Aftercare

Sweep off leaves and soil, fix leaking taps and downpipes, and watch shaded areas, which turn slippery first.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Driveway packages and general hard-surface guide rates have different scopes. See driveway costs and size limits.

Cleaning approach

Check the binder, stones and any sealer. Use a test patch and controlled passes; reduce the cleaning action around loose aggregate, joints and damaged edges.

Cleaner selection

A compatible hard-surface cleaner selected for the stain and any coating. Treat oil separately and check the sealer’s care instructions.

Where heat helps

May help oily deposits on compatible, sound surfaces. Heat is assessed against the sealer and binder first.

What needs care

High impact can dislodge stones or make weak cement paste look uneven. A glossy surface may be a coating rather than polished stone.

The likely result

Dirt and organic film may improve, but missing stones and permanent sealer discolouration need repair or coating work.

Aftercare

Keep grit off the surface. A peeling or patchy sealer needs a coating specialist. Washing will not fix it.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Driveway packages and general hard-surface guide rates have different scopes. See driveway costs and size limits.

Cleaning approach

Identify the finish, ask about previous sealing and trial a discreet section. Begin with a gentle clean and increase cleaning action only where the finish remains sound.

Cleaner selection

A cleaner approved for the decorative finish and coating. Avoid choosing a product solely because it says concrete on the label.

Where heat helps

Only if the finish and sealer tolerate it. It is not a default upgrade for decorative work.

What needs care

Aggressive washing can strip pigment, stencil detail or loose coating. Acid can alter cement-based surfaces.

The likely result

Cleaning may expose old wear. Restoring colour and reapplying sealer are separate jobs and cannot be promised by a wash.

Aftercare

Note any failed coating in your booking details. Keep a record of the coating product for later maintenance.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Cleaning approach

Identify the coating where possible, note whitening or peeling and test for changes to colour, gloss and adhesion before cleaning.

Cleaner selection

A coating-compatible cleaner; targeted stain treatment only after a trial. Solvent stripping and resealing need their own scope.

Where heat helps

Use only after checking the coating specification. Hot water can change a coating’s response.

What needs care

A wash can lift already detached film. White patches may reflect moisture or coating failure rather than removable dirt.

The likely result

Expect a cleaner coating where it is sound. Washing cannot restore a failed protective film.

Aftercare

Follow the sealer’s maintenance advice and assess slip behaviour when choosing any replacement product.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Cleaning approach

Inspect loose units and joints, remove dry debris and trial a controlled wash. Keep concentrated jets out of joints. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact product.

Cleaner selection

A compatible paver cleaner for the identified deposit. Mortar-residue treatment is distinct from removing ordinary garden grime.

Where heat helps

Can assist greasy spots where the paver and jointing system permit it.

What needs care

Pressure may wash out sand and expose existing movement. Specialty or soft clay products may have restrictive cleaning requirements.

The likely result

Organic film and general dirt usually respond differently from mineral deposits and embedded oil. Joint repairs are not included automatically.

Aftercare

Inspect the joints once dry. Topping up joint sand and sealing are separate specialist jobs, and the sand goes in before any sealer.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Approximate budgeting guide: $6.50 to $9.00 per m², minimum $249, including GST. Cleaning only, where the product permits the method. Re-sanding, repairs and sealing are separate. Check the pricing scope.

Cleaning approach

Identify the brand and finish, start with brushing and compatible detergent and assess joints. Use machine cleaning only where the product instructions expressly allow it.

Cleaner selection

A concrete-paver-compatible cleaner. Adbri’s concrete masonry care guidance excludes acid cleaners; obtain product-specific paving advice before choosing a stain treatment.

Where heat helps

Only if the paver, coating and jointing system allow it; not needed for routine dust removal.

What needs care

Aggressive cleaning can expose aggregate or alter colour. Some concrete masonry products prohibit power washing entirely.

