How Often Should I Pressure Wash My House?

Pressure washing frequency will depend on the type of siding you have and the condition of the siding. Generally, pressure washing is not necessary unless the siding has significant mildew or grime buildup. However, homes in areas that have a lot of pollen or where the soffits become infested with cobwebs are good candidates for annual power washing.

Homeowners with vinyl, metal, or composite siding should pressure wash their homes once a year. If you have wood siding, we recommend you pressure wash only when you have dirt or mildew buildup, unless you use very gentle pressure to wash away pollen or cobwebs on an annual basis.

Best Time to Pressure Wash Your House

Late spring, after the pollen has settled down, is the perfect time to pressure wash your home. Since pressure washing requires closely examining your home’s siding, it’s also a great time to inspect the exterior of your home for rot, pest invasions, and areas that need attention.

The Dangers of Pressure Washing a House

Pressure washing can be too much of a good thing. While the immediate satisfaction of watching a pressure washer blast away dirt is satisfying, you must exercise caution to avoid cracking vinyl siding, denting aluminum siding, blasting away unintended paint, marring the wood, or forcing water into places it doesn’t belong. Always use the correct nozzle, keep your distance with the wand, and adjust the pressure setting to the minimum needed to clean.

Always check with the siding manufacturer for best pressure washing practices. Some manufacturers even suggest avoiding it altogether and using a soft bristle brush instead, scrubbing the siding with mild detergent and water and rinsing it off with the garden hose.

Pressure Washing to Prep for Paint

In addition to other prep techniques, professional pressure washing siding is a great, highly effective way to thoroughly prep your home for an exterior paint job. As long as it’s recommended for your type of siding, pressure washing is available as part of our exterior painting services.