SOAKD Exterior Cleaning is a professional exterior cleaning company servicing Sydney, the Central Coast, and Newcastle. One of the most common questions we hear is simple: how much does exterior cleaning cost? The honest answer is that it depends on several factors - but we believe in transparency, so this guide explains what affects pricing and what you can reasonably expect.
Why Pricing Varies
Exterior cleaning is not a commodity product with fixed pricing. The cost depends on several property-specific factors:
- Property size: A single-storey home with a small roof area costs less to clean than a two-storey home with a large roof, extensive facades, and multiple outdoor surfaces.
- Surface types: Different surfaces require different methods and equipment. Softwash roof cleaning involves different setup, chemicals, and time compared to high-pressure driveway cleaning.
- Condition and growth severity: A roof with light algae growth takes less time and product than one covered in heavy lichen that has not been cleaned in five years.
- Access requirements: Ground-level driveways are straightforward. Multi-storey buildings requiring height-access equipment, scaffolding, or elevated work platforms involve additional setup and safety planning.
- Location: Travel distance and local environmental conditions can affect pricing. Heavily salt-exposed coastal properties may require more thorough treatment than sheltered suburban homes.
Typical Exterior Cleaning Prices in NSW
Every property is different, so the figures below are indicative ranges to help you plan - the exact price always comes from a free, no-obligation quote. As a general guide across Sydney, the Central Coast, and Newcastle:
- Softwash roof cleaning: around $500 to $1,200 for a single-storey roof; $1,000 to $2,500 or more for larger or two-storey roofs.
- House washing: around $400 to $1,200, depending on the size of the home and the surfaces.
- High-pressure cleaning (driveways and paths): around $250 to $700; a full hard-surface package is around $600 to $1,500.
- Gutter and downpipe cleaning: around $150 to $350 for a single-storey home; $300 to $650 for a double-storey.
- Window cleaning: around $150 to $400 for a typical home.
- Solar panel cleaning: around $150 to $400 for most residential systems.
- Commercial and strata building washing: from around $1,500 for small buildings to $15,000 or more for large or multi-storey sites.
You can estimate your own ongoing costs with our maintenance cost calculator. For location-specific pricing, see our guides for gutter cleaning on the Central Coast, pressure cleaning on the Central Coast, roof cleaning in Sydney, and commercial cleaning in Newcastle.
What Affects the Quality of a Quote
Not all quotes are equal. When comparing exterior cleaning quotes, look beyond the bottom-line number:
- Method specification: Does the quote specify the cleaning method for each surface? A professional quote will distinguish between softwash and pressure cleaning and explain why each method is being used.
- Insurance and safety documentation: Does the provider carry public liability insurance? Will they provide SWMS for height work? These are not optional extras - they are professional requirements.
- Scope clarity: Is the quote clear about what is included and excluded? A vague quote that says “house wash” may not include gutters, windows, or the driveway - leading to unexpected add-on charges on the day.
- Equipment quality: Commercial-grade truck-mounted equipment delivers better, faster, more consistent results than residential machines. The provider’s equipment investment is reflected in their pricing and their results.
Getting Value, Not Just a Low Price
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. In exterior cleaning, a low price often means one or more of the following: residential-grade equipment that delivers inconsistent results, no insurance or safety documentation, high pressure used on surfaces that should be softwashed (causing damage), and no follow-up maintenance recommendations.
The damage from incorrect cleaning methods - stripped roof coatings, cracked tiles, paint-damaged render - costs far more to repair than the difference between a cheap clean and a professional one. Investing in proper exterior cleaning protects your property and saves money in the long term.
How SOAKD Quotes Work
We provide free, no-obligation site assessments where we walk your property, assess every surface, and explain the recommended approach. Our quotes include a detailed scope of work, the methods to be used on each surface, transparent pricing with no hidden costs, and a recommended maintenance schedule.
To request a free assessment and quote, call 0418 167 798 or submit an enquiry online. We respond within 24 hours.