The likely result

Surface deposits may improve, while fading and moisture-related efflorescence can remain or recur.

Aftercare

Clear leaves promptly and look into persistent damp. Joint maintenance is separate work.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Approximate budgeting guide: $6.50 to $9.00 per m², minimum $249, including GST. Cleaning only, where the product permits the method. Re-sanding, repairs and sealing are separate. Check the pricing scope.

Cleaning approach

Check whether the stone is sound, sandy, layered or fretting, and inspect the mortar. Trial gentle wet cleaning, soft tools and stone-compatible treatment before considering any specialist controlled system.

Cleaner selection

Select for the deposit and stone. Begin with a suitable stone cleaner; targeted organic treatment requires compatibility checks. Ordinary brick acid is not a general sandstone cleaner.

Where heat helps

Controlled warm-water or specialist steam methods may be assessed for particular deposits. Heat does not make fragile stone safe to blast.

What needs care

Rotary jets and repeated close passes can remove stone rather than just dirt. Weathered and heritage sandstone may need a conservator or stonemason.

The likely result

The aim is to lift deposits while preserving the face. Old staining and natural colour variation may remain; a bright new-stone appearance can be an unsafe target.

Aftercare

Remove leaves, improve drainage where practicable and assess whether any breathable protective treatment is appropriate. Sealing is a separate decision.

General care guidance. Send photos and the product name through the online price request before booking this material.

Approximate budgeting guide: $12.00 to $20.00 per m², minimum $349, including GST. A guide for suitable sound paving. Fretting stone, heritage work and restoration need specialist assessment. Check the pricing scope.

Cleaning approach

Identify the finish, check weak edges and joints and trial gentle cleaning with a soft brush or suitable stone-cleaning equipment.

Cleaner selection

A pH-neutral or expressly limestone-compatible cleaner. Specialist stain treatments require testing rather than a generic stone-cleaner claim.

Where heat helps

Not a default requirement. Any warm-water method must suit the stone, adhesive, filler and sealer.

What needs care

Acid etching changes the stone itself. High impact and abrasive scrubbing may leave a different texture or sheen.

The likely result

Cleaning can remove soil but cannot wash away etching or wear. Those defects may need a stone restoration specialist.

Aftercare

Avoid acidic spills and household descalers. Keep a record of any sealer and maintain it to the supplier’s guidance.

This material may need a stone, conservation or repair specialist. We do not offer polishing, conservation or repairs.

Cleaning approach

Inspect open pores, fills, grout and loose tiles. Start with a compatible wash and soft agitation; use the least disruptive rinse supported by a test patch.

Cleaner selection

A travertine-compatible cleaner. Avoid vinegar and general acid washes on this carbonate stone.

Where heat helps

Only when the installation and finish permit it. Heat is not needed for routine leaf debris.

What needs care

Acids etch the surface; aggressive action can affect weak fills or grout. On pool coping, keep cleaning products and dirty water out of the pool.

The likely result

Soil and organic film may improve, while missing filler and worn finishes remain repair issues.

Aftercare

Fill and grout repairs are separate work. Do not seal over damp or contaminated stone.

This material may need a stone, conservation or repair specialist. We do not offer polishing, conservation or repairs.

Cleaning approach

Identify the stone and finish, distinguish residue from surface damage and trial gentle cleaning only.

Cleaner selection

A stone-approved neutral cleaner. Acidic cleaners and abrasive pads can permanently change the appearance.

Where heat helps

Not a routine pressure-cleaning application. Check any specialist method against the stone and installation.

What needs care

Etching and loss of polish may require honing or polishing; trying to remove them with more pressure compounds damage.

The likely result

A wash cleans residue. It does not recreate a polished finish.

Aftercare

Wipe spills promptly and obtain stone-care advice for finish maintenance.

This material may need a stone, conservation or repair specialist. We do not offer polishing, conservation or repairs.

