Wellington’s southern suburbs enjoy breathtaking views of Cook Strait, vibrant communities, and easy access to nature. But there’s a tradeoff — the same sea spray, wind, and high humidity that give these areas character also wreak havoc on your home’s exterior.
If you live in Island Bay, Lyall Bay, Owhiro Bay, Berhampore, Vogeltown, or Southgate, you’ve likely noticed:
- Green or black streaks on your cladding
- Mould and mildew on shaded exterior walls
- Salt residue dulling your paintwork
- Spiderwebs, dirt, and grime buildup around trims
At Metro Water Blasting, we specialise in soft house washing for Wellington’s southern suburbs, helping homeowners maintain their property’s value, safety, and curb appeal — without damaging delicate surfaces.
👉 Learn more: House Washing Wellington
Why the South Coast Is Tough on Your Home
The microclimate in southern Wellington is unique. Suburbs along the coastline and hills are exposed to:
- Sea spray and salt wind, which corrodes and stains surfaces
- Persistent humidity, especially in bush-lined gullies
- Winter shading, which slows drying and speeds up mould growth
- Frequent rain and debris, leading to grime accumulation on walls and trims
Homes in Lyall Bay, Owhiro Bay, and Island Bay get the brunt of Wellington’s weather systems, while Berhampore, Southgate, and Vogeltown experience a mix of urban pollution and moisture-laden air that encourages lichen, moss, and mould.
Suburb-by-Suburb Breakdown
✅ Island Bay
Classic villas and modern infills near the coast. Common issues: salt film, spiderwebs, mildew on cladding, and lichen on windowsills.
✅ Lyall Bay
Sea-facing homes with direct exposure to wind and spray. Painted surfaces lose their colour fast without regular cleaning.
✅ Owhiro Bay & Southgate
Exposed headlands with windburn and storm runoff. We frequently clean homes with discolouration around baseboards and water splash marks.
✅ Berhampore
Tree-lined streets + older homes = algae, mould, and spiderwebs galore. Perfect candidates for soft washing every 12–18 months.
✅ Vogeltown
Elevated and damp — moss and mould on southern-facing walls is common. Homes here benefit from soft washing before spring or repainting.
What’s Included in a Full House Wash
When you book Metro Water Blasting for a house wash in southern Wellington, you get a comprehensive clean, including:
- All cladding types (weatherboard, plaster, brick, concrete, etc.)
- Soffits, fascia, and gutters (external only)
- Exterior window frames and trims
- Doors, garage doors, entryways
- Baseboards and ground-level cladding
We use soft washing — not harsh water blasting — to gently kill and lift:
- Black mould
- Green algae
- Lichen
- Salt film
- Pollen and dust
👉 More info: House Wash Wellington
Real Projects in Southern Wellington
In Lyall Bay, we recently cleaned a weatherboard beach home that had visible salt haze and black mould on the southern side. After our soft wash service, the paintwork was visibly brighter, and the customer avoided an unnecessary repaint.
A classic Island Bay villa had spiderwebs, mildew, and green algae clinging to its front façade. We removed all buildup, cleaned the trims and joinery, and gave the property a total exterior refresh in one afternoon.
👉 Related blog: Autumn Roof Cleaning Tips for Wellington Homes
👉 You’ll also like: Spring Maintenance in Wellington
Why Soft Washing Works Best
High-pressure washing can:
- Strip paint from timber weatherboards
- Drive water behind cladding
- Damage plaster and brick coatings
- Create costly repair issues
That’s why we use a low-pressure soft wash system, combining:
- Biodegradable detergents to kill mould and lichen
- Controlled rinse pressure to gently remove residue
- Plant-safe methods to protect gardens and pets
This is especially important for heritage homes in Berhampore, beachside homes in Lyall Bay, and delicate painted properties in Southgate.
When Should You Wash Your House?
We recommend:
| Suburb | Wash Frequency |
|---|---|
| Island Bay | Every 9–12 months (salt & algae buildup) |
| Lyall Bay | Every 12 months (salt + dust) |
| Berhampore | Every 12–18 months (mould + mildew) |
| Owhiro Bay | Every 12 months (storm splashback) |
| Vogeltown | Every 12–18 months (bush moisture) |
Homes exposed to salt air or tucked under trees should be cleaned annually to preserve paintwork and prevent biological growth.
Add-On Services to Pair with House Washing
For full property maintenance, many homeowners bundle house washing with:
- Gutter Cleaning – Clear out leaves and debris from storm-heavy winters
- Roof Moss Treatment – Essential in damp, shaded areas
- Concrete and Path Cleaning – Remove slippery moss from driveways and walkways
- Deck & Fence Cleaning – Refresh timber after wet seasons
👉 Related blog: Gutter Cleaning Checklist for Wellington Homes
👉 Also check: Island Bay Driveway Cleaning – Before & After
FAQs About House Washing in Southern Wellington
Q: Do you clean multi-level or sloped properties?
Yes. We’re fully equipped for multi-storey homes, steep sections, and tight Wellington sites.
Q: Will the cleaning affect my plants?
No — we rinse nearby vegetation and only use biodegradable detergents. Our method is pet- and plant-safe.
Q: Can I add roof, gutter, or driveway cleaning?
Absolutely. We offer bundled discounts and can usually do multiple services on the same day.
Book Your Southern Wellington House Wash Today
Don’t wait for grime, salt, or mould to damage your paint and lower your home’s value. Our expert team is ready to restore your home’s beauty safely and affordably.
📍 Based in Wellington
📞 Call 0800 997 997 — 24/7 support
📅 Book your free quote via our House Washing Wellington Page