Wellington’s southern coastline delivers stunning views — but it also delivers some of the harshest weather conditions in the country. If you live in Island Bay, Lyall Bay, Berhampore, Owhiro Bay, or Southgate, you know how quickly salt, mould, and windblown grime can build up on your home.
With strong southerlies, frequent rain, and shady conditions from surrounding hills and vegetation, homes in these suburbs are prime candidates for annual soft house washing. At Metro Water Blasting, we clean hundreds of southern Wellington homes each year using safe, effective soft wash techniques that restore your home’s exterior — without damaging delicate cladding.
👉 Service page: House Wash Wellington
What Makes Southern Wellington Homes So Vulnerable?
Southern suburbs sit on the front line of Wellington’s weather patterns. This means:
- Salt spray from Cook Strait, especially near Lyall Bay, Breaker Bay, and Owhiro Bay
- Persistent moisture, leading to mould and mildew buildup on shaded walls
- Wind-driven grime, especially around baseboards and window trims
- Fungal growth (like moss and lichen) from bush cover and lack of sun
These conditions make regular house washing essential — not just for looks, but to protect your paint, timber, and building envelope from long-term damage.
Suburb-by-Suburb: What We See Most
✅ Island Bay
Salt haze, green algae, and windblown sand stick to cladding, especially on homes near The Parade. Villas and weatherboard homes often need soft washing every 9–12 months.
✅ Lyall Bay
Homes around Queens Drive and Tirangi Road get pounded by sea spray and UV rays. Painted homes lose colour fast and develop black mildew streaks under eaves.
✅ Berhampore
Tree-lined streets and older housing stock mean spiderwebs, mildew, and grime buildup. Ideal area for soft washing to maintain timber longevity.
✅ Owhiro Bay
High wind exposure + damp shaded hillsides = perfect growth conditions for moss and mould. Homes here also suffer heavy splashback at the base level.
✅ Southgate
Elevated and exposed. We often clean two- and three-level homes here, focusing on tricky access areas and salt-worn surfaces.
Our House Washing Service Covers:
- All cladding types: weatherboard, plaster, fibre cement, brick, and concrete
- Soft wash of eaves, fascia, gutters (external), downpipes, and trims
- Wash of exterior windowsills and doors
- Treatment of mould, mildew, algae, and salt residue
- Optional: clean of baseboards, where storm runoff causes staining
Our soft wash process is low-pressure, biodegradable, and safe for painted or delicate homes — ideal for the coastal climate of southern Wellington.
👉 Learn more: House Washing Wellington
Real Results in the South
In Owhiro Bay, we helped a customer clean their mould-covered south wall — a problem spot every winter. After a soft wash and mould treatment, the wall stayed clean for over 12 months.
A home in Lyall Bay, less than 200 metres from the beach, had salt film across all street-facing windows and frames. Our house wash restored full brightness to the paint and cleared out every last streak.
👉 Related blog: Autumn Roof Cleaning Tips for Wellington Homes
👉 You may also like: Island Bay Driveway Cleaning – Before & After
Why We Use Soft Wash, Not High Pressure
Pressure washing can:
- Strip paint and gouge timber
- Force water into cracks and cavities
- Accelerate damage to old weatherboards
Our soft wash method:
- Gently applies a biodegradable detergent
- Breaks down mould, mildew, and grime
- Uses a low-pressure rinse to remove contaminants
- Protects paint, plants, pets, and the structure of your home
How Often Should You Wash in the Southern Suburbs?
| Suburb | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Island Bay | Every 9–12 months (coastal + bush) |
| Lyall Bay | Every 12 months (salt exposure) |
| Berhampore | Every 12–18 months (mildew + trees) |
| Owhiro Bay | Every 9–12 months (mould-prone) |
| Southgate | Every 12 months (wind + UV exposure) |
Add-On Services We Recommend
Our southern Wellington clients often bundle services like:
- Gutter Cleaning – Prevent water overflow and grime trails
- Roof Moss Treatment – Great for shaded homes in Island Bay and Berhampore
- Deck Cleaning – Perfect for slippery rear decks or bush-facing balconies
- Driveway & Concrete Cleaning – For homes with mossy pavers or salt-damaged concrete
👉 Also read: Spring Maintenance Guide for Wellington Homes
👉 Gutter Cleaning Checklist for Wellington Homes
FAQs
Q: Is soft washing safe on older homes?
Yes — especially designed for heritage homes with weatherboards or original plaster. It cleans without damaging paint or cladding.
Q: How long does it last?
Most homes stay clean for 12 months or more, depending on exposure and vegetation. Our mould treatment prolongs the effect.
Q: Do I need to be home during the clean?
No — as long as we have access to water and the property exterior, we can complete your job without anyone home.
Book Your Southern Suburb House Wash Today
If you live in Island Bay, Lyall Bay, Berhampore, Owhiro Bay, or Southgate, your home is battling salt, rain, and grime every day. Let us help you restore its look — and protect its long-term value.
📍 Based in Wellington
📞 Call 0800 997 997 – Open 24/7
📅 Get a fast quote: House Washing Wellington