The Exterior Cleaning Checklist for Pasadena Homeowners

Keeping a home's exterior in good shape is easy once you know what to check and when. Here's a simple, surface-by-surface checklist built for Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley homes, so nothing gets missed and small issues don't turn into expensive ones.

Windows and glass

  • Clean exterior windows twice a year (more if sprinklers hit the glass)
  • Watch for cloudy hard-water spots near sprinkler zones, remove them before they etch
  • Wipe or clean sills and tracks where dust and pollen collect
  • Don't forget skylights and second-story glass, cleaned safely from the ground with a water-fed pole

House exterior (walls, stucco, siding)

  • Soft wash the exterior once a year to remove mildew, algae, pollen, and pollution film
  • Check shaded, north-facing walls for green or black growth
  • Look under eaves and around trim for cobwebs and insect nests
  • Remember: stucco and paint get soft washed, never high pressure

Roof

  • Look for dark streaks, moss, or algae, especially on north-facing slopes
  • Have the roof soft washed every one to three years as needed (never pressure washed)
  • Address growth early, before it shortens the life of your shingles or tiles

Gutters

  • Clear gutters twice a year, spring and fall
  • Always clear them before the rainy season
  • Watch for overflow, sagging, plants growing out of them, or granules collecting inside
  • Confirm downspouts drain freely and away from the foundation

Driveway, patio, and walkways

  • Pressure wash concrete and pavers once a year (more for high-traffic or shaded areas)
  • Have oil and grease stains treated with hot water for a full clean
  • Clean wood and composite decks at low pressure, never a high-pressure blast
  • Address slippery algae on steps and shaded paths for safety

Solar panels

  • Clean panels once or twice a year to keep output up
  • Use purified water and soft tools, never harsh chemicals or stiff brushes
  • Clean sooner if you see heavy dust, pollen, or bird droppings

Seasonal timing at a glance

  • Spring (after pollen season): house wash, window cleaning, driveway and patio cleaning
  • Fall (before the rains): gutter cleaning, roof check, dust rinse before winter storms
  • Year-round: watch for streaks, growth, and hard-water spots, and address them early

The easiest approach

If keeping track of all this sounds like a lot, that's exactly what a maintenance schedule is for. Bundling your exterior services on a set rhythm keeps everything ahead of buildup, usually costs less per visit, and means you never have to think about it. We help Pasadena homeowners figure out the right plan for their specific home and surroundings.

Want a checklist handled for you? Request a free quote or call (626) 545-3132. Explore our services or compare our service packages.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean the outside of my house?

A yearly soft wash of the walls, twice-a-year window and gutter cleaning, and annual driveway cleaning is a solid baseline for most Pasadena-area homes. Heavy shade, trees, or dust can mean more often.

What's the best time of year for exterior cleaning in Pasadena?

Spring (after oak pollen) for house washing and windows, and fall (before the rainy season) for gutters and a roof check. That rhythm keeps your home ahead of the weather.

Do I need to clean everything at once?

No. Many homeowners rotate services through spring and fall, or bundle them on a maintenance plan so each surface is handled on the right schedule without a single big push.

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