Exterior cleaning is essential for maintaining the appearance, safety, and longevity of residential and commercial properties. As a Service Club Exterior Cleaning Technician, following a structured approach ensures high-quality service, customer satisfaction, and repeat business. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, best practices, and professional tips to help you excel in exterior cleaning jobs.

1. Pre-Job Preparation & Safety Measures

Proper preparation is key to ensuring an efficient and safe cleaning process.

A. Review Job Details

• Log in to the Vendor App to confirm the job details.

• Identify the type of surfaces to be cleaned (siding, fences, decks, driveways, roofs, etc.).

• Check for special customer requests or restrictions.

• Determine the cleaning method required (power washing, soft washing, chemical treatments).

B. Gather Necessary Equipment & Cleaning Supplies

Ensure you have the following tools and materials:

• Pressure washer or soft wash system (with adjustable settings)

• Surface cleaners, degreasers, and mold/mildew removers

• Hoses, extension wands, and nozzles for different surface types

• Ladders and fall protection gear (for roof and gutter work)

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, goggles, respirators, waterproof boots

C. Inspect the Job Site Upon Arrival

• Walk through the property with the client (if present) to confirm expectations.

• Identify potential hazards such as loose siding, weak fences, or unstable decks.

• Protect delicate landscaping or areas that should not get wet.

✔ Best Practices: ✔ Test the water pressure and drainage before starting. ✔ Take before photos for documentation and reporting. ✔ Wear safety gear to prevent chemical exposure and injuries.

2. Power Washing & Soft Washing

Choosing the right cleaning method is essential for preventing damage.

A. House Exterior Cleaning

1. Inspect surfaces for dirt, mold, and mildew.

2. Apply a cleaning solution and allow time to break down grime.

3. Use a low-pressure setting for soft washing to avoid damage.

4. Rinse thoroughly and inspect for streaks or missed spots.

B. Driveway & Sidewalk Cleaning

1. Pre-treat oil stains, tire marks, and algae buildup.

2. Perform even power washing to prevent streaking.

3. Rinse and check for any remaining stains or discoloration.

C. Deck & Patio Cleaning

1. Inspect wood, composite, or stone surfaces for wear.

2. Use appropriate pressure settings and scrubbing techniques.

3. Allow surfaces to dry completely before applying sealants (if required).

D. Fence Cleaning

1. Identify fence material (wood, vinyl, or metal).

2. Use the safest cleaning method to avoid stripping paint or coatings.

3. Rinse and inspect for even cleanliness.

✔ Best Practices: ✔ Always test pressure settings on a small area first. ✔ Avoid excessive pressure on delicate materials like wood or vinyl. ✔ Use biodegradable cleaning solutions when possible.

3. Roof & Gutter Cleaning

A. Roof Soft Washing

1. Identify roof type (shingles, tile, metal).

2. Apply a low-pressure chemical wash for moss, algae, and black streaks.

3. Allow the cleaning solution to work, then rinse carefully.

B. Gutter Cleaning & Soft Washing

1. Remove leaves, debris, and buildup from gutters and downspouts.

2. Flush gutters with water to ensure proper drainage.

3. Apply a soft wash to remove mildew and black streaks.

4. Inspect gutters for damage or necessary repairs.

✔ Best Practices: ✔ Work from the top down to prevent recontamination. ✔ Use ladder stabilizers and safety gear to prevent falls. ✔ Take before-and-after photos for customer assurance.

4. Commercial Exterior Cleaning

A. Commercial Building Washing

1. Assess storefronts, office buildings, hotels, or warehouses.

2. Choose power washing or soft washing depending on the surface.

3. Clean signage, awnings, and entryways for enhanced curb appeal.

B. Garage & Parking Lot Cleaning

1. Pre-treat grease, oil, and dirt buildup with degreasers.

2. Use high-pressure washing for parking lots and garages.

3. Ensure removal of gum, oil stains, and grime.

✔ Best Practices: ✔ Work after business hours if cleaning high-traffic areas. ✔ Ensure no water pooling in walkways or driveways. ✔ Offer recurring maintenance plans to business clients.

5. Specialty Cleaning Services

A. Dumpster Pad & Restaurant Cleaning

1. Remove grease, food spills, and bacterial buildup.

2. Power wash dumpster pads to eliminate odors and bacteria.

B. Heavy Machinery & Equipment Power Washing

1. Use high-pressure washing to remove mud, grease, and industrial buildup.

2. Apply degreasing agents for thorough cleaning.

C. Pool Cleaning & Maintenance

1. Vacuum pool bottom and skim debris from the surface.

2. Balance water chemistry by adjusting pH, chlorine, and other chemicals.

✔ Best Practices: ✔ Use hot water power washing for stubborn grease stains. ✔ Double-check for any missed spots or remaining buildup. ✔ Offer preventative maintenance recommendations to clients.

6. Final Inspection & Job Completion

A. Post-Cleaning Walkthrough

✅ Ensure all requested services have been completed. ✅ Double-check for any missed spots. ✅ Remove all hoses, equipment, and work materials. ✅ Conduct a final walkthrough with the client. ✅ Obtain client confirmation/signature for job completion.

✔ Best Practices: ✔ If the client is unavailable, take after-photos and submit a report. ✔ Offer future maintenance scheduling for long-term clients. ✔ Encourage the client to leave a review using the feedback QR code.

7. Maximizing Success as a Service Club Vendor

• ✅ Be punctual and professional.

• ✅ Follow Service Club job reporting and payment policies.

• ✅ Keep improving your skills through Service Club training programs.

• ✅ Maintain customer satisfaction to receive repeat business and referrals.

Pro Tips for Vendor Success:

✔ Keep extra nozzles and hoses for different pressure needs. ✔ Maintain your equipment properly to ensure consistent performance. ✔ Offer seasonal discounts for long-term customers.

Conclusion

By following this structured step-by-step exterior cleaning guide, Service Club vendors can ensure high-quality results, customer satisfaction, and professional growth. Stick to best practices, communicate effectively, and always strive for excellence!