Cleaning approach

Identify polished, honed or textured areas and inspect adjacent mortar. Trial compatible cleaning on the full installation, not just a loose stone sample.

Cleaner selection

A granite-compatible cleaner; avoid assuming acid is suitable simply because granite is usually less acid-sensitive than limestone.

Where heat helps

May assist compatible greasy areas after testing. It is not a reason to use extra pressure on joints.

What needs care

Coatings and surrounding grout may be weaker than the stone. Decorative finishes can show abrasion or uneven sheen.

The likely result

Dirt may lift while mineral variation, scratches or persistent absorbed stains remain.

Aftercare

Keep grit away and follow the supplier’s coating and sealer care requirements.

General care guidance. Send photos and the product name through the online price request before booking this material.

Cleaning approach

Check the supplier’s care sheet, inspect joints and any flaking, then trial gentle cleaning before controlled equipment is considered.

Cleaner selection

A cleaner compatible with the identified stone. Do not assume all dark paving can tolerate the same mineral-stain remover.

Where heat helps

Assess for grease on sound, compatible paving; unnecessary for ordinary dust.

What needs care

Aggressive treatment can alter weak edges, joints or a surface coating. Patch cleaning may show where surrounding stone is still dirty.

The likely result

A cleaner surface can retain mineral variation and older wear. Mineral-stain work may need its own trial.

Aftercare

Clear leaves and check drainage. Make any sealing decision with the actual stone specification.

General care guidance. Send photos and the product name through the online price request before booking this material.

Cleaning approach

Check for delamination, loose tiles and coatings. Trial a gentle cleaner and soft agitation, protecting edges and joints.

Cleaner selection

Slate-compatible cleaner selected for the finish and any coating. Do not begin with an aggressive acid or solvent.

Where heat helps

Only if approved for the stone and coating. Routine dust does not justify a heated pressure clean.

What needs care

Loose layers and failed coatings need assessment before washing. A clear finish may be a sealer that reacts differently from the stone.

The likely result

Cleaning improves deposits but does not repair lifting layers or failed adhesive.

Aftercare

Arrange repairs first where needed; review coating maintenance separately.

General care guidance. Send photos and the product name through the online price request before booking this material.

Cleaning approach

Sweep debris, identify the tile and grout and test a suitable detergent with brushing. Use controlled machine rinsing only where the system allows it.

Cleaner selection

A cleaner for the tile finish and stain. Stone-look porcelain is not cleaned by the same rules as real limestone or travertine.

Where heat helps

Can help compatible greasy BBQ areas, but hot water is not automatically suitable for every adhesive or coating system.

What needs care

Direct jets can damage weak grout or push water into defects. Hollow, loose or cracked tiles should be assessed before washing.

The likely result

General film may improve while damaged grout, mineral scale and worn texture need separate work.

Aftercare

Rinse detergent residue, keep drains clear and have damaged grout repaired appropriately.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Approximate budgeting guide: $8.00 to $12.00 per m², minimum $249, including GST. Accessible, sound manufactured tiles and grout. Natural stone requires a separate assessment. Check the pricing scope.

Cleaning approach

Identify each material and inspect coping and grout. Keep cleaning solution and dirty water out of the pool. Sydney stormwater rules also apply to what runs off the surround.

Cleaner selection

Match the product to the actual surface and contamination. Mineral-scale removal and pool-waterline treatment need separate assessment.

Where heat helps

Only where appropriate for the material and stain. Hot water does not make acid safe on travertine.

What needs care

Cleaning can disturb loose joints and coping. Pool chemicals already on site must be kept separate from cleaning products.

The likely result

A cleaner surface is not a slip-rating certification. Wear, drainage and surface finish also affect traction.

Aftercare

Keep leaves away and check the drains. Keep swimmers off the surround until it has been rinsed and has dried.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Approximate budgeting guide: $8.00 to $12.00 per m², minimum $349, including GST. Material, access and pool-water protection need checking. Delicate stone is assessed separately. Check the pricing scope.

