Question 1

Why has my driveway gone green and slippery this winter?

Accepted Answer

Moss, mould, lichen and algae all thrive in a damp Melbourne winter, and they colonise the surfaces that stay wet longest: south-facing driveways, paths under canopy, steps in permanent shade, and anywhere a blocked downpipe or a poor fall leaves water standing. The green film is what makes the surface slippery, and it is at its worst right now rather than in summer. Moss is the one worth acting on quickly, because it works into the surface and lifts it over time rather than just sitting on top.

Question 2

Can you pressure clean during winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on dry days, and winter is when the moss and algae problem is actually there to be solved. The trade-offs are honest ones: surfaces take longer to dry at this time of year, and frost affects scheduling. Cleaning is fine in a dry winter window. Sealing is different, because the surface has to be completely dry for 24 to 48 hours before sealer goes on, so we either wait for a settled dry run or book the sealing for spring.

Question 3

Will pressure cleaning get rid of the moss permanently?

Accepted Answer

No, and anyone who says otherwise is selling something. Cleaning removes the growth that is there. Whether it comes back, and how fast, depends on how much sun and airflow the surface gets and whether water drains off it. A north-facing open driveway may hold for a couple of years. A path under closed eucalypt canopy on a south-facing slope can green up again within a season. A post-clean treatment slows regrowth, and fixing the drainage or the blocked downpipe that is keeping the surface wet does more than either.

Question 4

Do hills properties need cleaning more often than corridor properties?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes, and rainfall is the main reason. Mount Dandenong averages about 1,166mm a year against Pakenham's 865mm, roughly 35 per cent more, and the gap is widest from April to October. Add heavy canopy shade, tannin-rich leaf drop from mountain ash and messmate, and the moisture-holding soils of the Ranges, and the same surface greens up considerably faster in Belgrave, Sassafras or Monbulk than it does in a Pakenham or Officer estate.

Question 5

Can you clean exposed aggregate driveways?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is the finish we see most on newer corridor estates around Pakenham, Officer, Berwick and Beaconsfield, where it is the default premium driveway. The open texture is the catch: organic matter lodges in the voids between the stones and sustains moss and algae growth between cleans, so exposed aggregate greens up faster than a plain broom finish. It is cleaned at a controlled pressure with a wide fan so the surface paste is not stripped from around the stones, and it takes sealer well afterwards.

Question 6

What's the difference between cleaning and sealing?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning removes dirt, mold, algae, oil stains, and other contaminants to restore your surface to its original condition. Sealing applies a protective coating that prevents future staining, makes surfaces easier to clean, reduces water absorption, and can enhance the color of pavers and decorative concrete. We recommend cleaning first, then sealing for optimal long-term protection and appearance.

Question 7

How long does surface sealing last?

Accepted Answer

Quality sealing typically lasts 2-5 years depending on several factors: surface type, traffic levels, weather exposure, and maintenance. Driveways with heavy vehicle traffic may need resealing sooner (2-3 years), while patios and low-traffic areas can last 4-5 years or more. We use premium sealers and can recommend optimal resealing schedules.

Question 8

Is pressure cleaning safe for all surfaces?

Accepted Answer

We adjust pressure levels and technique based on surface type. Our experienced team knows the correct approach for concrete, pavers, natural stone, timber decks, and other materials. Soft washing is used for delicate surfaces, while high-pressure is suitable for robust concrete. We test on a small area first to ensure safety.

Question 9

Can you remove oil stains from driveways?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have specialised treatments and degreasers for oil stains. Results vary depending on the age, depth, and type of stain. Fresh stains respond better than old, set-in stains, but we achieve excellent results in most cases. Severe staining may benefit from multiple treatments or sealing to hide residual marks.

Question 10

Do you use environmentally friendly products?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we prioritise eco-friendly cleaning solutions and sealers that are safe for your family, pets, gardens, and the environment while still delivering excellent results. Our products are biodegradable and we follow best practices for water conservation and runoff management.

Question 11

Should I seal my driveway or patio?

Accepted Answer

Sealing is highly recommended for most surfaces as it: prevents oil/stain penetration, makes cleaning easier, protects against weather damage, reduces weed growth in paver joints, and can enhance color. It's particularly beneficial for new surfaces, decorative pavers, or high-use areas. We can assess your surface and recommend the best approach.

