The short answer
Most homes in St. George, Utah look their best with an exterior wash once or twice a year. Homes near open desert, active construction or heavy sprinkler overspray may need it more often. Spring and fall are the best times to wash, especially right after monsoon season.
Why homes in St. George get dirty faster
Southern Utah is hard on exteriors. Fine red dust blows in on windy days and settles into stucco texture. Sprinklers leave hard-water spots on walls and windows. Late-summer monsoon storms splash mud up the lower walls, and the sun bakes all of it on.
None of this is a sign of a neglected home. It is just the climate, and it is why a once-or-twice-a-year wash makes such a visible difference here.
Signs your house is due for a wash
- A pink or orange tint on the lower few feet of the walls
- White mineral spots where sprinklers hit the house
- Dark streaks running down from eaves, windows and light fixtures
- Cobwebs and dust collecting in eaves and porch ceilings
- A garage door or front entry that looks dull or dusty up close
The best time of year to wash
Spring and fall are ideal. Temperatures are mild, so cleaning solution has time to work before it dries, and you get a clean house for the seasons you spend the most time outside.
Many homeowners schedule a wash right after monsoon season, once the late-summer storms have passed. Midday washing in peak summer heat is the least effective, because the solution dries too quickly on hot walls.
What about the roof, driveway and patio?
- Driveways and walkways: about once a year, more often with heavy sprinkler overspray or oil drips
- Tile roofs: every one to three years, depending on dust, debris and staining
- Patios and pool decks: once or twice a year, especially before summer
Bundling the house, driveway and patio into one visit is usually the most efficient way to do it.
Can you do it yourself?
A gentle rinse with a garden hose is fine between washes. Be careful with a rented pressure washer, though. High pressure can etch stucco, chip paint and push water behind the finish. Professional soft washing uses low pressure and the right cleaning solution to get stucco truly clean without that risk.