Cleaning approach

Identify the product, check mortar and follow its cleaning manual. Test a small area and assess the dry result before cleaning a whole elevation.

Cleaner selection

Compatible detergent or targeted organic cleaner for ordinary grime. A manufacturer-approved acid treatment may suit some mortar residue; it is not an all-purpose brick wash.

Where heat helps

May help suitable oily or graffiti deposits, but temperature and rinse action need to suit the brick and mortar.

What needs care

Acid can trigger staining or damage incompatible bricks. Concentrated pressure and turbo heads can erode faces and joints.

The likely result

Cleaning cannot repair poor pointing, salt-related damage or permanent staining. A uniform elevation may be a better scope than isolated spots.

Aftercare

Identify moisture sources if white deposits recur. Keep product and test-patch records.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Approximate budgeting guide: $8.00 to $15.00 per m², minimum $349, including GST. Accessible, sound brickwork. Construction residue, acid cleaning and restoration are quoted separately. Check the pricing scope.

Cleaning approach

Check significance, soft mortar, friable faces and previous repairs. Agree a conservation-led test area before cleaning; seek a mason or conservator where needed.

Cleaner selection

Only products selected for the particular masonry and deposit. Strong acid and generic brick-cleaning recipes are poor defaults.

Where heat helps

Specialist low-impact steam or warm-water options may be assessed. They still need a trial and moisture controls.

What needs care

Cleaning may remove the fired face or lime mortar. Heritage approvals and conservation requirements may apply.

The likely result

Preservation takes priority over an artificially uniform new appearance. Some historic colour and deposits may appropriately remain.

Aftercare

Repair moisture and mortar problems with appropriate professional advice.

This material may need a stone, conservation or repair specialist. We do not offer polishing, conservation or repairs.

Cleaning approach

Check cracking, hollow or loose areas and paint condition. Trial the treatment, use compatible low-pressure application and avoid driving water into cracks or openings.

Cleaner selection

Finish-compatible detergent; targeted growth treatment only where the coating supplier allows it. Strong chemistry can also cause damage at low pressure.

Where heat helps

Not normally needed for a routine house wash. Check any warm-water method against the coating requirements.

What needs care

A jet can strip texture, lift paint or expose weak render. Dark marks may include water staining or failed coatings rather than growth.

The likely result

Washing removes compatible deposits. It does not bridge cracks or repaint faded areas.

Aftercare

Repair defects and manage leaking gutters or persistent dampness. Follow the finish supplier’s maintenance schedule.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Cleaning approach

Check for chalking, peeling, blisters and repaired patches. Begin with a compatible wash and low-impact rinse, using a test area to check for colour and sheen changes.

Cleaner selection

A product compatible with the existing paint. Graffiti removal is separately tested because a remover can also strip the background coating.

Where heat helps

Not a normal requirement for general grime on paint.

What needs care

Loose paint can lift during even gentle washing. Older coatings may require assessment for hazardous constituents before disturbance.

The likely result

A cleaner finish can still show fading, stains beneath the coating and patch repairs. Repainting is a different scope.

Aftercare

Arrange coating repairs where needed; do not assume another wash will correct peeling.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Cleaning approach

Check rot, loose boards, fixings and finish. Trial a suitable timber cleaner with brushing, then rinse gently along the grain.

Cleaner selection

Select a timber cleaner for the job. An oxalic-acid brightener, an organic-growth treatment and a coating stripper have different purposes; none should be assumed interchangeable.

Where heat helps

Not normally needed for a routine deck clean. Heat and strong chemistry must be compatible with the timber and finish.

What needs care

Weathered coatings can change or lift during cleaning. Sanding, stripping and oiling need a separate agreement.

The likely result

A wash can remove grime while greying, wear and old coating patches remain. It does not automatically produce a deck ready for every new finish.

