How to Clean the Outside of Your House in Bradenton FL

David Moore
Sep 14
3 min read

Keeping your home’s exterior clean is more than just about looks—it’s about protecting your investment. Here in Bradenton, Palmetto, Parrish, Ellenton, and Lakewood Ranch, the warm Florida climate creates the perfect environment for algae, mildew, and mold to thrive on siding, driveways, roofs, and even pool cages. If you’re a homeowner wondering how to clean the outside of your house, this guide will walk you through the best methods and why professional pressure washing services are often the safest choice.

Before and after house washing in Parrish, FL Hardie Board Siding has algae stains that were removed by soft washing. Sunshine AquaWash — House Washing Hardie Board Siding in Parrish, FL by Sunshine AquaWash

Why Cleaning the Outside of Your House Matters in Florida

Curb Appeal: A sparkling clean house instantly boosts your home’s appearance and makes it stand out in your neighborhood.
HOA Compliance: Many HOAs in Bradenton and Palmetto require homeowners to maintain clean exteriors to avoid fines.
Prevent Damage: Algae and mildew eat away at siding, roofs, and paint over time, leading to costly repairs if ignored.
Safety: Slippery driveways and sidewalks can become a fall hazard, especially when algae and mold take hold.

What Parts of the House Should Be Cleaned?

Here on the Gulf Coast, moisture and heat accelerate buildup on:

Siding: Vinyl, stucco, Hardie board, brick, and stone.
Roofs: Asphalt shingle, tile, or metal.
Driveways & Sidewalks: Concrete, pavers, or stamped concrete.
Fences: Vinyl or wood fencing.
Pool Decks & Patios: Paver or concrete areas that get frequent use.
Pool Cages & Screen Enclosures: Aluminum frames and mesh screens around lanais and pools.
Gutters: Inside for debris, and outside to remove black streaks.

How to Clean the Outside of Your House

Soft Washing for Siding and Roofs
Soft washing is the safest way to clean delicate surfaces like stucco, vinyl siding, and asphalt shingle roofs. At Sunshine AquaWash, we use low-pressure systems combined with environmentally responsible cleaning solutions that kill mold, mildew, and algae at the root.
Pressure Washing for Driveways and Concrete Surfaces
Driveways, sidewalks, and pool decks benefit from professional surface cleaners. We also provide post-treatments to eliminate stubborn stains like:
1. Oak tree acorn tanning stains (common in Bradenton neighborhoods)
2. Rust stains from sprinklers or fertilizer
3. Oil and grease stains from vehicles
Fence Cleaning
1. Vinyl fences respond well to SH (sodium hypochlorite) treatments that remove algae and lichen.
2. Wood fences require a gentler, low-pressure approach to avoid damaging the fibers.
Pool Cage & Screen Enclosure Cleaning
Florida homes often feature lanais, screen enclosures, and pool cages that collect algae, bugs, and dirt—especially around the top edges where the screen meets the roofline. Cleaning these areas requires time, specialized equipment, and the right techniques to avoid damaging screens. Our process removes algae, mildew, cobwebs, and debris, leaving your outdoor space fresh and inviting.

Gutter Cleaning and Brightening
We remove leaves and debris from 1-story gutters and also offer exterior gutter brightening to get rid of “tiger stripes”—those black streaks caused by oxidation.

How Often Should You Wash Your House in Florida?

Siding & house wash: Every 1–2 years
Driveways & sidewalks: Once a year
Roof cleaning: Every 2–3 years
Pool decks: Annually, or more often if algae buildup occurs
Pool cages & screen enclosures: Every 1–2 years, depending on growth
Gutters: Twice a year

Why Hire a Professional in Bradenton & Palmetto?

DIY cleaning can damage siding, break shingles, tear screens, or kill plants if done incorrectly. Sunshine AquaWash uses professional-grade equipment, proper chemical ratios, and proven plant protection methods to keep your home looking its best while protecting your landscaping.