Question 12

How long does cleaning and sealing take?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning typically takes 2-4 hours for an average driveway, depending on size and condition. The surface must then fully dry (24-48 hours in good weather) before sealing can be applied. Sealing takes 2-3 hours, and you should avoid traffic for 24 hours after application. Total project time is usually 2-4 days allowing for drying.

Question 13

Can you clean timber decks safely?

Accepted Answer

Yes, timber decks require special care. We use lower pressure settings and specialised techniques to avoid damaging the wood while still achieving excellent cleaning results. We can also recommend appropriate deck oils or sealers to protect your timber after cleaning.

Question 14

How much does driveway cleaning cost in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

We price pressure cleaning per job rather than to a published rate, because the assessable factors change the work substantially from one surface to the next: the area to be cleaned, the surface type, since exposed aggregate, plain concrete, pavers and timber decking each take a different pressure and a different amount of care, how heavily the surface has been contaminated with moss, mould, lichen or algae, whether sealing is included afterwards, and the drying conditions the surface needs before a sealer can go down. Paver driveways also need sand replaced in the joints once the clean is finished, which adds to the work. We assess the surface on site at no cost and issue an itemised written estimate covering each of those factors, so you can see exactly what the work involves before anything is booked.

Question 15

How often should I pressure clean my driveway?

Accepted Answer

For most Melbourne driveways, we recommend professional pressure cleaning every one to two years to keep surfaces looking their best and prevent long-term damage from built-up grime. If your driveway is in a shaded area that's prone to algae or moss growth, an annual clean is advisable. It's also worth booking a clean after particularly heavy storm seasons, as debris and moisture can accelerate surface deterioration.

Question 16

Can pressure cleaning damage pavers or concrete?

Accepted Answer

Incorrect pressure cleaning technique can absolutely cause damage, including etching concrete, dislodging paver jointing sand, or stripping surface coatings. That's why our team uses carefully calibrated pressure settings tailored to each surface type, along with wide fan nozzles rather than concentrated point jets. We always test on a small, inconspicuous area first to confirm the right approach before proceeding with the full clean.

Question 17

Do you clean roofs and gutters as well?

Accepted Answer

Gutter cleaning is one of our own services and is commonly booked alongside a hard surface clean, since a blocked gutter is often what puts the water back across the paving. Roof cleaning is not something we currently offer, as roof work requires different equipment and safety protocols. For everything at ground level, including driveways, patios, pathways, timber decks, fences, and building exteriors, we have the equipment and experience to deliver a consistent result across residential and commercial properties.

Pressure Cleaning Melbourne: Moss, Mould and Algae Removal

At a glance

Our Hard Surface Services Options

Moss, Mould, Lichen and Algae Removal

Hard Surface Cleaning

Hard Surface Sealing

What's Included

Why Choose Terra Maintenance

Our Process

Surface Assessment

Preparation

Professional Cleaning

Sealing (Optional)

How Pricing Works

Driveway Clean

Clean & Seal

Large Areas

Seasonal Considerations

Safety & Compliance

Insurance Coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has my driveway gone green and slippery this winter?

Can you pressure clean during winter?

Will pressure cleaning get rid of the moss permanently?

Do hills properties need cleaning more often than corridor properties?

Can you clean exposed aggregate driveways?

What's the difference between cleaning and sealing?

How long does surface sealing last?

Is pressure cleaning safe for all surfaces?

Can you remove oil stains from driveways?

Do you use environmentally friendly products?

Should I seal my driveway or patio?

How long does cleaning and sealing take?

Can you clean timber decks safely?

How much does driveway cleaning cost in Melbourne?

How often should I pressure clean my driveway?

Can pressure cleaning damage pavers or concrete?

Do you clean roofs and gutters as well?

Related Services

Overgrowth Management

Weed Management

Gutter Cleaning

Hard Surface Services Service Areas

Dandenong Ranges

West Gippsland

Knox

Cardinia

Casey

Greater Dandenong

City of Monash

City of Casey

Maroondah

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Fix what is keeping the surface wet, not just what is growing on it

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