Aftercare

Let the timber reach the coating manufacturer’s required moisture condition before oiling or painting.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Cleaning approach

Find the care guide, sweep grit, use soft brushing and compatible soap, and rinse as the product manual specifies.

Cleaner selection

A manufacturer-approved cleaner. Generic bleach, acid or solvent advice must not be transferred between brands or generations.

Where heat helps

Avoid heated equipment unless the manufacturer specifically supports it.

What needs care

A maximum pressure printed for one Trex range is not a safe setting for all composite boards. Heat or aggressive cleaning can damage the surface cap and may breach the manufacturer’s care terms.

The likely result

Cleaning can remove dirt without fixing scratches, fading or damaged caps.

Aftercare

Remove food spills and debris promptly. Follow the actual manufacturer’s stain-care instructions.

General care guidance. Send photos and the product name through the online price request before booking this material.

Cleaning approach

Inspect loose paint, soft timber and joints. Use compatible cleaning and a low-pressure rinse directed away from gaps, vents and defective seals.

Cleaner selection

A paint-compatible product. Stain treatment should be trialled so the wash does not alter the colour or sheen.

Where heat helps

Not usually required for a routine exterior wash.

What needs care

Driving water up under board laps can wet the building cavity. Rotten timber and hazardous older coatings need specialist assessment before disturbance.

The likely result

A wash will not repair rot, peeling paint or leaking joints.

Aftercare

Maintain coatings, clear vegetation from walls and repair moisture-entry points.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Cleaning approach

Confirm the product, check joints and paint and use a compatible gentle wash. Keep water away from penetrations and failed seals.

Cleaner selection

A cleaner approved for the coating and cladding product. Follow the finish supplier’s wash-down advice.

Where heat helps

Not generally required for normal exterior maintenance.

What needs care

We do not pressure wash fibro. Any sheet not confirmed as modern fibre cement is treated as possible asbestos and left alone. Cleaning cannot fix defective joints or stop water entering existing gaps.

The likely result

Expect removal of suitable surface deposits, not repair of cracked panels or coating defects.

Aftercare

Keep joints, protective finishes and drainage maintained; the product guide may specify periodic wash-down.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Cleaning approach

Identify the manufacturer, check brittleness and fixings, then trial a mild wash with soft tools and a gentle rinse kept away from panel overlaps.

Cleaner selection

Use only a cleaner compatible with the installed cladding and any paint. Do not assume a masonry cleaner is appropriate.

Where heat helps

Do not apply hot-water or steam equipment without the cladding manufacturer’s approval.

What needs care

Heat, concentrated jets and solvents may deform or discolour a susceptible product. Faded panels cannot be restored by washing.

The likely result

The goal is to remove film while preserving the panel and its weatherproof installation.

Aftercare

Follow the product care guide and arrange repair of loose or brittle panels.

General care guidance. Send photos and the product name through the online price request before booking this material.

Cleaning approach

Identify the material and coating, check corrosion, laps and fixings and use soft tools with a controlled fresh-water rinse. Roof access needs a separate safety assessment.

Cleaner selection

COLORBOND recommends mild soap or non-abrasive detergent for dirt that does not rinse away. Heavier staining needs current BlueScope advice and a compatibility test.

Where heat helps

Warm wash water is different from high-temperature pressure cleaning. Heated equipment is not the default for coated steel.

What needs care

Abrasive tools, inappropriate chemistry and water forced under laps can damage the system. Old coating chalking or rust is not simply dirt.

The likely result

Cleaning will not repair corrosion or replace failed coating. Not every black streak has the same cause.

Aftercare

Give sheltered areas appropriate wash-down care and follow the manufacturer’s coastal maintenance advice.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Cleaning approach

Check the roof condition and access first. Look for loose tiles, failing coating, bedding and pointing before a compatible low-pressure treatment is chosen.

Cleaner selection

A tile- and coating-compatible biological treatment where growth is identified. Its label determines whether it is rinsed or left to weather.

