When it comes to running a house washing business, location matters — and nowhere is this more evident than in Victoria, particularly around the Melbourne metro area. Compared to other parts of Australia, house washing companies working in Melbourne face a unique set of challenges, opportunities, and client expectations.
Here’s a closer look at the differences you’ll notice when washing houses in Victoria, and why being prepared for Melbourne's specific conditions is key to success.
1. Melbourne’s Ever-Changing Weather
If there's one thing Melbourne is famous for, it's the saying: "Four seasons in one day."
Weather unpredictability makes exterior cleaning a lot trickier. In many parts of Australia, you can plan house washing schedules days or weeks in advance with confidence. In Melbourne, though, it’s not unusual to have a clear, sunny morning turn into a stormy afternoon.
Key impacts on house washing include:
Rescheduling: A lot more last-minute changes are necessary.
Job planning: Flexible booking systems and backup plans are crucial.
Surface conditions: Rapid temperature changes can affect how cleaning solutions react on surfaces.
Tip: Many successful companies in Melbourne overbook slightly or maintain a 'floating' schedule to account for sudden weather shifts.
2. A Mix of Property Styles and Building Materials
In Melbourne, the architectural diversity is huge. On the same street, you might wash:
A Victorian-era terrace with delicate facades.
A sleek, modern townhouse with rendered concrete.
A sprawling 1970s brick veneer home.
A weatherboard cottage in leafy suburbs like Camberwell or Ivanhoe.
This mix means house washing companies must be highly adaptable. Different building materials require different pressures, detergents, and techniques.
Special considerations include:
Historic homes: Gentle soft washing methods are often required to protect older surfaces.
Rendered finishes: These surfaces stain easily and can be damaged by high-pressure washing if not treated correctly.
Weatherboard houses: Timber needs careful handling to avoid water ingress and paint stripping.
Tip: Offering both soft washing and pressure washing services is practically a must if you want to cater to all property types in Melbourne.
3. Moss, Mould, and Algae Growth
Melbourne’s cooler winters and damp conditions mean moss, mould, and algae thrive. You’ll often encounter green or black growths on:
House siding
Driveways
Roofs
Decking
Compared to drier states like WA or SA, the volume of organic growth you’ll deal with in Victoria is much higher.
This affects your service by:
Requiring stronger or more specialized biocide treatments.
Needing more thorough rinses to fully remove spores.
Sometimes requiring return visits or ongoing maintenance programs.
Tip: Educate your customers about ongoing maintenance — an annual or semi-annual softwash can prevent regrowth and save them bigger repair costs down the line.
4. Tight Access and Urban Density in Inner Melbourne
Inner Melbourne suburbs like Fitzroy, Brunswick, Richmond, and St Kilda are famous for their charming but tightly packed houses.
Narrow driveways
Shared walls
Tiny side passages
This makes access more difficult for house washing crews and often requires creative solutions, such as:
Using smaller, more maneuverable equipment.
Carrying longer hoses to reach around buildings.
Sometimes requiring council permits to work from footpaths or roadsides.
Tip: Having a lightweight, portable softwashing setup or telescopic poles can be a lifesaver in dense urban areas.
5. Water Use Restrictions and Environmental Sensitivity
Victoria, like much of Australia, is environmentally conscious, and Melbourne residents are particularly sensitive to issues like water conservation and chemical runoff.
Things house washing businesses must watch:
Strict council regulations about water use.
Rules around chemical discharge into stormwater drains.
Customers often request eco-friendly or biodegradable cleaning solutions.
Tip: Always promote your eco-friendly practices in your marketing — it's a strong selling point in the Melbourne market.
6. High Customer Expectations
Melbourne homeowners — particularly in affluent suburbs like Brighton, Toorak, or Malvern — tend to have very high standards when it comes to service delivery.
What this means for your house washing business:
Professionalism is expected at every stage, from quoting to job execution.
Detailed, itemized quotes and invoices are appreciated.
High attention to detail is critical — a half-done job will not be tolerated.
Tip: Providing before-and-after photos and offering a satisfaction guarantee can build a great reputation quickly in Melbourne.
7. Opportunity for Year-Round Work (with Adjustments)
Unlike northern parts of Australia where the wet season can virtually shut businesses down, in Melbourne you can work year-round — if you're flexible.
Winter months: Focus on gutter cleaning, moss removal, and soft washing rather than heavy pressure washing.
Spring/Summer: Full exterior house washes, roof cleans, and deck restorations become highly in demand.
Tip: Adjust your service offerings slightly season by season to maximize income streams year-round.
Final Thoughts
Running a house washing company in Melbourne and broader Victoria isn't without its challenges — but it also offers huge opportunities. With the right systems, flexible operations, and a keen understanding of local conditions, house washing businesses can thrive in one of Australia's most dynamic, fast-paced markets.
Success in Melbourne comes down to being:
Flexible with weather and scheduling.
Knowledgeable about diverse building materials.
Equipped for tight access jobs.
Environmentally responsible.
Customer-service focused.
For companies willing to invest in adapting to the Melbourne market, the rewards are absolutely worth it.
