Exterior Cleaning Services in Northbrook, IL & Chicago's North Shore

Window, gutter, siding, driveway and solar panel cleaning for homes and businesses in Northbrook and 40+ North Shore communities across Cook and Lake County, handled by our own local crew since 2003.

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Veco > Our Services

Local Team

Complete Home Exterior Cleaning from Our Northbrook Base

We are VECO, a Northbrook company that has been cleaning North Shore homes and businesses since 2003. Our crew works out of our office on Woodhead Drive in Northbrook, so most jobs are a short drive from the people who quote them.

Our exterior cleaning services cover every surface that weather reaches: glass and skylights, gutters and downspouts, vinyl and stucco siding, roofs, concrete and stone, and solar arrays.

We also install permanent exterior lighting and run recurring programs for commercial properties. The reason we offer all of this under one roof is local. North Shore homes sit under some of the densest mature tree canopy in the Chicago suburbs.
Oaks, maples and cottonwoods drop pollen in spring, fluff in early summer and leaves in fall, and all of it ends up in gutters, on screens and in the film on your glass.

Lake Michigan humidity then feeds algae on shaded siding, and winter road salt coats the lower half of everything near Green Bay Road, the Edens or Lake Cook Road. One season's buildup affects several surfaces at once, so we plan the cleaning the same way.

Below you will find each service in short, a guide to which one your problem needs, and a seasonal plan built around Northern Illinois weather.

Services

Our Exterior Cleaning Services on the North Shore

Window Cleaning

We hand-clean interior and exterior glass, then detail the frames, sills and screens so the result lasts past the first rain. Second- and third-story panes, skylights and floor-to-ceiling sliders are cleaned from the ground with purified water on a water-fed pole wherever the glass allows it. New construction gets a separate post-construction pass for stickers, paint and mortar.

- Streak-free glass, inside and out
- Screens washed, tracks and sills vacuumed
- Skylights and hard-to-reach glass
- Construction residue removal

Window cleaning in Northbrook & the North Shore →

Gutter Cleaning

We clear gutters by hand, bag the debris instead of blowing it onto your beds, and flush every downspout to confirm water leaves the house. North Shore gutters fill with maple seeds in spring and oak leaves in November, so most of our clients book both visits. Where a roofline keeps clogging, we install gutter guards and handle small repairs on the spot.

- Hand debris removal and bagging
- Downspout flush and flow test
- Gutter guard installation
- Minor gutter repairs

Gutter cleaning and gutter guards on the North Shore →

Power Washing

Power washing is for hard, durable surfaces that can take real pressure: concrete driveways, brick pavers, flagstone steps, pool decks and retaining walls. We match nozzle and pressure to the material so the joints and surface texture survive the cleaning. It removes tire marks, oil shadows, moss and the green film that makes shaded steps slippery.

- Driveways, sidewalks and patios
- Brick, pavers and flagstone
- Moss and algae on steps
- Oil and rust staining

Driveway and patio power washing →

Soft Washing

Soft washing cleans with a biodegradable solution and low-pressure rinse instead of force. It is the method we use on vinyl, aluminum and stucco siding, painted wood, cedar and asphalt shingle roofs, where high pressure would strip paint, force water behind panels or lift granules. The solution kills algae and mildew at the root, so green streaks take far longer to return.

- Vinyl, stucco and painted siding
- Roof streak (algae) removal
- Mildew on north-facing walls
- Wood fences and decks

Siding and roof soft washing →

Solar Panel Cleaning

Solar panels on the North Shore collect a yellow layer of oak and pine pollen each spring, plus bird droppings and fine road dust that summer rain rarely rinses off a low-pitch array. We clean panels with purified water and soft brushes, with no pressure washers and no harsh detergents that could void a manufacturer warranty. Clean glass means the cells get the light you paid for.

- Pollen and dust film removal
- Bird dropping spot cleaning
- Pure-water, brush-only method
- Ground and roof-mounted arrays

Solar panel cleaning for North Shore homes →

Exterior Lighting

We install permanent, app-controlled lighting along rooflines, soffits and architectural lines, so holiday displays and everyday accent lighting come from one system. Tracks sit tight to the trim and are nearly invisible by day. Because our crews already work on your roofline for gutters and windows, we plan placement around gutter access and existing fixtures, not against them.

