FAQs

Who will carry out my house washing service?

Under Pressure is owner-operated, so when you book, you’re dealing directly with Cam. This ensures consistent, high-quality results every time. If weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances affect your scheduled house washing service, Cam will contact you promptly to arrange a new time.

What is soft washing and why is it best for house washing?

Soft washing is a low-pressure house washing method that uses a specialised cleaning solution to treat exterior surfaces. This process kills mould, moss, and lichen while removing dirt, salt, and grime from your home.

Unlike traditional water blasting, soft washing is safe for painted surfaces, cladding, windows, eaves, and gutters. For most homes in Auckland, soft washing is the safest and most effective way to maintain your property’s exterior.

What is water blasting used for?

Water blasting uses high-pressure cleaning and is ideal for hard surfaces such as driveways, concrete paths, patios, and commercial spaces.

While water blasting is excellent for restoring concrete and outdoor areas, it is not suitable for delicate or painted surfaces. That’s why Under Pressure uses soft washing for houses and reserves water blasting for more durable surfaces.

Do you provide roof treatment for moss and lichen?

Yes, we offer professional roof treatment services to eliminate moss and lichen. The treatment works over time, breaking down growth so it naturally washes away with rainfall over 6–12 months.

Although roof pressure washing is possible, it’s generally not recommended due to the risk of leaks or damage. A chemical roof treatment is the safer, longer-lasting solution.

Do you offer gutter clearing services in Auckland?

Yes, we provide thorough gutter clearing, removing leaves, dirt, and debris to keep your system flowing properly.

We recommend gutter clearing every 6 months, especially if your property has overhanging trees or collects rainwater for tank use. Regular gutter maintenance helps prevent overflow, water damage, and costly repairs.

Is house washing safe for kids, pets, and plants?

Yes—our house washing and soft washing methods are safe for families, pets, and gardens. In fact, your home’s exterior will be cleaner and more hygienic after treatment.

For safety, we recommend keeping children and pets away from the work area during the service and removing any washing or fabrics from outside areas.

Will house washing damage my paint or surfaces?

No—soft washing is specifically designed to clean without damaging your home. It removes harmful contaminants like mould and lichen that can degrade surfaces over time.

If any pre-existing damage is identified, Cam will let you know. If your home is being prepared for painting, some loose or flaking paint may come away during the cleaning process.

What should I do if I have a water tank?

If your property uses a rainwater tank, please disconnect it before your house washing or roof treatment service and reconnect it afterward.

For roof treatments, we recommend waiting around two weeks or until after significant rainfall (approximately 50mm) before reconnecting your tank. If you’re unsure how to do this, just get in touch before your booking.

What if I don’t know the size of my house?

No problem—simply send through your address and we’ll look up your property details to provide an accurate house washing quote.

Do you clean all exterior surfaces and cladding types?

We clean most exterior surfaces, but some materials require specialist care. If you’re unsure, send through photos and we’ll advise.

Please note: we do not offer house washing for cedar or stained timber cladding, as these require specialised treatment methods.

Do you offer pre-sale house washing or property maintenance?

Yes—professional house washing is a great way to boost your property’s appearance before selling. We can help get your home looking its best for real estate photos, open homes, and inspections.

We also provide ongoing exterior cleaning and maintenance for rental properties, holiday homes, and Airbnb/BookaBach properties.

What if access to my property is difficult?

We’re equipped to handle most domestic and commercial access situations. Let us know about any tight spaces or restrictions when booking.

Clear access—such as an empty driveway—helps us work efficiently. Sending photos or measurements of tricky areas in advance allows us to plan the best approach.