Most Charleston homeowners we talk to know they should be cleaning the exterior of their home a couple times a year — but they don't know exactly when. Here's the month-by-month playbook we've built from 9+ years of cleaning Lowcountry homes. Follow this calendar and your house, roof, gutters, and windows will all be in peak condition year-round, with minimal cost and zero last-minute scrambles.
January-February: Plan & Prep
Charleston winters are mild but wet. This is the off-season for exterior cleaning, but it's the right time to:
Walk your property and note any visible algae, mildew, or staining that's gotten worse over winter.
Schedule your spring cleaning. Pros book up fast in March — get on the calendar early.
Check for missing or damaged shingles after winter storms before they cause leaks.
March-April: The Big Spring Cleaning
This is the most important window of the year for Charleston exterior cleaning. Spartina pollen peaks in late March and coats every horizontal surface within 48 hours. Algae that grew over winter starts rebounding fast as temperatures climb. Schedule your full exterior cleaning in late March or early April — before pollen season ends but after the last winter cold snap.
What to include in the spring cleaning:
Roof soft wash (top priority — algae has had all winter to grow)
Gutter cleanout + downspout flush
Whole-house soft wash (siding, trim, soffits, fascia)
Driveway, walkway, patio pressure wash
Window cleaning (interior + exterior)
May: Pre-Hurricane Season Prep
Hurricane season starts June 1. May is the time to:
Re-check gutters — they should still be clear from spring cleaning.
Trim any tree branches that hang over the roof or could fall on the home in high winds.
Inspect outdoor furniture, grills, and pool equipment storage plans.
June-September: Hurricane Season Maintenance
During the active hurricane season, focus on quick, reactive cleanings:
After every tropical storm or hurricane warning that brings rain — even if it doesn't make landfall — schedule a quick gutter check and salt rinse for oceanfront properties.
Mid-summer (July) is a good time for a touch-up driveway and walkway cleaning if heavy use has caused noticeable buildup.
Window cleaning around July 4 and Labor Day is a popular request — cleaner glass for outdoor entertaining.
October-November: The Fall Cleaning
Charleston's second peak cleaning window. By October, hurricane season is winding down, leaves are starting to drop, and homeowners want their property looking pristine for the holidays. Schedule:
Full gutter cleanout — leaves drop heavy in October-November in the Lowcountry.
Touch-up house wash if there's visible mildew rebound from summer humidity.
Window cleaning for holiday entertaining.
Driveway and front porch wash — first impressions matter when guests arrive.
December: Holiday Touch-Ups
December cleaning requests are usually targeted: a porch wash before a holiday party, a window touch-up before family arrives, or a quick driveway cleaning before holiday photos. Most pros (us included) offer reduced-scope visits in December for these specific needs.
Special Schedules by Property Type
Some Charleston properties need a different cadence than this standard calendar:
Oceanfront Homes (Kiawah, Seabrook, Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms)
Add a dedicated salt rinse in mid-summer (July) and again post-hurricane season (November). The constant salt aerosol exposure means twice-yearly is the minimum — quarterly is better for high-end estates.
Properties Under Heavy Tree Canopy
Live oak tannin drip is brutal in March-April and again October-November when the trees stress. Properties under heavy canopy benefit from a quick spot-clean of stained surfaces 3-4 times a year, not just twice.
Vacation Rentals & Second Homes
Vacation rental properties on Folly, Isle of Palms, and Kiawah benefit from a cleaning schedule tied to peak season turnover — late May (pre-summer) and early September (post-summer). For owners who rent year-round, consider monthly touch-ups.
HOA-Managed Properties
If you're in an HOA-managed community (Cane Bay, Park West, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant subdivisions), check your HOA's cleaning schedule and compliance window. Many require annual cleanings between specific dates and will send compliance letters if you fall behind.
Quick Reference: The Charleston Annual Schedule
For a typical Charleston home, here's the minimum annual schedule:
Late March / Early April: Full spring cleaning (everything)
Late May: Pre-hurricane gutter check + branch trim
Mid-July: Mid-season touch-up (windows, driveway)
Late October: Fall cleaning (gutters, touch-up house wash, windows)
As-needed: Post-storm cleanup (24-hour response)
Total cost for the full annual schedule: typically $1,400-$2,400 depending on property size, surfaces, and inclusions. Most Charleston homeowners save 15-20% by booking the spring + fall cleanings as a package with the same crew.
Get Your Annual Schedule Locked In
We offer standing annual maintenance schedules for Charleston-area homeowners — book once, lock in the price, and we show up at the same window every year without you having to think about it. Call 843-480-8113 to set up your custom schedule based on your property type, location, and HOA requirements.
