Is Your Exterior Cleaner Working to Standard?

Most property owners assume that if a building looks clean, the job has been done properly.

But when it comes to exterior cleaning, what you cannot see can matter just as much as what you can.

The Hidden Issue

Across New Zealand, some exterior cleaning is carried out without the right controls in place. That can allow dirty water, detergents, cleaning chemicals, concrete residue, and even heavy metals to flow straight into stormwater drains.

The problem is that many property owners have no idea this is happening.

Why This Matters

In New Zealand, stormwater is generally not treated.

That means anything washed off your roof, driveway, or building exterior can flow directly into streams, rivers, and the ocean.

This can harm the environment and may also create risks for property owners if the work is not managed properly. Poor runoff control can expose you to complaints, cleanup issues, and questions about whether the contractor was operating responsibly on your site.

Better Industry Standards

To help reduce these risks, the Exterior Cleaning Industry Association (ECIA) has introduced standards and guidelines for professional cleaning operators.

These include:

• A Code of Practice.
• Water and discharge management guidance.
• Accredited member certification.

These standards are designed to support safe, effective, and environmentally responsible cleaning.

For property owners, that matters because exterior cleaning should not just improve presentation. It should also protect building materials, extend the life of surfaces, and avoid unnecessary environmental harm.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

If you are looking for an exterior cleaner, ask:

• Do you follow the ECIA Code of Practice?
• How do you manage wastewater and runoff?
• Are you accredited or formally trained?

If a contractor cannot answer these questions clearly, that may be a warning sign. A professional operator should be able to explain how water is captured, contained, filtered, diverted, or disposed of in line with site requirements.

Exterior Cleaning Is About More Than Appearance

Exterior cleaning is not just about presentation.

It is also about protecting your property from damage caused by organic growth and weather, while also protecting the environment.

A clean, well-maintained building should never come at the cost of polluted waterways.

If you want to make sure your property is cleaned safely and properly, choose a professional who follows recognised industry standards. If you would like to discuss compliant exterior cleaning for your property, contact Edwards & Hardy.