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Why house washing matters in Northland and Auckland

Is your home looking tired? House washing in Northland and Auckland brings back its sparkle while protecting paint, cladding, and warranties. Discover costs, timing, and why thousands trust Blast Away Guys.
September 2, 2025
Brya and Novi from Blast Away Guys smiling while working on a laptop.

Why House Washing Matters in Northland and Auckland

A messy or filthy exterior is like an itch you can not scratch; it is a nagging, invisible weight that drags your mood down and makes even small tasks feel overwhelming.

It can quietly chip away at your sense of ease and leave you feeling unsettled without fully realising why.

On the flip side cleaning your home’s exterior can lift that load. Research shows that cleaning or simply experiencing a tidy environment can reduce stress, improve focus, and restore a sense of order and control in your life.

When your home’s appearance mirrors a refreshed, cared-for state, your brain responds with calm and clarity by releasing feel-good endorphins and lowering stress-inducing cortisol.

That feeling of relief, of stepping into a space that finally feels aligned with how you want to live, is powerful.

In Northland and Auckland’s damp, moss-friendly environment, exterior cleaning does more than tidy your walls: it frees your mind, lifts your home’s spirit, and makes everything else seem lighter.

We know that asking someone to wash your home is about more than appearances. It is about trust.

Every job matters to us because it matters to you.

A clean exterior doesn’t just look better, it lifts your whole mood when you come home. Clean spaces = happy faces

Blast Away Guys soft-washing a home exterior, showing how surfaces transform from dirty to clean

What is house washing?

House washing is a professional cleaning process for your home’s exterior surfaces such as walls, trims, eaves, cladding, joinery, and the outside of gutters.

What’s involved in a professional house wash

  • Application of expert-grade cleaning solutions
  • Gentle low-pressure rinse for safe removal of grime
  • Careful coverage around windows and delicate areas

The product we use does more than clean. On painted surfaces, it leaves a fresh shine that many of our customers say makes their house look like it has just been repainted.

Soft washing vs water blasting

A soft wash uses low pressure combined with cleaning solutions to get your home sparkling without harm. In contrast, water blasting uses high pressure and can erode paint, force water into walls, and even void warranties.

Why soft washing is safer

Soft washing protects finishes, meets warranty requirements, and delivers longer-lasting results because we apply a follow-up specialist chemical that delays regrowth. This approach is gentler, smarter, and more durable.

Why should you wash your house?

Is house washing worth it?

Yes. Pollution, mould, salt, and grime slowly attack the paint binder and protective resins.

Our soft wash followed by a specialist post-treatment typically adds around 25 percent more life to painted surfaces.

Skip regular washing and you risk losing that extra quarter of lifespan, which can bring repainting forward and cost you sooner than it should.

What happens if you don’t wash your house regularly?

Moisture and organic buildup weaken the paint film.

That can lead to:

  • Peeling: the coating loses adhesion and lifts away from the substrate.
  • Chalking: the surface turns dull and powdery as UV and pollutants break the binder, leaving pigment on your fingers when you touch it.

Both reduce protection, expose the cladding to the weather, and make the home look neglected.

The bigger risk is what you stand to lose. Skipping a wash shortens the lifespan of paint and cladding, increases the chance of costly repairs, and can even void warranties. All of that can happen simply by leaving dirt and mould to sit.

The good news is that it’s easy to avoid. A professional soft wash removes those threats before they take hold.

Instead of losing years off your home’s life, you gain peace of mind, protection, and the feeling of pride that comes from clean cladding, clear windows, and mould-free eaves, something no coat of paint can fake.

Protect your paint and coatings

Clean surfaces last longer because contaminants are abrasive and chemically reactive.

Washing removes the film of grime and spores that keeps paint damp and under stress.

In practical terms, regular washing helps you avoid premature failure, patch repairs, and early repaint cycles.

Improve market value

The impression your home makes from the street is powerful. Studies show first impressions form in as little as a few seconds, and they influence how buyers feel about everything that follows.

A clean exterior, free of mould streaks, dirt, and clutter, makes a property feel cared for and inviting.

These subtle visual clues help buyers’ emotional judgment lean positive, even before they walk inside. That emotional shift can lead to stronger interest and potentially better offers.

Imagine pulling into your driveway and instead of noticing patchy, dirty looking paint and mouldy eaves, you see clean cladding that looks fresh and cared for.