- Permanent roofline lighting
- Holiday and seasonal color scenes
- Architectural accent lighting
- Placement planned around gutters

Permanent roofline and holiday lighting →

Commercial Window Cleaning

Clean glass is the first thing customers and tenants notice. We clean storefronts, office entrances, medical buildings and restaurant windows across the North Shore on weekly, monthly or seasonal routes.

Low and mid-rise glass is cleaned with purified water on water-fed poles, so there is no ladder setup blocking your entrance. Early-morning and after-hours visits keep us out of your customers' way.

- Storefront and entrance glass
- Office and medical building windows
- Recurring weekly or monthly routes
- Before-opening and after-hours service

Commercial window cleaning for storefronts and offices →

Commercial Gutter Cleaning

Overflowing gutters on a commercial building do more than look bad. They send water over entrances, freeze into ice on walkways in winter and stain facades.

We clear gutters and downspouts on retail strips, office buildings, HOA properties and multi-unit residential, bag and haul the debris, and flush every downspout. Property managers can put several buildings on one spring and fall schedule.

- Retail, office and HOA properties
- Downspout flush and flow check
- Spring and fall service plans
- Multi-building scheduling, one invoice

Commercial gutter cleaning for HOAs and retail →

Residential and Commercial Exterior Cleaning in Cook & Lake County

Older lakefront homes in Wilmette or Winnetka sit under tall oaks and lake humidity, so gutters and shaded siding wear fastest, while newer builds in Vernon Hills or Buffalo Grove usually need more attention on their glass.

We plan each visit around the house, start with a written, itemized estimate, and combine several services in one trip when it makes sense. New homes get a separate move-in pass for stickers, paint and construction dust, and in townhomes we can clean only what your HOA doesn’t cover. See our recent window cleaning project in Northbrook.

For Businesses and Property Managers

Storefronts, offices, medical buildings and restaurants need clean glass without a ladder blocking the entrance, so we use water-fed poles and work before opening or after hours. On retail strips, office buildings and HOA properties, we pair recurring window routes with spring and fall gutter cleaning, which keeps overflow from staining facades or freezing on walkways.

Property managers can put several buildings on one schedule and one invoice. See a commercial window cleaning job in Northbrook or our full commercial exterior cleaning services.

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Seasonal Maintenance Calendar

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Spring Gutter and Window Cleaning After the Thaw

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The last spring freeze in the Chicago area normally falls around April 21, according to National Weather Service data summarized by the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. By then, a full winter of road salt spray has dried into a gray film on lower windows, siding and garage doors, and it rarely rinses off with the first spring rain.

At the same time, oaks and maples drop flowers, catkins and seeds straight into gutters, often packing downspouts before the May storms arrive. We schedule the first gutter cleaning of the year and a full outside window wash here, timed after the heaviest pollen so the glass stays clear into summer.

Summer Soft Washing and Solar Panel Cleaning

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Cottonwood fluff arrives in June and clings to wet screens, window tracks and solar glass. Humid air off Lake Michigan lets green algae spread quickly on north-facing and shaded siding, and lawn sprinklers, especially on well water, leave white mineral spots on ground-floor windows that harden in the summer heat.

That makes summer the right season for soft washing siding and roofs, while warm temperatures help the cleaning solution work. It is also when we recommend solar panel cleaning, once pollen season is over and panels produce at their peak, along with power washing patios and pool decks before outdoor entertaining.

Fall Gutter Cleaning Before the First Freeze

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The Illinois State Climatologist's first fall freeze climatology shows the Chicago area typically reaching its first freeze in mid-to-late October, yet many North Shore oaks hold their leaves well into November. Clean the gutters too early and they fill right back up; wait too long and wet leaves freeze solid in place.
We time fall gutter cleaning for after the main leaf drop and before gutters ice over, because frozen debris is what bends hangers and pushes meltwater under shingles as ice dams. Fall is also the season to install permanent exterior lighting, so the roofline is ready well before the holidays.

Winter Window Cleaning and Spring Planning

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Winter does not stop every service. Interior window cleaning continues all season, and commercial storefront routes keep running on days above freezing, since salt spray and slush hit entrance glass hardest in these months. Lighting installed in fall does its real work now, through the darkest weeks.

Exterior washing pauses while temperatures stay below freezing, because water and cleaning solutions would ice over on siding, walks and glass. Many of our clients use these months to lock in spring dates before the calendar fills, and to check our seasonal specials for bundled window and gutter visits.

