Spring Cleaning Guide for Historic Savannah Homes

Savannah is home to one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States, spanning 2.5 square miles and containing over 1,100 historically significant buildings. From the stately row houses on Jones Street to the grand antebellum mansions surrounding Forsyth Park, these properties represent centuries of architectural heritage — and they require careful, informed maintenance.

Spring is the ideal time to give your historic home its annual exterior cleaning. Here's how to do it right.

Understanding Your Surfaces

Historic Savannah homes feature a variety of exterior materials, each with its own cleaning requirements:

• Savannah Grey Brick: This iconic locally-made brick is softer and more porous than modern brick. Never use high-pressure washing — always use soft washing at under 500 PSI with appropriate cleaning solutions.
• Stucco: Common on homes from the Federal and Greek Revival periods. Stucco can crack and chip under high pressure. Soft washing is the only safe approach.
• Painted Wood Siding: Many Victorian-era homes feature painted clapboard siding. High pressure can strip paint, gouge wood grain, and force water behind the siding. Use low pressure and let the cleaning solution do the work.
• Tabby: This unique coastal building material made from oyster shells, lime, sand, and water is found on some of the oldest structures. It's extremely fragile and should only be cleaned by hand or with very gentle rinsing.
• Iron Fences and Gates: Savannah's ornamental ironwork is a signature feature. Pressure washing can strip protective coatings. Use a gentle wash and inspect for rust spots that need treatment.

The Spring Cleaning Checklist

For a thorough spring cleaning of your Savannah home exterior, address these areas:

1. Siding and facades — Soft wash to remove winter's accumulated mold, mildew, and pollen
2. Porches and piazzas — Clean floors, railings, and ceilings where moisture collects
3. Sidewalks and front steps — Pressure wash concrete and stone; be gentle with historic pavers
4. Driveways and parking areas — Remove oil stains, tire marks, and biological growth
5. Windows — Interior and exterior cleaning after pollen season peaks in March
6. Gutters and downspouts — Clear winter debris before spring rains begin in earnest
7. Fences and gates — Clean iron and wood fencing; inspect for needed repairs

Timing Your Spring Clean

In Savannah, late February through early April is the sweet spot for spring exterior cleaning. You want to clean after the last cold snap (which can happen into early March) but before peak pollen season hits in mid-March to April. Live oaks, pine trees, and various flowering plants dump significant pollen across the Coastal Empire, so if you clean too early, you may need to address pollen buildup afterward.

For the most complete results, schedule your exterior wash for late March, then follow up with a window cleaning in late April once the worst pollen has passed.

Working with Historic District Regulations

If your home is within the Savannah Historic District, you should be aware that the Historic District Board of Review (HDBR) oversees changes to exterior appearances. While routine cleaning doesn't require approval, any repairs or alterations uncovered during cleaning — like replacing damaged siding, repointing brick, or repainting — may need review. Always use cleaning methods that preserve the original character of your home.

Hire a Professional Who Understands Historic Homes

Not every pressure washing company has experience with historic materials. Before hiring, ask whether they offer soft washing, what PSI they'll use on your specific surfaces, and whether they have experience cleaning older buildings. The wrong approach can cause thousands of dollars in damage that's difficult or impossible to reverse.