That feeling of relief is closer than you think.

See your house wash price for clean and radiant

Can pressure washing damage (water blasting) your house?

We do not recommend high-pressure washing for houses at all. While both pressure washing and soft washing use a water blaster, the difference is in the nozzles and the pressure settings.

High-pressure washing (often called water blasting) uses a narrow nozzle that forces water out with extreme force. That force can strip paint, gouge timber, erode mortar, and blast water into wall cavities where it does not belong.

It is like trying to cut through dirt with a knife: sharp, aggressive, and damaging to anything in its way. Warranties are often voided if high-pressure washing is used because of the damage it can leave behind.

Soft washing, on the other hand, uses wider nozzles that reduce the pressure to a safe, gentle rinse. The pressure is so light you could put your hand in it without discomfort. Instead of brute force, it relies on professional-grade cleaning solutions to do the hard work.

The water simply rinses those loosened contaminants away. Itis like wiping a dirty surface with a sponge: thorough, gentle, and effective without damage.

What is soft washing a house?

Soft washing is a cleaning method that combines low pressure with specialist detergents to safely and effectively clean exterior surfaces.

Here is how it works:

  1. We apply a cleaning solution that loosens dirt, mould, mildew, and grime.
  2. We use a gentle rinse from a water blaster fitted with wide nozzles, so the water pressure is no harsher than a garden hose spray.
  3. After the wash, we apply a slow-release treatment that targets moss, mould, and  lichen at the root level. This prevents regrowth and keeps your home looking fresher for much longer.

The result is a house that not only looks instantly cleaner but stays that way. Customers often tell us their painted surfaces look freshly painted once we are finished, with a subtle shine restored to the walls and trims.

Pressure washing vs soft washing

Tool used - Water blaster. Nozzles - Narrow, high-force. Force - Aggressive, can strip surfaces. Cleaning method - Relies on brute force. Risks - Paint stripping, leaks, surface damage, voided warranties. Best for - Hard concrete, industrial gear.

Soft washing

Tool used - Water blaster. Nozzles - Wide, low-pressure. Force - Gentle, safe to touch. Cleaning method - Relies on cleaning solution and rinse. Risks - None when done professionally. Best for - Building exteriors, paint, cladding, decks, fences.

Our low-pressure wash keeps delicate areas like eaves and soffits clean without damage.

House washing tips by surface type

Weatherboard houses

These should never undergo high-pressure rinsing, as that risks forcing water behind boards. Soft washing cleans gently and effectively while safeguarding your paint and cladding.

Brick homes

Bricks still attract mould, lichen, and even salt build-up. Washing every 1 to 2 years with soft wash keeps them looking fresh and prevent smortar erosion.

Painted exteriors

We recommend at least one professional soft wash per year. In coastal or grimy areas, you may need more. This protects your paint from dulling and peeling caused by grime and pollutants.

Hardie Plank siding

Plan for a wash every 6 to 12 months, with soft washing only. High pressure can void warranties and damage the material.

Should pest control Spider (bug treatments) be done before or after cleaning?

Pest control should always be done straight after cleaning.

When we soft wash a house or building, spiders and insects scatter into cracks and crevices. As soon as we leave, they creep back out and can spin new webs in a matter of hours. Without treatment, it does not take long for cobwebs to reappear and undo the results of your wash.

Another reason to wash before treating is that the soft wash and the cleaning solutions used will remove any pesticide residue left on surfaces. If bug treatment is applied first, much of its effectiveness is lost.

By pairing your wash with a bug treatment straight afterwards, you ensure the exterior stays cobweb-free for longer and your treatment works to its full potential.

Many of our customers book their house or building wash with our bug treatment solution at the same time, because they know the two services together give the best outcome.

Side note: booking treatments separately can actually cost more. If bug treatment is applied first, the wash removes much of it and you end up paying twice for a result that could have been achieved in one step. Pairing both services together saves money and locks in longer-lasting results.

Get a quote today for a house wash and bug treatment package and join the many property owners who keep their homes looking clean, protected, and cobweb free.

How often should you wash your house exterior?

