Spring Exterior Cleaning Checklist for Washington State Homeowners
A spring exterior cleaning checklist for Washington homeowners — roof, gutters, siding, driveway, windows, deck and landscaping. What to DIY, what to hire out, and why spring.
Winter is hard on a Washington house. Months of rain, wind-blown debris, and no drying time leave the roof greener, the gutters packed, the siding filmed over, and the concrete slick. Spring — once the hard frosts are done and before the summer rush — is the ideal time to reset the whole exterior. Here’s the full checklist, with an honest take on what to tackle yourself and what to hand off.
Why spring is the right time
- Winter did the damage; spring is when you can see it. Everything that grew or clogged over the wet season is at its worst right now.
- Mild weather. Cleaning treatments dwell and rinse best in the 45–75°F range, which is most of a Puget Sound spring (NWS Seattle climate).
- You beat the moss’s growth season into submission early, so it stays clearer through the next winter.
- Prep for summer projects. Staining a deck, painting trim, re-sanding pavers — all of it needs a clean, dry surface first.
The checklist
Roof — hire out
Check for moss cushions along edges and in valleys, black streaking, and lifted shingles. In our climate most roofs want a soft wash every 2–3 years — spring is a prime window. Never pressure washed; it strips granules and voids warranties (ARMA guidance). More in when is the best time to clean your roof in Washington.
Gutters — DIY or hire out
Scoop the troughs, flush every downspout, flow-test, check the pitch and hangers, and look at the fascia behind the gutter for rot. Two-story or steep roof? Hire it out — ladder falls spike in spring. Our gutter cleaning includes a flow test and completion photos.
Siding — hire out (soft wash)
That green-gray film on the north and shaded walls is algae. A low-pressure house wash clears it and lasts 2+ years. Not a pressure-washing job — see what is soft washing.
Driveway, walkways & patio — DIY or hire out
Winter leaves moss in the shade and tannin stains under the trees. Pressure washing with a surface cleaner gives an even finish; our concrete post-treatment kills the growth in the pores and brightens it back toward new. A homeowner with a surface-cleaner attachment can do concrete; skip the wand-only “zebra stripe” method.
Windows — DIY or add-on
Winter grime and pollen. Do the insides yourself; exteriors can be added to a house wash.
Deck & patio — DIY or hire out
Wood and composite both grow a slick film here — a genuine slip hazard on wet steps. Clean at low pressure to brighten without furring the wood. Essential prep before any stain or seal.
Gutter faces — add-on
The black “tiger stripe” staining on the outside of the gutters isn’t removed by a gutter cleaning or a house wash — it’s a separate detergent process, our gutter brightening service. Background in tiger stripes explained.
Landscaping — DIY or hire out
Cut back winter dieback, edge the beds, fresh bark, and — important for the roof — trim branches back off the roofline for more sun and less debris. We handle landscaping from $179 if you’d rather not.
Fencing & retaining walls — DIY or hire out
Algae and moss on the shaded sides. Low pressure and the right pre-treatment.
DIY vs. hire — quick guide
| Task | DIY-friendly? |
|---|---|
| Roof soft wash | No — hire out |
| Gutter cleaning | Yes, single-story only |
| House / siding wash | No — hire out (soft wash) |
| Driveway & concrete | Yes, with a surface cleaner |
| Windows (interior) | Yes |
| Deck / patio cleaning | Yes, carefully |
| Branch trimming off roofline | Yes, from the ground / short ladder |
| Anything on a second story | No — hire out |
Our spring bundle
Most Washington homeowners get the best value doing roof + gutters + house wash + driveway in a single visit — it’s cheaper per service than four separate trips, and it puts the whole property on the same clock. Our maintenance plans lock in a lower per-visit rate if you want it handled every year without thinking about it.
Frequently asked questions
How early in spring can you start? Once the hard overnight freezes are done — usually March in the lowlands, later in the foothills.
What’s the one thing I shouldn’t skip? The roof and gutters. Water management is what prevents the expensive damage.
Can runoff from all this hurt the environment? It can if it’s ignored — wash water carries detergent and hydrocarbons. We follow EPA stormwater and Department of Ecology guidance to keep it out of storm drains.
Do you offer a single quote for the whole list? Yes — send photos and tell me what you want covered and I’ll price the bundle.
Book your spring reset
Call or text (425) 446-0547 or request a quote online.