Soft Washing vs Power Washing: Which Is Right for Your Surface?

The choice between the two methods has little to do with how dirty a surface looks. It depends on what the surface is made of and how much force it can take. Power washing strips dirt away with high pressure, typically 1,500 to 3,000+ PSI, and on the right materials nothing works faster.

We use it on concrete driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, brick pavers and flagstone, adjusting nozzle and pressure so joints and surface texture survive. On the wrong surface, the same force etches wood, blows out mortar, drives water behind siding and strips the granules that protect roof shingles, damage that often shows up months later as leaks or rot.

Soft washing turns the method around. We apply a biodegradable solution that breaks down algae, mildew and organic staining at the root, give it time to work, then rinse at garden-hose pressure. Because the growth is killed rather than just knocked loose, siding stays clean far longer than after a pressure wash.

It is our standard for vinyl, aluminum and stucco siding, painted trim and asphalt shingle roofs, while wood decks and fences get either method depending on their age. Many homes need both on the same day, as on our stucco soft wash project in Northbrook, and our guide to soft washing in Northbrook explains the process in more detail.

"Before we pick a method, we look at what the surface is made of, not how dirty it is. We regularly see vinyl siding that was warped, or cedar that was left fuzzy, after someone used a rented pressure washer. That kind of damage can't be cleaned off. Soft washing takes a bit longer to set up, but the house stays clean for seasons, not weeks."
– Dima, VECO specialist

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Common Exterior Problems We Fix on North Shore Homes

Most calls we get start with a symptom, not a service name. Tree canopy, Lake Michigan humidity, road salt and hard well water leave the same handful of problems on homes from Evanston to Barrington, and the ones we see most often are listed below.

Hazy glass and cloudy skylights usually need professional window cleaning, and here are other signs your windows need a pro wash. Gutters that refill within weeks often need gutter guards on top of cleaning. Left alone, most of these problems stop being cosmetic. Overflowing gutters soak the soil along the foundation and rot fascia boards, algae holds moisture against siding for days after rain, and sprinkler minerals left on glass through a hot summer can etch the surface permanently.

Not sure which fits? Send two or three photos with your estimate request, and we will tell you before anyone comes out.

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Hazy or streaky window glass
Sprinkler spots on lower windows
Cloudy, mineral-caked skylights
Gutters overflowing in heavy rain
Gutters refilling weeks after cleaning
Green or black streaks on siding
Dark streaks on shingle roofs
Slippery, stained driveways and steps
Solar output dropping year over year
Dull storefront and entrance glass

Why North Shore Homeowners Choose VECO

- Local since 2003. More than 20 years cleaning homes in the northern suburbs, from our office at 3605 Woodhead Dr, Suite 105B, Northbrook

- 4.9 stars from 600+ Google reviews. Our rating is public and verifiable on Google, and we are listed as Google Guaranteed.

- Written, itemized estimates. You see every line before we schedule, and the price you approve is the price you pay.

- The right tool for each surface. Water-fed poles with purified water for high glass, low-pressure soft wash systems for siding and roofs, and adjustable pressure equipment for concrete and stone.

Every job is handled by our own experienced crew, not subcontractors. Our specialists know North Shore homes well, from older lakefront houses to newer Lake County builds, and they choose the method each surface needs before any equipment comes off the truck.

Meet the people behind VECO on our About Us page.

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Exterior Cleaning Across the North Shore, Cook County and Lake County

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We serve more than 40 communities north and northwest of Chicago. Each area brings its own mix of conditions, which is why the service most homes need first changes from town to town.

Lakefront North Shore

Older homes, tall canopy and lake humidity. Along the lake, gutters and shaded siding take the most wear, from exterior cleaning in Evanston and Kenilworth to large estates in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. We also cover Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park and Highwood.

Around Northbrook

Our home base. Mature subdivisions with a mix of brick, cedar and vinyl, plus busy commercial corridors. We work daily in Glenview, Northfield, Deerfield and Riverwoods, as well as Bannockburn, Skokie, Morton Grove, Niles, Golf and Park Ridge.

Lake County

Newer and larger homes, open lots and more solar arrays. We clean windows, gutters and panels for homeowners in Long Grove, Libertyville, Vernon Hills and Mettawa, plus Lincolnshire, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Kildeer, Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich and Indian Creek.

