What Exactly Is House Washing?

House washing refers to cleaning your home’s exterior surfaces to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other contaminants that build up over time. It improves your home’s appearance and helps prevent damage to siding, paint, and other exterior materials.

Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: Understanding the Difference

One of the most common questions I hear is: “What is soft washing a house?” Simply put, soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with specialized cleaning solutions to safely clean more delicate surfaces. Unlike pressure washing, which relies primarily on water force, soft washing lets the cleaning agents do most of the work.

Pressure washing typically involves:

• Water pressure between 1,300 and 3,100 PSI
• Great for durable surfaces like concrete
• Relies mainly on water force to remove contaminants

Soft washing typically involves:

• Low pressure (usually under 500 PSI)
• Biodegradable cleaning solutions
• Longer dwell time to let chemicals break down dirt
• Safer for vinyl siding, painted surfaces, and roofing

The difference matters because using the wrong method can damage your home. I’ve seen too many homeowners strip paint or dent vinyl siding with excessive pressure. Trust me, that’s an expensive mistake you don’t want to make.

How Much Should a House Wash Cost?

When it comes to pricing, house washing costs vary widely depending on several factors:

Cost Factors for Professional House Washing

The average cost for professional house washing in the USA ranges from $150 to $750, with most homeowners paying around $400 for a 2,000-square-foot home. Here’s a breakdown of what affects the price:

But size isn’t the only factor. Here are other elements that influence the final price:

• Home height: Two-story homes cost about 25% more than single-story homes
• Accessibility: Difficult-to-reach areas require more time and equipment
• Amount of dirt: Heavily soiled exteriors may require more time and cleaning solution
• Surface material: Different materials may need different cleaning methods
• Geographic location: Prices vary significantly by region

DIY Costs: Is It Worth Doing It Yourself?

If you’re handy and budget-conscious, DIY house washing can be tempting. Here’s what you might spend:

• Pressure washer rental: $40-$100 per day
• Cleaning solutions: $20-$50
• Soft wash sprayer system: $30-$2000 if needed
• Extension wands: $30-$100 for reaching higher areas

So for about $100-$300, you could potentially clean your house yourself. But remember, this doesn’t account for your time and the learning curve involved.

I tried the DIY route before becoming more familiar with proper techniques. What I thought would be a weekend project turned into three days of work and some accidental damage to my window trim. Sometimes, the professional route is worth the extra cost.

What Does House Washing Include?

Professional house washing services typically include cleaning your home’s exterior walls and siding. But what exactly gets cleaned can vary from company to company.

Standard House Washing Services Usually Include:

• Exterior walls and siding cleaning
• Removal of dirt, grime, pollen, and light mold
• Treatment of visible mildew and algae
• Rinsing of exterior windows (but not detailed window cleaning)
• Ground-level cobweb removal
• Basic cleaning of entry areas (front porch, steps)

Add-on Services Often Available:

• Window cleaning (interior and detailed exterior)
• Gutter cleaning (exterior faces and/or interior)
• Roof cleaning or moss treatment
• Deck and patio cleaning
• Driveway and sidewalk cleaning
• Fence cleaning

What’s the Difference Between House Cleaning and House Washing?

This is a common point of confusion. House cleaning refers to interior cleaning services like dusting, vacuuming, and bathroom cleaning. House washing specifically refers to exterior cleaning of the home’s outer surfaces.

When you call for house washing, don’t expect dishes to be washed or floors to be mopped! These are entirely different services with different equipment and expertise.

The Best Way to Wash the Exterior of Your House

The “best” method depends on your home’s exterior materials and condition. Here’s a breakdown of appropriate cleaning methods for different surfaces:

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is popular but requires careful cleaning. Too much pressure can crack, dent, or push water behind the siding.

Best approach: Soft washing with appropriate cleaning solutions. For vinyl, I typically use a mild detergent mixture with some bleach for mold and mildew.

Question: Can you pressure wash vinyl siding? Yes, but with extreme caution. If using a pressure washer on vinyl:

• Keep pressure under 1,500 PSI
• Use a wide-angle nozzle (40-degree minimum)
• Maintain at least 2 feet of distance from the surface
• Direct spray straight at the siding, not upward behind it

Brick and Stone

These durable materials can typically handle more pressure, but mortar may be vulnerable.

Best approach: Medium-pressure washing (1,500-2,000 PSI) works well for most brick homes.

Wood Siding

Wood requires special care as it’s porous and can be easily damaged.

Best approach: Soft washing is generally safest. When using pressure, keep it low (under 1,200 PSI) and maintain a good distance.

Stucco

Stucco can be tricky as high pressure can create holes or damage the finish.

Best approach: Soft washing with appropriate cleaners designed for alkaline surfaces.

How Often Should You Get Your House Washed?

Most homes benefit from exterior washing every 1-2 years, but this varies based on your local conditions. Here’s my rule of thumb:

• Humid, wooded areas with lots of shade: Every 12 months (mold and mildew grow faster)
• Standard suburban environments: Every 18-24 months
• Dry, sunny climates: Every 2-3 years may be sufficient
• Homes near roads with heavy traffic: Every 12-18 months (due to increased pollutants)

I live in a fairly wooded area with lots of pollen in spring, so I find annual cleaning makes a huge difference in my home’s appearance and prevents mold from taking hold.