A one-size-fits-all answer does not exist. How often your house or building needs washing depends heavily on its surroundings and conditions:

  • Traffic exposure: If your property sits near a busy road, such as State Highway 1 or other high-traffic streets, vehicle fumes, dust, and pollutants settle on your exterior. Over time, this breaks down the paint’s integrity and can shorten its lifespan.
  • Microclimates: Houses shaded by bush, located in valleys, or surrounded by dense vegetation stay damp longer. Dampness creates perfect conditions for mould, algae, and lichen to thrive. The more shade, the more frequent the washing needs to be.
  • Weather patterns: Prolonged rain combined with warm temperatures encourages mould and mildew to spread very quickly. If your area has had a run of wet, humid weather, your exterior may need cleaning sooner than usual.
  • Warranty conditions: This is where we see many homeowners caught out. Many manufacturers require regular washing as a condition of their warranty.

Frequency often increases in coastal locations where salt spray speeds up corrosion and paint breakdown.

Warranties also commonly specify that areas not exposed to natural rainfall, such as eaves, alcoves, and beneath gutters, must be washed more often than other surfaces. These sheltered spots accumulate salt, dust, and grime that rain would otherwise help rinse away.

Many homeowners don’t find out about strict washing requirements until it’s too late. Take these two customers, for example both thought they were looking after their homes well, but their warranties told a different story.

Regular washing not only protects the look and lifespan of your home, it also safeguards your warranties from being voided.

1. A customer had stainless steel brackets on his balustrade.

During a soft wash, we noticed the brackets were corroding and pointed it out. When he contacted the manufacturer, he discovered the warranty required those brackets to be soft-washed every three months.

Because this had not been done, the warranty was void.

2. Another customer, an elderly couple with a coastal property, had a garage door that was only four years old. It had faded, looked patchy, and had streaks.

When we washed it, we mentioned that they should check their warranty. They were surprised to learn that the warranty required the door to be soft-washed every four months, unlike other parts of the garage, which were every 6 months.

Again, because it had not been done, the warranty was void.

Sadly, we have quite a few of these stories. They highlight how important it is to understand your warranty requirements and follow them closely.

Regular washing not only preserves the look and life of your home, it also keeps your warranties intact.

Suggested schedule (adjust based on your property’s surroundings)

Painted surfaces - Every 12 months, or more often if near traffic, in shade,  after heavy rain, or as per warranty

Brick exteriors - Every 1 to 2 years; sooner if exposed to traffic or  coastal salt

Hardie plank cladding - Every 6 to 12 months; follow warranty instructions  carefully

Weatherboard - Every 12 months; sooner if shaded, bush-covered, or in  damp conditions

* These are guidelines. Always adjust based on your property’s exposure and the specific care requirements set by the manufacturer.

Protecting your warranty is about more than paperwork. It is about making sure the investment you have already made in your home is safe guarded. We believe proper work should leave you confident that your home is cared for and covered.

Every month you wait, mould spores spread, and damp stains settle deeper. Say bye-bye to grime before it takes hold.


Book your house wash before the season gets away. We always start with a quote.
Get yours here

When is the best time to wash your house?

The best time is whenever your property needs it.

There are some factors to consider, and if you want to take advantage of off-peak rates, keep reading to find out more.

If you are preparing for a special event, expecting visitors, or your cladding and surfaces are showing signs of mould, algae, or grime, then that is the right time to book a wash.

The seasons in Northland and Auckland also play a role:

Autumn
Warm days combined with regular rainfall create perfect conditions for mould and lichen to spread quickly. An autumn wash clears away summer dust, pollen, and mould before it takes hold.

Winter
Even though winter is damp, short bursts of sun between showers can create the ideal environment for mould and algae to thrive. A winter wash helps prevent this growth from becoming widespread.

Spring
By the end of winter, moss and lichen have often spread across shaded walls, paths, and roofs. A spring soft wash removes this build-up before it continues to spread, and if there is mould present, a treatment will kill the spores andstop it in its track.

Summer
Summer is popular with homeowners who want their property looking its best for the holiday season. Demand is high, so it pays to book early.

From August onward, demand quickly rises. By mid-August, our calendar is often heavily booked through to late September with only the occasional gap.

We save spaces for urgent work and priority customers, but by November, and sometimes even October, we are usually booked through until after Christmas.

January also fills quickly, as many schools book large-scale cleaning while they are closed.