Northwest Suburbs

Wooded lots and many homes on private wells, where hard-water spotting on glass is a common complaint. We serve Barrington Hills, Inverness, Palatine and Prospect Heights, along with Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Wheeling, Barrington, Lake Barrington, North Barrington and Deer Park.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About VECO's Exterior Services

Homeowners from Evanston to Barrington share what it was like to have their windows, gutters, siding and driveways cleaned by our crew.
Every review below comes straight from Google, word for word.

Kathy B

This group is efficient and effective at cleaning windows. They do a great job and are in and out without a mess of any kind.

Denis Curtin

Veco did an assessment and gave me a very competitive estimate. They started and completed the work right on time. Very impressed with the work and will definitely recommend them.

Neil Smallcombe

Top window and gutter cleaning service from Veco. They Showed up on time, were very professional and did a great job.

Anastasiia Bondarenko

I always call VECO whenever I need my windows or gutters cleaned. Dima, as usual, did a great job! Very professional and reliable. Highly recommend!

Chelsea Duggan

Veco did a great job soft washing, power washing and cleaning inside/outside windows. Very happy and will use again.

MELISSA ALLEN

Amazing job!!! Bought a new house and the windows looked like they haven’t been washed in years!!! VECO came in and made the windows, screens and sills look brand new! Highly recommend VECO.

helen callus

Couldn't have had a better experience, responded quickly to initial request and quote, very professional, excellent work. Will definitely use again!

Sheri Hendricks

I have found my new gutter, downspout, roof, and window cleaner. I was having problems with rain draining into my garage, but after using Veco, the problem is gone! Great work, and see you this fall.

Amber Dieter

Was able to come out quickly and clean all windows inside and out plus clean window screens for a great price and left behind no mess, just crystal clear windows! Also did a good job cleaning gutters too.

Jack Zabriskie

Really enjoyed our experience with Veco for interior and exterior window and screen washing. Friendly and efficient from start to finish!

Cindy Concialdi

Great experience working with this company! I called they can out for an estimate this next day as promised. They did a great job power washing my patio. I will us them again.

FAQ

Exterior Cleaning FAQs for Northbrook & North Shore Homeowners

Straight answers to the questions North Shore homeowners and property managers ask us most before booking exterior cleaning.

For anything not covered here, call our Northbrook office at 847-441-0034.

What exterior cleaning services does VECO offer in Northbrook, IL?

We offer window cleaning, gutter cleaning, power washing, soft washing, solar panel cleaning, permanent exterior lighting and commercial exterior cleaning. All of it is handled by our own crews from our Northbrook office. Compare the services above or call 847-441-0034.

Can I get window cleaning and gutter cleaning done on the same day?

Yes, and it is the combination we book most. We clean the gutters first so no runoff lands on freshly cleaned glass, then finish the windows. A combined visit also costs less than two separate appointments.

How often should a house exterior be cleaned in the Chicago suburbs?

Most North Shore homes need gutters and windows cleaned twice a year, in spring and after fall leaf drop, and siding soft washed every one to two years. Homes under heavy tree cover or with north-facing walls often need siding cleaned sooner. We can set up a seasonal schedule so you do not have to track it.

Is it safe to power wash vinyl siding or a shingle roof?

We do not recommend it. High pressure can force water behind vinyl panels and strip granules off asphalt shingles, so we soft wash siding and roofs instead and keep power washing for concrete, brick and stone.

Who does window and gutter cleaning near me in Highland Park, Wilmette or Lake Forest?

VECO serves all three, along with more than 40 other North Shore and Lake County communities. Call our Northbrook office at 847-441-0034 to book a free estimate in any of them.

Is the exterior cleaning estimate really free?

Yes. Every estimate is free, written and itemized by service, with no obligation to book. Photos sent with your request often let us quote without a site visit.

Request a Free Exterior Cleaning Estimate on the North Shore

Tell us your address, which services you need and anything we should know, like story count, skylights, gutter guards or solar panels. Two or three photos help us quote faster.

We answer requests Monday through Saturday, 8 AM–7 PM.

Google reviews that we have

Rating

4.9

636 reviews

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Mitch Rogalski

3 days ago

The work was clean and the customer service was professional.

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JENNIFER

1 week ago

Lemon Lime

Great job! They came quickly and were very flexible. Also, my windows are now super clean. Thanks...

Great job! They came quickly and were very flexible. Also, my windows are now super clean. Thanks.