House washing done the way siding can take
Soft washing removes algae, mildew and grime without forcing water behind your siding. Get quotes from insured contractors near you.
Soft washing, not blasting
Siding gets a low-pressure wash with a cleaning solution that kills the algae and mildew rather than driving water behind the boards. High pressure on vinyl or stucco is how people end up with water in the wall cavity.
What comes off
Green and black algae, mildew, spider webs, wasp nests, pollen film, dirt splash along the base, and the grey haze that makes a house look ten years older than it is.
Decks and fences
Wood needs a gentler touch than concrete. Composite has its own rules. A washer who treats a cedar deck like a driveway will raise the grain and leave marks.
Rough cost
Single-story house wash typically $250–$450. Two-story $400–$700. Deck or patio $150–$400. Varies by region, access and how bad it has got.
Three questions worth asking
- Soft wash or pressure? For siding and roofs the answer should be soft wash. If they say high pressure, keep calling.
- Are you insured? Ask for the certificate, not a yes. Legitimate contractors have it on their phone.
- What about my plants? A good washer pre-wets and rinses landscaping. Cleaning solution on dry shrubs kills them.
Typical house wash pricing
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Single-story house | $250–$450 |
| Two-story house | $400–$700 |
| Deck or patio | $150–$400 |
| Fence (per section) | $100–$300 |
| Gutter brightening | $100–$250 |
Ballpark ranges for planning. Your quotes come from the contractor.
House washing questions
How often should a house be washed?
Every one to two years for most homes. Shaded or north-facing walls, humid climates and houses under trees green up faster and may want it annually.
Will it strip my paint?
Not with a proper soft wash. Paint damage comes from high pressure being used where it should not be. Loose or already-failing paint may come off regardless — that paint was coming off anyway.
What about my plants and grass?
A good contractor wets landscaping before and rinses after. Ask how they protect plants; if they have no answer, that is your answer.
Do I need to be home?
Usually not, provided they have access to the exterior and an outdoor spigot. Arrange it in advance rather than on the day.
Own a rig? We have jobs waiting.
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