When to schedule your window, gutter, and driveway cleans for optimal results

Exterior home cleaning is often reactive—we clean the gutters when they overflow, and we wash the windows when we can no longer see out. However, adopting a proactive, seasonal approach to maintenance can save you money, prevent damage, and ensure your home always looks its best.

1. Gutters: The winter prevention clean

Gutters are the most vital part of exterior maintenance, protecting your roofline, walls, and foundation from water damage. Scheduling the work strategically is key.

When to schedule the work:

Late autumn (October/November) and early spring (March).

The best time for gutter cleaning is right after the leaves have fallen, typically in late autumn. This ensures they are clear before the heavy rains, ice, and strong winds of winter hit. A secondary clean in early spring is beneficial to remove any grit or debris that collected over the winter months before spring showers begin.

Hiring a gutter cleaning service not only ensures the blockage is cleared but also allows a professional to check for minor damage, loose joints, or necessary repairs before they become serious leaks.

For jobs that involve working at height, always use a reliable, insured professional. Rated People helps you to find local tradespeople with verified reviews, ensuring a safe and effective service.

2. Driveways and patios: The spring restoration clean

Hard surfaces like driveways and patios collect algae, moss, and grime over the winter, making them slippery and dull. A deep clean in spring revitalises your curb appeal for the sunnier months.

When to schedule the work:

Late spring (April/May).

Late spring is the ideal time, as the warmer, drier weather allows the surface to dry quickly, which is especially crucial for driveways. Cleaning in late spring allows time for:

• Moss and algae treatment: Applying a moss inhibitor, which works best when the weather is warming up.
• Re-sanding/sealing: Giving you time to re-sand block paving or apply a fresh sealant (if necessary) to protect against summer traffic and UV damage.

3. Windows: Window cleaning frequency for optimal results

Windows are constantly exposed to dust, pollen, bird droppings, and rain, which can lead to mineral staining if left too long.

When to schedule the work:

Monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly.

There is no definitive window cleaning frequency for optimal results as it depends on your location. Houses near busy roads or the sea will require more frequent cleaning (monthly to bi-monthly) than homes in quiet, rural areas (quarterly).

• Quarterly clean (four times a year): Recommended minimum for maintaining clarity and preventing mineral build-up.
• Spring and autumn: Always ensure a thorough clean in spring to remove winter grit and in autumn to wash off any last-of-the-season pollen.

Property maintenance summary

By following this property maintenance checklist, you can protect the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your home year-round:

• Late autumn: Gutter clean.
• Late spring: Driveway/patio clean.
• Quarterly minimum: Window clean.

With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.