Professional facade cleaning: bring your building back to life
The facade is the first thing people notice about a building. Over the years, weather, air pollution, moss, lichen and micro-organisms degrade the exterior appearance of your property. SOS Nettoyage operates throughout French-speaking Switzerland to restore shine and cleanliness to your facades, regardless of the material. Request your free, no-obligation quote for a comprehensive assessment.
Regular facade cleaning goes beyond aesthetics: it preserves the structural integrity of the building, prevents water infiltration and maintains the property value of your asset. In Switzerland, where the built heritage is carefully maintained, proper upkeep is a wise long-term investment.
Types of facades we treat
Each facade material has its own characteristics and requires a specific cleaning approach. Our teams are trained to work on all types of exterior cladding.
Render and plaster
Render is the most common facade finish in Switzerland. Its textured surface easily retains dirt, dust and micro-organisms. Cleaning must be carried out carefully to avoid damaging the finish coat. We use low to medium pressure cleaning combined with suitable biocide products that eliminate moss and algae in depth without harming the substrate.
Natural and reconstituted stone
Natural stone facades (limestone, sandstone, granite, molasse) are common in Swiss historic centres, notably in Fribourg, Neuchâtel and in the Lavaux region. These stones are porous and sensitive to acids. We favour mist cleaning (micro-mist water spraying) or hydro-blasting at low pressure with fine aggregates. For reconstituted stone, a gentle chemical clean may be considered.
Exposed concrete
Exposed or architectural concrete gets dirty quickly in urban environments. Black streaks (pollution), white efflorescence (mineral salts) and rust stains are the most common issues. Regulated high-pressure cleaning (up to 200 bar) combined with specific degreasing agents delivers excellent results. A water-repellent treatment after cleaning provides long-lasting surface protection.
Wood cladding
Exterior wood (larch, spruce, Douglas fir, chestnut) naturally turns grey under the effect of UV rays and moisture. Cleaning involves de-greying the wood with specific products, then applying a saturator or protective stain. We use low-pressure cleaning (maximum 80 bar) to avoid tearing the wood fibres.
Glass and aluminium curtain walls
Glazed facades and aluminium structures of modern buildings require regular cleaning to maintain their transparency and appearance. We use demineralised water and professional squeegees, sometimes from a cherry picker or using rope access techniques for great heights. This service complements our window cleaning service.
Brick
Exposed brick facades are resilient but accumulate moss and pollution in the joints. Cleaning is carried out using hydro-blasting or dry steam, avoiding high pressure which can damage mortar joints. Partial repointing may be recommended after cleaning.
Facade cleaning techniques
The choice of technique depends on the material, the condition of the facade, the type of soiling and the site constraints. SOS Nettoyage has all the necessary equipment and adapts its method to each situation.
High-pressure cleaning
The most common technique for resistant surfaces (concrete, hard stone, tiles). The pressure is regulated between 80 and 500 bar depending on the substrate. Poorly controlled high-pressure cleaning can irreparably damage a facade, which is why it is essential to call on qualified professionals who adjust the pressure and spray distance accordingly.
Chemical cleaning
Application of biocide, fungicide or degreasing products suited to the type of soiling. Products are sprayed onto the facade, left to act for the required time, then rinsed at low pressure. This method is particularly effective against green algae, moss and lichen that become embedded in porous substrates.
Hydro-blasting and air-blasting
Low-pressure projection of fine aggregates (sodium bicarbonate, glass powder, fruit stone powder) mixed with water. This gentle technique allows cleaning of fragile surfaces such as natural stone, brick or wood without damaging them. It is the preferred method for listed buildings and historic facades.
Mist cleaning
Mist cleaning involves projecting a fine water mist onto the facade over several hours. The water seeps into the pores of the stone and gradually loosens soiling through capillary action. It is the gentlest technique, used for historic monuments and the most fragile stones (molasse, tufa, soft limestone).
Dry steam cleaning
Dry steam (150-180°C) removes stubborn soiling without chemicals and with very little water. It is effective against grease, soot and organic deposits. This method is environmentally friendly and generates virtually no polluted runoff water.
Sandblasting
Sandblasting is reserved for very resistant and heavily soiled surfaces. High-pressure sand projection is abrasive and is not suitable for soft materials. In Switzerland, facade sandblasting often requires a municipal permit and environmental protection measures (residue collection, sheeting).
