8 Common Mistakes for Exterior House Cleaning in Omaha, NE

You drag out the hose, rent the power washer, buy the fancy cleaner, and yet, your siding still looks dirty. Some parts are clean, sure, but others have streaks or look like they weren’t even touched. Or worse, you actually damage something while trying to clean it. Whether it’s peeling paint, loose siding, or a muddy mess on your driveway, cleaning the outside of your home can quickly become a whole lot harder than it looks.

If you've ever felt annoyed or even a little embarrassed after trying to clean your home’s exterior, you’re not alone. A lot of Omaha homeowners want their house to look fresh and well-kept, but the cleaning part often gets skipped or done wrong. And that can actually cause bigger issues down the line.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve worked on thousands of homes in the Omaha area since 1996. We specialize in exterior painting, but before we ever pick up a brush, we always make sure the home is properly cleaned — the right way. That’s why we also offer professional power washing services. We’ve seen what can happen when houses are cleaned the wrong way, and we’ve learned exactly how to avoid the most common mistakes homeowners make. We’re here to share what we know, without trying to sell you anything.

This article will help you avoid the most common exterior cleaning mistakes. You’ll learn what to do (and what not to do) when washing your home’s siding, brick, or trim. Whether you're prepping for a paint job or just want your house to look cleaner, these tips will help you do it right — or know what to look for when hiring someone else. We’ll also explain what can happen if cleaning is skipped or done the wrong way.

Watch the video below to learn more about the benefits of power washing your home.

Mistake #1: Using Too Much Pressure

It’s called a “power washer” for a reason — and sometimes it lives up to its name a little too well. One of the most common mistakes we see is people blasting the siding with full pressure, thinking it’ll make things cleaner faster.

But high pressure can:

• Push water behind the siding or into window seals
• Strip paint or even remove caulking
• Damage to wood, especially on older homes

For most siding materials, a soft wash approach is safer and more effective. That means using the right cleaning solution and letting it sit before rinsing with gentle pressure. It does take a bit more patience, but it prevents long-term damage.

If you're using a pressure washer, keep it under 1,500 PSI for painted surfaces. And if you're unsure — go lower. You can always do another pass, but you can’t undo peeling paint.

Mistake #2: Cleaning in Direct Sunlight or Extreme Heat

Omaha summers get hot. That’s no secret. But many homeowners don’t realize that washing your house in the middle of a sunny, 95-degree afternoon can actually leave you worse off.

Here’s what happens:

• Water evaporates too quickly, leaving streaks and soap marks
• The cleaning solution dries before it can do its job
• Siding bakes and expands, making it more sensitive to pressure

What is the best time to clean? A cool, cloudy day or early morning before the sun is too strong. The results will be way better, and you won’t break as much of a sweat doing it.

Mistake #3: Using Harsh Chemicals on the Wrong Surfaces

A lot of store-bought cleaners claim to remove mold, mildew, algae, and dirt. Some do, but not all cleaners are safe for every surface.

Using the wrong product can:

• Discolor your paint
• Kill grass or plants near your foundation
• Damage to metal flashing or nearby fixtures

Always check the label and make sure your cleaner is siding-safe and plant-safe. If you’re cleaning painted wood or older aluminum siding, be especially careful — many of these materials don’t play well with bleach-based products.

A simple solution of water, a mild detergent, and a little vinegar can do the job in many cases, without the risk.

Mistake #4: Skipping Safety Gear and Proper Prep

It might not be the most exciting part, but preparation matters. Many homeowners rush into cleaning without setting things up first, and that can cause problems.

Before you clean:

• Close all windows tightly
• Move furniture and cover nearby plants
• Wear safety goggles and non-slip shoes if necessary

Also, avoid using a ladder with a pressure washer — it’s easy to get knocked off balance. If you can’t reach something, use an extension wand instead.

Mistake #5: Not Cleaning Before Painting

If you're planning to paint your home, skipping a proper exterior cleaning is like laying new flooring over a cracked foundation — it might hold up for a little while, but eventually, the problems underneath will surface

Paint won’t stick to dirt, mildew, or chalky residue. And if you trap that stuff under new paint, it will eventually flake or bubble up. Then you’ll need to repaint sooner than you should.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we never paint over a dirty surface. Cleaning is always the first step, and we take it seriously. That’s one of the reasons our paint jobs last so long.

Mistake #6: Cleaning Too Often (or Not Enough)

You don’t need to wash your house every month. But you also shouldn’t wait five years.

A good rule of thumb for Omaha homes is to clean your exterior twice a year, usually in spring or early summer and in the fall. This helps remove/prepare for winter grime, pollen, mildew, and bugs that build up over time.

If your house is near trees, dusty roads, or in a shady area that grows algae faster, you might want to wash it more often — but only as needed. Over-washing can wear down paint and siding unnecessarily.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Problem Areas

Sometimes, homeowners wash the easy-to-reach parts and skip the rest. But the problem spots — like under eaves, around gutters, or near the foundation — are usually where mold and grime love to hide.

Pay extra attention to:

• Shady sides of the house
• Around dryer vents or exhaust fans
• Under porch roofs or overhangs
• Near downspouts or splash zones

These areas tend to collect moisture, which means they need more care, not less.

Mistake #8: Not Hiring a Professional When You Should

There’s nothing wrong with tackling a house wash yourself — plenty of homeowners do. But if you're not sure what you're doing, or your house has delicate paint, older siding, or tricky access points, hiring a professional might actually save you money (and hassle) in the long run.

Professionals know what pressure settings to use, what cleaners are safe, and how to protect your landscaping. They also get the job done faster, which is great if you’d rather spend your weekend doing, well… literally anything else.

Exterior House Power Washing in Omaha

Washing the outside of your house might seem simple, but as you’ve seen, there are a lot of small details that make a big difference. From using the right pressure to choosing safe cleaners and knowing when to ask for help, avoiding these common mistakes can protect your home’s paint, siding, and overall appearance.

Whether you're freshening things up for curb appeal or prepping for a full exterior paint job, a proper wash lays the foundation for everything that comes next.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners since 1996 with not just painting but prep work too — including professional power washing. We know the weather here, the materials used on homes, and the common challenges. We offer power washing as a separate service, so you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself or accidentally making one of the mistakes listed above.

Click the button below to get a quote — and let us take the guesswork (and the grime) off your hands.

If you’re ready to paint the exterior of your home, take this time to figure out how much the project will cost. Click the button below to visit our exterior painting pricing calculator, then plug in the size of your home and get a general idea of how much it will cost to paint your home (including power washing!)