Short, practical advice from someone who cleans exteriors every week.
For most Twin Cities driveways, once a year is plenty — usually in late spring once the salt and grime from winter have built up. If you park under heavy tree cover or have oil stains, bump that to twice a year. Waiting longer lets organic stains set in deep, which means more chemical and more time (and more cost) to remove later.
Late fall and early spring. In fall, leaves pack the runs and clog downspouts right before the snow hits. Once water freezes inside a clogged gutter, it expands and pulls the gutter away from the fascia — that's how most gutters end up sagging or leaking. A quick clear before the first snow saves a $1,000+ repair.
Your siding (vinyl, wood, stucco, painted) should always be SOFT washed — low pressure plus a cleaning solution that kills mold and algae at the root. Pressure washing is for hard surfaces only: concrete, pavers, brick, and most decks. Using a pressure washer on siding can force water behind panels and damage paint — costly mistake.