Swiss regulations for facade cleaning
Municipal permits
Depending on the canton and municipality, a simplified building permit or works declaration may be required, particularly for:
- Buildings located in a protected or listed zone
- The use of scaffolding encroaching on public roads
- Works generating noise or projections (sandblasting)
In Genève, any facade renovation requires authorisation from the Département du territoire. In the canton de Vaud, a simplified application is sufficient in most cases.
Water protection
The Federal Act on Water Protection (LEaux) prohibits the discharge of polluted water into the stormwater network. During chemical facade cleaning, rinse water must be collected and treated or directed to the wastewater network. Our teams strictly comply with these standards by installing collection sheets and using biodegradable products whenever possible.
Listed buildings and heritage
For buildings listed in the historic monuments inventory, cleaning work must be approved by the cantonal monuments and sites department. Only certain gentle techniques (mist cleaning, fine hydro-blasting) are generally permitted.
Equipment used
Cherry picker
For facades 3 to 30 metres high, we use articulated or telescopic cherry pickers. A cherry picker requires sufficient ground space and sometimes a public space occupation permit.
Scaffolding
For large surface areas or extended work, fixed scaffolding provides the best working platform. Scaffolding costs often represent 30 to 50% of the total cost.
Rope access
For one-off work at height or buildings where cherry pickers cannot access, our certified rope technicians work on abseil. A quick and cost-effective solution for limited surface areas.
Telescopic pole
For facades up to 12-15 metres, the telescopic pole fitted with a rotating brush and fed with demineralised water is an effective solution with no need for a cherry picker.
Facade cleaning prices in Switzerland
| Facade type | Price per m² (CHF) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Render / plaster | 15 – 30 | Anti-moss treatment included |
| Natural stone | 20 – 40 | Hydro-blasting or mist cleaning |
| Exposed concrete | 12 – 25 | High pressure + water repellent |
| Wood cladding | 15 – 30 | De-greying + saturator |
| Glass / aluminium | 10 – 20 | Standard cleaning |
| Brick | 15 – 28 | Hydro-blasting + repointing |
Additional costs
| Service | Indicative price (CHF) |
|---|---|
| Cherry picker hire | 300 – 800 / day |
| Scaffolding | 15 – 30 / m² of facade |
| Water-repellent treatment | + 5 – 12 / m² |
| Long-lasting anti-moss | + 3 – 8 / m² |
Factors affecting the price
- Total surface area: the larger the surface, the lower the price per m²
- Building height: upper floors cost more (access)
- Facade condition: a heavily soiled facade requires more time
- Material: fragile stones require more expensive techniques
- Accessibility: obstacles, vegetation or lack of cherry picker access
- Additional treatments: water repellent, anti-moss, painting
For an accurate price, request your free quote.
Our service areas
- Canton de Genève
- Canton de Vaud
- Canton du Valais
- Canton de Fribourg
- Canton de Neuchâtel
- Canton du Jura
Impact on property value
A clean, well-maintained facade:
- Increases the attractiveness of the property for tenants
- Enhances the asset value by 5 to 10%
- Reduces major renovation costs
- Improves the image for commercial premises
Frequently asked questions
How much does facade cleaning cost in Switzerland?
The price ranges from 12 to 40 CHF/m² depending on the material. For a house with 150 m² of facade, expect 2,000 to 5,000 CHF all-inclusive.
What is the best season?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are ideal. Avoid temperatures below 5°C and extreme heat.
Is a permit required?
For a simple clean without modifications, no. For scaffolding on public roads or listed buildings, permits may be required.
Does high-pressure cleaning damage the facade?
If used incorrectly, yes. Our professionals adjust the pressure (30 to 250 bar) to suit the material for safe and effective cleaning.
How can I prevent moss from coming back?
We apply a long-lasting anti-moss treatment (3 to 5 years) and a water repellent that limits the regrowth of micro-organisms.
Do you clean facades at height?
Yes, up to 30 metres and more thanks to our cherry pickers, scaffolding and certified rope access technicians.
Is the cleaning environmentally friendly?
We favour biodegradable products and systematically collect runoff water in accordance with Swiss legislation.
What frequency do you recommend?
Depending on exposure: 5 to 8 years in urban areas, 8 to 12 years in rural areas, 3 to 5 years by roadsides.