Where heat helps

Not a routine hot-pressure-cleaning job.

What needs care

Walking and aggressive cleaning can damage an already weak roof. Repairs and fall protection are separate from choosing a wash product.

The likely result

Moss and lichen may need time to release. Cleaning does not restore a faded tile coating or fix roof leaks.

Aftercare

Obtain advice about gutters and any rainwater tank. Use product-specific diversion and reconnection instructions.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Cleaning approach

Check access, cracked tiles and existing repairs. Use only a trialled low-pressure treatment compatible with the tile manufacturer’s instructions.

Cleaner selection

A suitable growth treatment where needed. Avoid assuming every roof chemical can be used on every tile or surrounding metal fitting.

Where heat helps

Not a routine hot-pressure-cleaning application.

What needs care

Aggressive jets can affect surfaces and water can enter through existing faults. Fragile roofs may need repair before cleaning.

The likely result

Lichen may weather away gradually with some treatments. Permanent tile variation and damaged pointing remain.

Aftercare

Plan rainwater-tank diversion from the product label and have roof defects repaired appropriately.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Cleaning approach

Check safe access, confirm the panel model and clean only suitable external surfaces using approved water and non-abrasive tools. Visible damage requires a solar professional.

Cleaner selection

Use the panel maker’s approved cleaning method. Purified water may be specified; a general house-wash chemical is not a panel cleaner.

Where heat helps

Do not use hot water on hot panels. REC warns about thermal shock and cleaning panels while they are hot.

What needs care

High pressure, abrasive tools and working around electrical defects can damage panels or create serious risk. Do not stand on panels.

The likely result

Cleaning removes suitable deposits. Any change in output depends on how dirty the panels were, so no fixed percentage gain can be stated.

Aftercare

Assess cleaning need from actual soiling, site conditions and manufacturer advice. Cleaning is not electrical servicing.

The condition and finish still need checking before a method is chosen.

Cleaning approach

Identify the resin system, inspect lifting edges and trial detergent cleaning on a small area. Plan where the water drains and keep it away from power points and electrical items.

Cleaner selection

A coating-approved cleaner; degreaser only after compatibility checks. Solvent paint removers are not general floor detergents.

Where heat helps

Use only within the coating’s temperature specification.

What needs care

Excess heat, solvents and concentrated jets can damage coatings or drive water under loose edges.

The likely result

Cleaning can remove surface film without repairing delamination, tyre pick-up damage or permanent staining.

Aftercare

Use the installer’s routine maintenance method and arrange repair of failed coating.

General care guidance. Send photos and the product name through the online price request before booking this material.

Cleaning approach

Identify the block, inspect mortar, fretting and drainage and begin with a soft brush and mild compatible wash. Follow the manufacturer’s limits.

Cleaner selection

Mild detergent where permitted. Do not start with brick acid, bleach or a high-pressure machine on products that prohibit them.

Where heat helps

Not a default requirement; check the product guidance.

What needs care

A retaining wall may have drainage or structural defects. Cleaning cannot correct movement, failed drainage or salt damage.

The likely result

Expect removal of appropriate surface soil rather than a cure for recurrent moisture staining.

Aftercare

Have structural or persistent drainage concerns assessed by the appropriate professional.

General care guidance. Send photos and the product name through the online price request before booking this material.

Cleaning approach

Leave the suspect material alone. Have it identified by a licensed asbestos assessor before any work near it goes ahead.

Cleaner selection

No cleaning chemical or soft-wash product makes this material safe to clean.

Where heat helps

Hot water or steam is not a workaround for this material.

What needs care

Pressure can spread fibres and contaminate adjoining property. Painting over an old sheet does not establish that it is asbestos-free.

The likely result

This is a job for an asbestos professional, not a stain-removal job.

Aftercare

Avoid disturbing the material. A licensed asbestos assessor or removalist handles the next step.

We will not pressure wash this material. Have it identified by a licensed asbestos assessor.