Pressure Washing Your Home Before Moving Out: Worth It?

Revised by Bruce Hulse

When you’re preparing to move, the exterior of your home is often the last thing on your mind, but it shouldn’t be. Pressure washing (or soft washing) your home before you leave is a smart, value-adding step. At Clear Ottawa Windows , our goal is to help you refresh your property, protect its surfaces, and leave it looking its absolute best.

Why Pressure Washing Makes Sense Before a Move

1. Improves Curb Appeal: A clean, bright exterior makes a powerful first impression. Whether you’re selling or just want to hand off a well-maintained home, removing mold, grime, and mildew helps your property stand out.
2. Protects Your Materials: With Ottawa’s climate, moss, algae, and organic buildup are common, especially on siding, roofs, and decks. Our soft‑wash system (low-pressure + biodegradable solutions) cleans effectively without damaging delicate surfaces.  This not only restores your home’s appearance, but also prevents long-term damage.
3. Boosts Long-Term Value: A well-cleaned exterior signals to prospective buyers or tenants that the property has been cared for. That perception can help your property list faster or command better interest.
4. Save on Utilities: Organic buildup (like moss) can trap moisture and increase heat absorption on roofs and siding. By keeping these areas clean, you might even reduce cooling costs thanks to better thermal reflectivity.

When to Schedule the Clean

Timing: Plan your wash about 1–2 weeks before your listing goes live, or booking your Ottawa moving companies – giving it enough time for drying and a final walkthrough.

Weather: Choose a calm, dry day. Ottawa’s seasonal shifts mean moss and grime can build quickly, but you also need ideal drying conditions.

Method: Use soft washing for fragile surfaces (roof shingles, vinyl siding) and pressure washing for tougher areas (driveways, concrete). Clear Ottawa Windows offers both.

Why Choose Clear Ottawa Windows

Our team fine-tunes the pressure, temperature, and cleaning solution for each surface to ensure nothing gets damaged during the process. Safety is always a priority; our technicians are trained to work at heights, use fall protection, and operate with full safety gear. 

We also take an eco-conscious approach: our soft-wash solutions are biodegradable and gentle, yet highly effective against mold, grime, and organic buildup. Beyond just cleaning, we offer a full-service experience, reviewing results with you and providing guidance on ongoing maintenance to keep your home looking its best.

Final Thought

Pressure washing your home before moving out isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s smart maintenance. It refreshes surfaces, protects your property, and helps you leave, or list, your home in the best possible condition. With Clear Ottawa Windows, you get expert care, smart solutions, and a finish that’s ready for your next chapter.

Bruce Adam Hulse

Bruce Adam Hulse is the passionate and driven CEO of Clear Ottawa Windows, a leading exterior cleaning and gutter maintenance company serving residential and commercial clients throughout the Ottawa region.