Do you want to clean your façade ecologically and save natural resources and costs in the process? Then you've come to the right place! It is quite normal for house walls and facades to lose their cleanliness due to weathering, UV radiation and biological contamination. Greenish algae deposits, dark streaks, bird droppings, dust and fine dust quickly make even modern buildings look old and unkempt. It was the same with us.
Many owners then reflexively reach for a paintbrush or order a new coat of paint. At first, this seems like the only solution - but it is often unnecessary and costly. Fortunately, I have found a better and usually just as effective alternative: the Sustainable facade cleaning.
In this article, you'll find out everything you need to know about it - from the benefits and cleaning methods to the best tips for prevention. Let's go!
Here you can find a short overview in advance:
- Advantages
- How long clean?
- Is it possible to clean facades yourself?
- Cleaning process
- Tips for prevention
- Closing words
Why Choose Cleaning Over Repainting Your Facade?
A complete repainting sounds like a thorough solution at firstwhich prevent unsightly transitions between repainted and non-repainted areas (see picture).
But many homeowners don't know this: The façade not only needs to be thoroughly cleaned, but often also repaired, sanded and primed. This involves chemical colors, Solvent and Waste into play, which have a negative impact on their own ecological footprint impact.
Environmental Benefits
Sustainable façade cleaning is much more resource-efficient than repainting:
- Lower material consumptionNo paints, primers and fillers required.
- No waste productionCleaning produces neither paint nor construction waste.
- Reduced use of water and chemicalsModern cleaning processes work with gentle methods and biodegradable cleaning agents.
- Lower CO2 emissionsNo mixing of colors, no drying processes, no work lasting several days - this saves energy.
In short: by having your house wall professionally cleaned or taking care of it yourself, you are opting for a Sustainable alternative to repainting - with similar results, but a significantly better environmental balance.
Cost Savings and Economic Benefits
The decision to have your façade cleaned is not only worthwhile in ecological terms, but also financially. A complete repainting can cost several thousand euros - depending on the size of the house, of course. In addition, there are often scaffolding costs, working hours and any necessary repairs.
A Professional cleaning, on the other hand, costs only a fraction and can be implemented much more quickly. For many homeowners, the time and cost savings are decisive arguments - especially if they want to maintain or increase the value of their property without major investment.
How Long Will a Clean Facade Stay Clean?
In rural areas with little Air Pollution the façade usually remains attractive for longer than in cities or industrial areas, where fine dust and exhaust fumes leave their mark more quickly. However, this is no guarantee of a clean façade for a long time: we live on a sandy path, for example, where the whirled up dust likes to settle on the façade.
The quality of the façade also plays a role: Smooth walls absorb less dirt than rough or heavily textured surfaces.
On average, the Results of professional cleaning visible for 5 to 10 years. If a special facade protection is applied afterwards, this period can even be significantly extended. The Coating inhibits the growth of algae and fungi and protects the surface from new deposits - without any additional paint or chemicals.
In many cases, one Regular visual inspection and selective post-treatment to keep the façade in good condition for many years to come.
Tip: How we all work together counteract air pollution in everyday life I'll be happy to show you in the linked blog article. Be sure to take a look there too!
Can I Clean My House Facade Myself?
It is generally possible to remove minor soiling yourself - for example with water, a brush or mild cleaning agentssuch as soapy water, washing soda, vinegar or washing-up liquid. That worked well for us. However, it's better to play it safe and ask building experts.
If the façade has a large surface area or is heavily soiled, independent cleaning with conventional high-pressure cleaners without a steam setting is not recommended. Why?
Appliances from the DIY store often work with far too high pressure and unsuitable nozzles. This reduces the Roughened plaster layer or the paint flakes off, even fine cracks could appear, through which moisture can later penetrate and accelerate the formation of algae. This is particularly problematic for thermally insulated façades, which can suffer permanent damage.
Professionals, on the other hand, rely on specially adapted cleaning systems: Low-pressure-based technology, Precisely dosed, biodegradable cleaning agents and a Precise adjustment to the respective façade type of your house,
So if you want to achieve good results in the long term, protect your façade and Do not save at the wrong end you are usually best advised to have your facade professionally cleaned.
Which Eco-Friendly Facade Cleaning Methods Are Available?
Modern facade cleaning methods are used today, Processes geared towards environmental compatibility and material conservation for use. Instead of aggressive chemicals or environmentally harmful Biocides specialist companies rely on specially developed systems:
1. Water-Based Cleaning Methods
Water-based cleaning is the most commonly used method - often in the form of Low-pressure technology with hot water. Algae, dirt and dust are gently removed without damaging the surface. The combination with biodegradable cleaning agents increases the effect without harming the environment.
2. Chemical-Free Cleaning Techniques
Chemical-free methods, such as the use of Hot water or Steamare particularly suitable for sensitive facades or listed buildings. The high temperature dissolves even stubborn deposits - without any additives that are harmful to health or the environment.
3. Microbiological Cleaning Solutions
Microbiological cleaning processes utilize targeted Microorganismswhich decompose organic soiling, i.e. algae or fungal deposits. The technology is also so sustainable because the microbes remain active after cleaning and prevent new contamination.
4. Resource-Efficient Cleaning Technologies
Resource-saving technologies such as Water treatment systems ensure that used water is filtered and reused. Such purification processes, which use natural Conserve resourcesare particularly valuable in regions with a limited water supply.
How Can You Keep Your Facade Looking Clean for Longer?
To ensure that the house wall stays looking good for as long as possible, especially after cleaning, I've put together a few Simple but effective preventive measures for you:
- Clean up small spots of dirt with a mild detergent, a little water and a soft brush.
- Check the drip protection of your window sills and regularly remove dirt from them.
- Apply facade protectionto make it difficult for dirt, algae and fungi to accumulate.
- Check your gutters and downpipes regularlyas holes or construction faults lead to permanent damp patches and provide an ideal breeding ground for algae.
- Also carry out regular visual inspectionsto detect discoloration or deposits at an early stage and act accordingly.
- Keep some distance from climbing plants, shrubs and treesas they promote moisture and microorganisms.
By the way: If you have a living Natural garden or Wild corners in the garden for insects and birds, be sure to take a look at the linked articles and the sustainable garden blog over.
Cleaning Instead of Painting – The Easy Way to a Fresh-Looking Facade
A complete repaint puts a strain on both the environment and your wallet. In most cases, professional, sustainable façade cleaning is completely sufficientto restore the original appearance in a cost-effective, environmentally friendly and resource-saving way and to preserve the fresh shine for a longer period of time.
So if you value Sustainability, Economic efficiency and Value retention should consider cleaning the house wall as the first and not the last option. 🙂
"What we do today will determine what the world looks like tomorrow."
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (more at Environmental protection quotes)
Do you have any questions, suggestions or can you think of any other tips and ideas for cleaning house walls? Then I look forward to your comment.
PS: I have also provided you with suitable articles about Waste-free cleaning and the best possible sustainable budget written. Have a look there next!
