Start with gutters and downspouts
Leaves, palm fibers and wind-blown debris collect in gutters all summer and fall. When the first heavy rain arrives, a packed gutter overflows down the wall instead of draining away, leaving dirt streaks on stucco and puddles along walkways. Clear the gutters and flush each downspout so water exits where it should.
Clear roof valleys and flat spots
Debris that sits in roof valleys and on flat sections holds moisture against the roof after every rain. That damp layer is where organic growth starts. Clearing it in the fall is quick; dealing with dark streaks later is a bigger job.
Treat driveway oil and drip stains
Rain does not wash oil stains away. It spreads the sheen across the concrete and carries it toward the street and storm drain. Degreasing and cleaning drip spots before the rainy season keeps the stain contained and keeps that runoff off the street.
Rinse off Santa Ana dust and ash
Fall wind events leave a fine film on patios, outdoor furniture, windowsills and solar panels. Ash in particular is worth removing promptly: once it sits through a rain, it becomes harder to clean and can mark light surfaces.
Clean shaded walkways and steps
Paths under trees and along north-facing walls stay damp for days after winter rain. Algae and leaf stain on those surfaces turn slippery fast, especially on steps. Cleaning them now restores the grip before the wet months begin.
Do it on dry days, in the right order
Pressure washing works best when surfaces can dry afterward. Work top to bottom: gutters and roof first, then walls, then hardscape. That way, debris knocked loose from above does not land on concrete you have just cleaned.
Key points
Start with gutters and downspouts
Leaves, palm fibers and wind-blown debris collect in gutters all summer and fall. When the first heavy rain arrives, a packed gutter overflows down the wall instead of draining away, leaving dirt streaks on stucco and puddles along walkways. Clear the gutters and flush each downspout so water exits where it should.
Treat driveway oil and drip stains
Rain does not wash oil stains away. It spreads the sheen across the concrete and carries it toward the street and storm drain. Degreasing and cleaning drip spots before the rainy season keeps the stain contained and keeps that runoff off the street.