Spring in Portland is something special—finally, the sun peeks through, cherry blossoms line the streets, and it feels like a fresh start. That means it’s time for spring cleaning, and if you’re already thinking about giving your home’s exterior a refresh, why not go all in?
At Bella Vista Painting, we believe that exterior painting isn’t just about color—it’s about protecting your home. That’s why we go beyond the brush, offering essential add-ons like exterior window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and pressure washing—but only as part of an exterior paint job. Because a truly refreshed home isn’t just about paint—it’s about a complete transformation.
Every year, homeowners in Oregon search for the best ways to clean up after winter, and most of the time, the same questions come up. Here’s what’s actually worth your time—and what’s just noise.
1. “How do I get rid of moss and grime on my driveway and siding?”
Moss and algae thrive in Portland’s damp climate, and by spring, they’ve taken over driveways, patios, and even siding. The longer they sit, the harder they are to remove—and they can actually break down your concrete, paint, and wood over time.
What Works (And What Doesn’t):
❌ Bleach & DIY Moss Killers: Most DIY solutions only kill the moss temporarily and can damage nearby plants or stain surfaces.
❌ Scrubbing with a Wire Brush: Exhausting and often ineffective—especially for large areas.
Pressure Washing is the most effective way to remove moss, dirt, and buildup from sidewalks, driveways, and siding—without damaging the surface. Look for eco-friendly cleaning solutions if you’re worried about runoff affecting plants and waterways.
Bonus Tip: If you’re planning an exterior paint job, pressure washing beforehand ensures the paint adheres properly and lasts longer.
2. “Why do my windows still look dirty after I clean them?”
Spring sunlight has a way of making every streak, water spot, and bit of grime stand out. Many Portland homeowners spend hours cleaning their exterior windows, only to find they still look dirty.
What Works (And What Doesn’t):
❌ Paper Towels & Windex: This just moves dirt around and leaves streaks behind.
❌ Hose Spraying: It doesn’t remove hard water stains or winter buildup.
The Right Technique Matters: Use a squeegee and a vinegar-water solution for streak-free windows. But if you’re dealing with multiple-story windows or years of buildup, professional exterior window cleaning is worth it.
Bonus Tip: If you’re repainting your home’s exterior, clean windows after painting to remove any fine dust or overspray.
3. “How do I keep my gutters from overflowing every spring?”
Portland’s spring rains reveal every gutter problem left behind from fall and winter. Overflowing gutters don’t just cause water damage—they also stain siding and lead to foundation issues if left unchecked.
What Works (And What Doesn’t):
❌ DIY Gutter Guards: While they help reduce buildup, they don’t eliminate the need for regular cleaning.
❌ Waiting Until You See Overflow: By the time water spills over, you’ve already got a clog—and potential roof damage.
Spring & Fall Cleaning Are Key: Gutters need clearing at least twice a year in the PNW—once after fall leaves drop, and again after winter storms. Removing debris early in the season prevents mold, sagging, and overflow issues.
Bonus Tip: If you’re repainting your home’s exterior, consider cleaning gutters beforehand to prevent old dirt from dripping onto your fresh paint job.
How to Make Spring Cleaning Actually Worth It!
A lot of spring cleaning lists will tell you to do everything at once, but the reality is—not everything needs to be done at the same time. Prioritize what’s going to make the biggest difference long-term:
🟢 If your home’s exterior paint is fading or peeling? Prioritize pressure washing and repainting.
🟢 If your gutters are full of leaves? Clean them before the heavy spring rains hit.
🟢 If your windows are covered in winter grime? A proper squeegee wash makes all the difference.
Spring cleaning isn’t just about making your home look better right now—it’s about setting it up so you’re not dealing with bigger problems later. Take care of what actually matters, and you won’t have to think about it again until next year.
Why Stop at Just Paint?
Look, we’re not just in this for the business—we love this city. We live here, we work here, we raise our families here. And we know that Portland’s weather is no joke. Rain, moss, grime—it all takes a toll. If you’re already planning to paint the exterior of your home, why not get the whole package?
✅ Exterior Window Cleaning – Because what’s the point of a freshly painted house if you can’t see through the windows?
✅ Gutter Cleaning – Portland’s trees are beautiful, but your gutters don’t need to be full of them.
✅ Pressure Washing – No more mossy driveways, dirty patios, or grime-covered siding. A fresh slate for spring.
These aren’t standalone services, but they’re the perfect add-ons to an exterior paint job—because a little extra effort now saves bigger headaches later.
There’s something about a fresh coat of paint that makes a house feel brand new. Add clean windows and a moss-free driveway, and suddenly your home is standing out in the best way possible. Whether you’re refreshing your forever home or getting ready to sell, this is the move.
And if you’re feeling bold? Let’s talk color blocking.
Color Blocking: The 2025 Trend That’s Changing Home Exteriors
We’re seeing more homeowners ditch the single-color look in favor of bold, modern color blocking—using contrasting tones to highlight different sections of the house. Think:
🎨 Dark body, bright trim (like charcoal siding with crisp white windows).
🎨 Two-tone exteriors (top half one color, bottom another).
🎨 Bold front doors that pop (navy, forest green, or even deep red).
It’s a small detail that makes a huge impact—especially when paired with a freshly cleaned exterior.
We know hiring a painter isn’t just about picking a company—it’s about trusting someone with your home. That’s why we do things the right way:
✔️ Honest, upfront pricing (no weird hidden fees).
✔️ Meticulous prep work (because the details matter).
✔️ A team that treats your home like it’s our own.
We’re not just another painting company—we’re Portlanders who care about Portland homes. And when spring rolls around, we want to help you bring out the best in yours. If exterior painting is on your list this season, let’s talk about the full refresh—paint, windows, gutters, pressure washing, the works. Because your home deserves more than just a paint job—it deserves a glow-up.
📞 Call or text us at 360.200.0021 or visit our website to book a free estimate.This spring, let’s get your home looking its absolute best—PNW-style. 🌿✨