The takeaway
If you want the best rates, April through early August is ideal. If you want your home looking great for summer or a special event, book early to secure your spot.

We will always give you honest advice on the timing that suits your home best.

Our aim is not just to wash your house, but to help you make smart choices that save money and keep your property healthy year-round.

When is the best time of day to wash your house?

If you’re tackling a DIY house wash, early mornings or late afternoons are your best bet. Cooler temperatures and softer sunlight help prevent detergents from drying too quickly and leaving streaks or patchy results.

Think of it like using a spray-and-wipe solution inside your home. If you spray your walls and leave it for 10 minutes before wiping, you often get big runs down the wall.

The same thing happens with exterior cladding and other surfaces if the wash solution dries too fast.

Why timing matters for treatments

If you’re using mould or lichen treatments, avoid washing during the hottest part of the day. Most DIY products need time to sit on the surface to work effectively, so cooler, overcast conditions give you the best results.

Blast Away Guys use a specialised treatment that only needs about 15 minutes on the surface before rain to be effective, which means weather conditions matter less when we’re doing the work.

Check the weather before you start

Windy days make DIY washing tricky. Overspray can drift onto windows, fences, or neighbouring properties, causing extra cleanup and wasting product.

A calm morning or afternoon gives you better control and a neater result.

Stay safe while washing

Midday sun can heat up surfaces quickly, making them slippery and unsafe, especially if you’re working on ladders. Early mornings and late afternoons are safer, cooler, and more comfortable.

If you’d rather skip the risks, our trained team is fully equipped to handle tricky spots and higher surfaces.

Why hiring professionals makes timing less important

If you book Blast Away Guys, you don’t need to worry about picking the right time of day.

The team uses commercial-grade soft washing systems and applies products in precise sections, which means they achieve a consistent finish in almost any condition.

Whether it is sunny, cloudy, or lightly drizzly, the right techniques and equipment ensure your home gets a spotless result without the guesswork.

House Washing Prices in Northland & Auckland

How much does house washing cost?

House washing prices in Northland and Auckland vary depending on your property. Every home is different, so we always tailor our quotes.

Factors such as size, cladding type, how easy it is to access, and how long it has been since the last wash all play a part. Additional items like decks, driveways, or garages can also be added.

We run seasonal rates to give you the best value. Mid-winter is our off-peak season, when prices are 10% to 25% cheaper.

From September through March, demand is higher and pricing reflects that.

If you want a clear idea of cost, the fastest way is to request a free quote.

 

How to save with bundled house washing services

If you are looking for the best value, bundling is the clever way to go. By combining services in one visit, you save money and keep your property fully maintained.

Bundle up and give your property a proper zhoosh up. House wash + gutter clean + roof treatment = TADAHHH… a home that looks new again.

House wash and roof treatment

This pairing keeps your home looking great and protects your roof against moss, mould, and lichen regrowth.

House wash and gutter clean

Your walls are sparkling and your gutters are flowing freely. Clearing gutters prevents leaks and water damage inside and out.

House wash, gutter clean, and roof treatment

The full package. Your home is washed, your gutters are clear, and your roof is treated for long-term protection. Customers love this option because it delivers the best value and avoids the hassle of multiple visits.

 

What we consider when quoting house washing prices

When we prepare a house washing quote for Northland and Auckland homes, here’s what we look at:

  • Size and layout: single level, split level, or multi-level.
  • Cladding type and access: some surfaces need specific treatments and difficult access may require extra time.
  • Travel: longer distances can affect cost, although we often group jobs in the same area to reduce travel charges.
  • Property condition: houses washed regularly cost less to maintain than those with heavy mould or lichen buildup.
  • Extra items: decks, driveways, garages, and patios can be added.

Every home is unique, and so is every quote. We know budget smatter, which is why we are upfront about costs and options.

No surprises, no shortcuts, just honest, professional work that delivers lasting value.

Get your personalised house washing quote

We always start with a tailored quote based on your property. Most homeowners are surprised how affordable professional house washing really is.

If you are reading this and it is in the months of April through to August take advantage of our off-peak pricing.

Or save with a bundle deal, request your free quote today.

Goodbye grime, hello shine. Get your quote today

Why Choose Blast Away Guys?

Choosing someone to work on your home is personal. It is not just about price or equipment. It is about trust, pride, and how you feel every time you pull into the driveway.

