Professional Facade Cleaning: Costs & Process

October 4, 2026

5 minutes

Green algae, exhaust fumes, and weathering take a heavy toll on house facades over the years. Professional facade cleaning effectively removes dirt and protects against new damage with a sealant. As of 2026, cleaning is up to 70% cheaper than repainting – provided the strict Swiss water protection regulations are adhered to. Whether in Zurich, Bern, or Basel, a local specialist ensures safe execution that preserves the value of your property.

The most important facts at a glance

Here you will find the key information about professional facade cleaning in Switzerland.

Costs: A professional cleaning in Switzerland costs on average 10 to 14 CHF per square metre. Including sealing, the costs rise up to 28 CHF.
Cost savings: Compared to completely repainting the facade, homeowners save up to 70% of the costs by cleaning it.
Duration: The cleaning of a typical detached house is usually completed within a single working day.
Scaffold-free technique: With modern telescopic lances, specialist companies can often work up to a height of 10 metres without expensive scaffolding.
Environmental protection: The Swiss Water Protection Act is strict: wastewater containing chemicals must be collected and disposed of professionally.

These guidelines will help you with the initial budget planning for your property.

Important technical terms explained simply

Biocides

Active substances for combating algae and fungi. They must not be allowed to enter the soil uncontrolled.

Telescopic lance

Extendable, water-carrying tube. Specialist companies use it to clean from the ground at heights of up to 10 metres.

Sealing (impregnation)

A transparent protective film. It is applied after cleaning to delay new algae growth for years.

Drainage

Collection system on the ground. It prevents contaminated cleaning water from seeping into the groundwater.

You will frequently encounter these terms in quotes from painters and cleaning companies.

Facade cleaning: Do-it-yourself or specialist company?

DIY cleaning

Ideal for

Light dirt on the ground floor and robust materials such as clinker brick.

Costs and time required

Only material costs apply (renting a high-pressure cleaner, water). However, the time required is high and often takes several days.

Risks

Damage to the facade due to incorrect pressure. Illegal environmental pollution threatens from seeping dirty water.

Suitable for

Experienced DIY enthusiasts who can collect the wastewater in compliance with the law.

Professional trades business

Ideal for

Stubborn algae growth, great heights from the first floor upwards, and sensitive plaster facades.

Costs and time required

The costs are between 10 and 28 CHF per square metre. The work is usually completed within a day.

Risks

Higher initial costs compared to the DIY method.

Suitable for

Almost all homeowners. This ensures that legal water protection requirements are safely met and damage is avoided.

Process of a professional facade cleaning

This is how specialist companies proceed when cleaning your property.

Create a test area and prepare a quote

A reputable provider will clean a small section of the facade in advance. This allows them to adjust the cleaning agent and calculate the exact effort required.

Protect the surroundings and lay drainage

Windows, doors, and plants are carefully masked off. A collection tray or drainage is installed to collect the dirty water in compliance with the law.

Apply cleaning agent

An agent tailored to the type of dirt is sprayed on. For heights up to 10 metres, a telescopic lance is often used.

Wash the facade gently

The loosened dirt is washed off with hot water and regulated high pressure. This is done gently without damaging the plaster.

Apply sealant

Finally, a long-term protection is often sprayed on. This impregnation protects the facade from new growth for years.

Dispose of wastewater professionally

The collected dirty water is discharged into the sewage system or specially disposed of in accordance with Swiss water protection regulations.

Important: Strict safety and environmental regulations apply when working at heights or with biocides. If in doubt, always consult a specialist company.

Frequently asked questions about facade cleaning

Here we answer the most important questions about edge cases, costs, and the optimal timing.

Can facade cleaning also be carried out in winter?

Cleaning during frost is not recommended. The water can freeze in the pores and damage the plaster. The ideal temperature window for cleaning is between 8 and 25 degrees Celsius.

What happens if it rains on the day of cleaning?

Generally, facade cleaning should not take place in the rain. Rainwater dilutes the applied cleaning agents. In addition, it washes the agents off too early before they can work properly.

How often should a house facade be cleaned?

Experts recommend a professional cleaning every 5 to 10 years for most detached houses. In heavily polluted locations, such as near forests or busy roads, a shorter cycle makes sense.

Is every facade suitable for high-pressure cleaning?

No. Clinker brick is often very robust. However, sensitive plaster facades can be damaged by too much pressure. Specialist companies always adapt the water pressure and cleaning agents individually to the material.

What factors influence the costs of facade cleaning?

The price of 10 to 28 CHF per square metre varies depending on the degree of dirt and the height of the building. The type of sealant and the effort required for legally compliant wastewater disposal also influence the final costs.

Do you have further questions? A local painter or plasterer will be happy to advise you on-site without obligation.