Getting the Outside Ready for the Holidays: A Pressure Washing Timeline
If you are hosting Thanksgiving or December gatherings, book exterior cleaning as early as you can and have it done before Thanksgiving week, before decorations and lights go up. Clean from the top down: walls and entry first, then the driveway and walks, then the pool deck and lanai. Save a quick sweep and rinse of the front walk for the week guests arrive.
Why to book now
Fall is one of the most popular times of year for exterior cleaning in Northeast Florida, because the heat finally breaks and everyone starts thinking about company. The weeks just before Thanksgiving tend to fill first. Thanksgiving falls on November 26 this year, so booking now still leaves a window with room for a rain day.
The timing also works in your favor for results. Algae and mildew slow down once nights cool off, so a house cleaned in November usually still looks fresh at New Year. We explain why in our fall and winter exterior checklist.
Walk the property before you call and make a short list: front entry, porch ceiling, walkway, driveway, garage door, lanai, pool deck, and any fence that faces the street. A clear list gets you an accurate quote the first time.
The timeline
As early as you can: book the work. Decide whether you want the whole exterior done or just the areas guests will see, and mention anything you are planning, like new sod or a paint touch-up, so the order of work makes sense.
Two to three weeks out: the main clean. House wash and trim first, then concrete, then the pool deck and lanai. This has to happen before lights go up. Lights and clips attach to gutters, fascia and eaves, and washing around cords is slower, less thorough and puts water near connections. Our post on what to expect on the day of your appointment covers how to get the house ready.
One to two weeks out: decorate. Lights go up on a clean, dry house, and outdoor outlets should be dry and covered before anything is plugged in.
The week guests arrive: a light touch-up. Blow leaves and acorns off the driveway, sweep the front steps, rinse the walkway with a garden hose and wipe down the front door and light fixtures. No machine needed.
Where guests actually look
The front entry gets the closest look of anything on the property. People stand at the door waiting for it to open, and they notice cobwebs in the porch ceiling, a dusty light fixture, mildew on the door trim and a gray front step. Of all the areas on the list, the entry is the one worth doing if you only do one.
The walkway and steps matter for safety as well as looks. Older relatives and small children walk them in the evening, often carrying dishes, and algae on concrete is slippery when damp. The driveway is where guests park and unload, so it is the first thing they cross.
If the gathering will spill outside, the lanai and pool deck become the dining room. Screens, frames and decks each need their own method, as we describe in cleaning pool decks, lanais and screen enclosures.
Two smaller things make a big difference. Windows beside the dining table and the front door show every water spot once the low winter sun hits them in the afternoon. And the garage door is often the largest single surface facing the street, so a dingy one drags down an otherwise clean front. Both are quick to add to the same visit.
After the holidays
Outdoor turkey frying is a Florida tradition, and it leaves marks. Fryers belong outdoors on a level surface, well away from the house, and a drip mat or piece of cardboard underneath saves the concrete. If oil does splash, deal with it quickly, because fresh oil is far easier to lift than old oil. See how to remove oil stains from your driveway.
Grill grease, candle wax and spilled drinks on pavers and pool decks are easier to clean in the first days than after they have baked in the sun. January is also a quieter month for scheduling if you want a follow-up.
Take decorations down on a dry day and check where they sat. Inflatables and planters left on the lawn or pavers for a month can leave pale rectangles and damp, green patches underneath, and extension cords run along a walkway can leave a line of dirt and mildew. These usually clean up easily if they are dealt with in January rather than left until spring.
To get on the calendar before the holiday rush, request a quote or call (904) 506-7656.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book before Thanksgiving?
As early as you can. Two to three weeks ahead gives you more choice of dates and leaves room for a rain delay. Later bookings are often still possible, but with fewer options.
Should I pressure wash before or after hanging lights?
Before. Washing around lights and cords is slower and less thorough, and it puts water near connections. Clean first, let everything dry, then decorate.
Will the house still look clean at Christmas if it is washed in November?
In most cases, yes. Growth slows in the cooler months, so a November clean usually holds well past the holidays.
Can I have just the front of the house cleaned?
Yes. The entry, front walk and driveway can be quoted as a smaller job on their own. Ask for it that way when you request a quote.
Related reading
Get a free quote
H2O Pressure Washing is based in Saint Johns and serves St. Johns County and nearby communities in Clay and Duval counties. For a free, fixed-price quote, tell us about your property or call (904) 506-7656.
