Exterior Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions

Most homes benefit from pressure washing once a year. Some areas may need it more often: 

• Driveways and paths: every 6 to 12 months 
• Decking, patios and steps: every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if they get slippery 
• Coastal, shaded or high-traffic areas: every 3 to 6 months 

Wash sooner if you see green growth, black spots, oil stains or a dull, dirty look. It is also wise to clean before painting or sealing. In the UK, spring or early autumn is ideal. Always use the right setting for each surface to avoid damage.

Pressure washing can harm paint, brick, and wood if done the wrong way. High pressure may strip paint, erode weak mortar on brick, and splinter soft woods like cedar. To stay safe, start on the lowest setting, keep the nozzle 30 to 45 cm away, use a wide spray, and keep it moving constantly. Use the right cleaner so you do not need high pressure, then rinse well, let it dry, and reseal or repaint if needed.

You can pressure wash many areas of your home, including driveways, patios, paths, decking, fencing, brick and block walls, render and cladding on low-pressure, uPVC doors, windows and fascias, garage doors, sheds, outdoor steps, stone features, and metal or plastic garden furniture. Always check the surface first, use the right nozzle, start on a low setting, and avoid fragile areas like roof tiles or any surface with loose paint.

Yes. We use only the best biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners that are safe when mixed and used as directed. We keep pets and children away from the area during cleaning, then rinse well and let it dry. We pre-wet and cover sensitive plants, and rinse them after. 

Most exterior pressure washing jobs take between 2 and 4 hours. Smaller areas like a patio or path can take 1 to 2 hours, while large driveways or a full house wash can take 4 to 8 hours. Time depends on size, access, how dirty the surface is, and whether or not stains need any kind of pre-treatment. Set-up and tidy-up add a little time, as we cover nearby plants, move light items, and check drainage. Drying usually takes a few hours after we finish, but it can be longer in cool or damp weather.

We can remove or greatly limit the risk of oil stains and tyre marks on most driveways. We pre-treat with a biodegradable degreaser, agitate the area, then use hot water and controlled pressure to lift the marks. Fresh stains usually clean up well. Older or very deep stains may leave a faint shadow, but a second treatment and sealing can improve the result.

Many driveways benefit from a professional clean once a year. If yours is shaded, under trees, sees heavy use, or often gets algae, plan a clean every 6 to 12 months. After a deep clean and sealing, a light maintenance wash every 3 to 6 months helps, with a full clean again in 12 to 18 months. 

Frequent driveway cleaning removes weeds, moss, and their spores, but it will not stop them from coming back forever. Growth can return due to wind-blown seeds, moisture, and shade. To slow regrowth, we re-sand block paving after washing, apply a safe biocide to kill leftover spores, and seal the surface to block water and dirt. Keep the area clear of leaves, improve drainage, and book a light maintenance wash every few months.

Yes, it is safe because we match the method to the surface. For block paving, we use low to medium pressure and a wide spray so we do not pull out the sand, then we re-sand the joints to lock the blocks. For tarmac, we use low-pressure and mild cleaners so the binder is not softened. For concrete, we test a small patch, use the right tip, and keep a steady distance to avoid etching. Trained staff control the water flow, angle, and distance at all times.

We use both, depending on the job. Many areas clean well with water pressure alone, often with hot water. For stains like oil, algae, or rust, we apply a biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner, let it sit, agitate, and then rinse at controlled pressure. On delicate surfaces, we use low pressure with a mild detergent. We always protect plants and pets, and we can use water-only cleaning if you prefer.

Most homes need their gutters cleaning at least once or twice a year. Aim for late autumn after the leaves fall, and again in spring to clear winter debris. If your home is under trees, has moss on the roof, or you see overflow in rain, clean more often, every 3 to 6 months. Check after heavy storms. Signs you need a clean include water spilling over, plants in the gutter, staining on walls, or a sagging run. 

Blocked gutters can result in water spilling over and soaking your walls, roof edges, and foundations. This can lead to damp, mould, wood rot, and peeling paint. Gutters can sag or break under the weight of wet debris, and water can leak into lofts or cellars. You may also see staining on brickwork and damage to paths or patios from constant overflow. Regular cleaning helps prevent all of this.

We use safe, specialist tools for high gutters. Most jobs are done from the ground with a powerful gutter vac and light carbon fibre poles that reach up to three storeys, with a small camera to check the results. For very high or awkward areas, we may use a cherry picker. Ladders are used only when needed and with care. Our team is trained, insured, and follows safe working at height rules to protect your home and our staff.

Yes. We check downpipes as part of the service. We test each one with water, clear blockages at the top outlet, and use the gutter vac or rods to free leaves and silt where we can reach. We make sure water runs freely to the drain. If there is a break or an underground blockage, we will tell you what we found and suggest the next step.

Gutter cleaning can be messy, but we keep it under control and always tidy up. We work from the ground with a gutter vac where possible, lay sheets if needed, and bag all debris. We sweep paths, rinse splashes, and rake any bits that land on lawns or beds. Waste is taken away or put in your green bin if you prefer. Your property is left clean and neat.

Graffiti can be safely removed from brick, stone, concrete, painted walls, render, cladding, metal, glass, uPVC, plastics, wood, and signs. The method changes by surface. On hard, porous areas like brick and stone, we use specialist gels and low pressure or steam to draw out the paint. On smooth surfaces like glass, metal, and plastics, we use mild solvents or gels that lift the paint without scratching. On painted, wooden, or coated surfaces, we test a small patch, use gentle products, and keep the pressure low to protect the finish. We rinse well, collect waste, and can apply an anti-graffiti sealer to make future cleaning easier.

When done the right way, graffiti removal should not damage the surface. We start with a small test patch, then use the mildest product and the lowest pressure or steam that works. We control dwell time, use soft pads, and avoid harsh blasting on delicate areas. On older paint, smooth wood, or fragile render, there is a small risk of colour fade or a faint shadow, but careful rinsing and an anti-graffiti coating help protect the finish.

Ripon Exterior Cleaning aims to attend the same day or the next working day for urgent graffiti, and within 24 to 72 hours for standard callouts. Timing depends on access, size, and surface type, and whether permits are needed. Send a photo and location, and we will confirm a time slot and the method we will use. For schools, shops, and public areas, we can arrange early morning or evening visits to reduce disruption.

We use good quality, biodegradable, low odour cleaners with low VOCs, and pH-neutral options where needed. We often use hot water or steam to cut chemical use. We pre-wet and protect plants, keep run-off out of drains, and collect waste for safe disposal. Safety data sheets are available. If you want a water-only or plant-based method in certain areas, tell our team, and we will plan the clean to suit.

Yes. We can apply protective anti-graffiti coatings that make future tags much easier to remove. There are two types. Sacrificial coatings are clear and breathable. They wash off with hot water along with the graffiti, then we reapply them. Permanent or long-life coatings resist cleaners so you can remove most marks without harming the surface, and they last for years with care. Coatings suit brick, stone, render, metal, and painted surfaces, come in clear or matte finishes, and are UV stable. They do not stop graffiti completely, but they cut clean-up time and cost.