How to Prepare Your Home for a Professional House Wash

So you've booked a house washing appointment. Nice move! Honestly, there's not a whole lot you need to do on your end. A good crew like us handles the heavy lifting. But a few small things before we show up can make the job go smoother, protect your property, and get you the best possible result.

Here's the quick guide:

Close All Windows and Doors

This one sounds obvious but it's the most commonly forgotten. Even with soft washing and low pressure, cleaning solution can drift. Make sure every window and door on the exterior is fully closed — including any basement windows or garage side doors you might not think about day to day. If your home is a bit on the older side, water might still creep inside if windows and doors have seals with some wear and tear. A good company keeps this in mind and cleans according to the age of the home.

Move Outdoor Furniture and Décor

Patio chairs, planters, doormats, garden decorations, kids' toys — anything sitting close to the house should get moved away from the walls. It saves us time (and you money) maneuvering around things, and it protects items that could get wet or discolored by the cleaning solution.

This doesn't need to be a big production. Moving things a few feet away from the house is usually enough.

Let Your Pets Inside

We are cat parents! We know what it’s like to truly value pets like members of our family. This is a big one for families in Cranford, Westfield, and the surrounding area. Cleaning solutions are biodegradable and plant-safe when properly diluted and rinsed, but you still don't want a curious dog wandering into the work zone. Get them inside before the crew arrives and keep them in until we've packed up and rinsed everything down.

Point Out Anything We Should Know About

Every house has its quirks! That’s what makes it your home and not just a house. Maybe there's a section of siding that came loose after last winter. Maybe there's a wasp nest under the eave you've been meaning to deal with. Maybe a window doesn't latch all the way.

A quick two-minute walkthrough when we arrive helps us work around any sensitive spots and make sure nothing gets missed. We are eager to hear any information that can help us treat your home with care but still get the job done.

You Don't Need to Be Home

A lot of homeowners in Clark and Garwood ask whether they need to be around for the appointment. You don't — as long as we have access to an outdoor water spigot and there are no gate locks or obstacles blocking the perimeter of the house.

If you do want to be around to do that quick walkthrough, great. But if you're heading to work, that's completely fine too. We'll take before and after photos so you can see exactly what was done. This also applies to our estimates! We can see your home and create an estimate while you work, play or rest.

That's Really It

Seriously. Windows closed, furniture moved, pets inside, heads up on anything unusual. Five minutes of prep and you're set.

If you're in Cranford, Westfield, Clark, Garwood, or anywhere in Union and Essex County and you're ready to book — reach out to Otterly Clean for a free quote. We'll handle the rest. Get ready to be o-tterly impressed!

Get your free quote (908) 913-0358