Built around good people and good work

We started this business from scratch, with nothing but determination and the belief that every job matters. We did not buy our way into the market. We earned every bit of trust, job by job. It matters to the customer who is trusting us with their home or building, and it matters to us because it is another chance to prove they made the right choice. We never forget that every “yes” could have gone to someone else.

Since the beginning, our focus has been on doing honest, proper work that people remember for the right reasons. Whenever possible, we do more than what was quoted, always looking for ways to wow our customers and make them smile from ear to ear.

For us, building this business has always been about good people. That means surrounding ourselves with a team who care, delivering results that make homeowners proud, and creating a service experience that leaves everyone feeling lighter and happier than when we arrived.

Blast Away Guys is one of the most trusted house and building washing companies in Northland and Auckland.

Locally owned and SiteWise Gold certified, we wash everything from one-bedroom units to buildings the size of two football fields.

Safety you can count on

We are SiteWise Gold certified, with seven years of proven safety accreditation. This is not just paperwork, it is peace of mind. It means every job is done with strict attention to health and safety, protecting you, your home, and our team.

Experience that shows

With over 8,000 homes cleaned across Northland and Auckland, we have seen every type of cladding, roofing, and growth imaginable. We knowhow to care for each surface so it looks its best and lasts longer.

Our Love Clean Guarantee

We back every job with our Love Clean Guarantee: if you are not 100% satisfied, we will come back and put it right at no extra cost. That is how strongly we believe in our work and in your happiness.

More than a quick wash

Our soft-wash system is tailored to the surface. Every house, building, or exterior area we wash includes a specialist treatment on spots that are prone to mould, such as shaded cladding, soffits, eaves, decking, paving, and fencing. The treatment kills mould spores and slows their return, so results last longer where growth is most likely. We apply it only where it is needed. If an area shows no mould risk, we do not treat it.

Why Blast Away Guys is one of the best house washing companies in Whangārei, Northland, and Auckland

Blast Away Guys is locally owned and independent, with crews on the ground in both Northland and Auckland.

At the time of writing this blog, we hold a 4.9–5 star Google rating from more than 70 reviews, making us one of the most trusted names in exterior cleaning.

On top of that, thousands of five-star reviews flow through our job management system from customers who are thrilled with our work.

These come in daily, and it’s extremely rare to see anything less than five stars. When we do, we respond straight away to find out why and how we can do better.

More often than not, the customer explains they simply never give five stars on principle which makes us even prouder of the results we deliver. 

What else sets us apart:

  • Local roots with reach: We’re locally owned and operated in both Northland and Auckland. Because we’re not part of a franchise, we’re not restricted by head office rules or national pricing structures. That gives us the freedom to focus on what matters most: fair pricing, quality results, and     happy customers
  • Certified safety: SiteWise Gold accredited for 7 years running, so every job is completed with care for both people and property.
  • Our Love Clean Guarantee: If you are not 100% happy, we return and put it right at no extra cost. That’s how strongly we back our work.
  • Smart, safe methods: From our biodegradable treatments to our gentle wash-down products, everything is designed to be safe for families, pets, and gardens while still tough on mould and grime. Our systems are proven effective in Northland’s damp climate and Auckland’s fast-changing     weather.
  • More than just houses: We wash everything from one-bedroom units through to commercial buildings the size of two football fields. Homes, investment properties, schools, childcare centres, and community facilities all trust us to get the job done right.

For us, house washing isn’t just about appearances. It’s about helping you protect your investment and extend the life of your paint and cladding. And it’s about giving you the pride and happy feeling that comes with a clean, radiant property.

Conclusion

House washing does far more than remove dirt. It protects the very surfaces that protect you.

Regular washing reduces wear, saves money on costly repairs, keeps warranties valid, and helps your home stand tall against Northland and Auckland’s climate.

But it is not just about protection. There is a real sense of pride that comes from seeing your home fresh, bright, and cared for.

Customers often tell us they feel lighter, happier, and more at ease when they pull into the driveway after a wash. Clean is not just a look; it is a feeling. And clean feels GREAT

Want to join the 8,000+ Northlanders and Aucklanders who already trust Blast Away Guys?

They’ve said goodbye to dirt and damp, and hello to cleaner, happier spaces.

See your house wash price today

Here’s to clean spaces and happy faces

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