Summer is the best time to take care of your home’s exterior—but most people only handle the basics. While mowing lawns and planting flowers are great for curb appeal, the real maintenance lies in what you can’t see or might forget entirely.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, our damp fall and winter weather create the perfect conditions for moss, mildew, and buildup. But tackling key cleaning tasks during the dry season can save you hundreds in repairs down the line. Here are five essential summer exterior cleaning tips to protect your property, boost energy efficiency, and extend the life of your home.
1. Remove Roof Moss Before Fall Moisture Returns
If you’ve noticed moss growing along your shingles or roof edges, now’s the time to act. Moss loves moisture and shade, and once the rains return, it becomes nearly impossible to control without risking damage to your roof.
During the summer, moss is dry and dormant. That makes it easier to remove manually or treat with eco-friendly moss killer. Waiting until fall or winter can mean higher service costs and more aggressive regrowth, since moss thrives in wet conditions. Letting moss linger too long can trap moisture, rot your shingles, and lead to expensive roof repairs.
2. Power Wash Walkways to Prevent Slips and Slime
Sidewalks, pavers, patios, and driveways are often neglected until they become dangerously slippery. In the summer, pressure washing these areas is not only more effective—it also helps you avoid buildup that causes falls.
Moss, algae, and grime collect in the textured surfaces of concrete or brick and become slimy hazards. Without regular cleaning, these surfaces can also degrade faster, especially if they’re holding moisture in tiny cracks.
Recent data shared by the CDC shows that outdoor slips and falls are a common cause of injury, especially for older adults and children. Pressure washing is one of the easiest ways to prevent falls and improve safety on your property.
3. Schedule a House Wash to Protect Paint and Siding
Your home’s siding takes a beating from sun, rain, wind, and pollen. Even if you can’t see it clearly, layers of dirt and organic material can build up on the exterior—especially in shaded areas or places where rain splashes up from the ground.
Summer is the perfect time to wash your home’s exterior. Warm weather allows surfaces to dry quickly, reducing the chance of mildew growth. Plus, cleaning in the dry season helps prevent permanent stains from baking into the paint or siding.
Whether you have vinyl, stucco, or wood siding, a professional soft wash can help maintain its look and integrity.
4. Clean Pollen Off Solar Panels for Peak Performance
Did you know that dirty solar panels can lose up to 20% of their energy output? During the summer, when your solar system should be performing at its best, a layer of pollen, dust, and debris can drastically reduce efficiency.
Regular cleaning ensures your panels are capturing as much sunlight as possible—and it’s a quick job when done during the dry season. If your panels are hard to reach or tilted at steep angles, a professional cleaning crew with the right safety equipment can make a big difference.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office, regular maintenance is key to maximizing your investment in solar.
5. Wash Exterior Windows for a Clearer View
Sunlight and summer views are part of what makes this season so enjoyable—but nothing ruins it faster than streaky, dusty windows. Outdoor grime, sea salt, and pollen all collect on windowpanes and screens, blocking your view and reducing natural light indoors.
Clean windows do more than just look good. They help regulate indoor temperatures, reduce glare, and keep your HVAC system from working overtime. Window washing in summer also ensures your sills and screens are clear of mold or mildew buildup.
Bonus Tip: Get a Mid-Summer Maintenance Check
If it’s been a while since you’ve done exterior maintenance, now’s a great time to schedule a professional assessment. A trained technician can spot issues like clogged gutters or minor damage before they become bigger problems.
Don’t Wait Until Fall—Start Your Summer Clean Today
Taking care of your home’s exterior now helps you avoid the seasonal rush, when prices and availability often go up. Summer cleaning not only boosts curb appeal—it also prevents long-term damage and keeps your property safe and energy-efficient.
At Johnny Tsunami, we specialize in professional roof moss removal, pressure washing, house washing, window cleaning, and more. Let us handle the dirty work so you can enjoy the sunshine stress-free.
Regular exterior maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your home and avoid costly repairs down the line. If you’re not sure where to start, our expert exterior cleaning technicians are here to help. Call us today to build a customized maintenance plan designed to keep your home looking great—and lasting longer—all year round.
