Pressure washing vs. soft washing
The single most useful thing to know before hiring: not everything should be blasted. High-pressure washing is right for concrete — driveways, sidewalks, patios — where it strips embedded grime nothing else touches. Siding, painted surfaces, and especially roofs call for soft washing: low pressure paired with detergents that kill the algae, mildew, and moss actually causing the staining. Done right, a soft wash lasts longer than a blast job because it treats the growth instead of just knocking the surface layer off. A pro who talks about pressures, surfaces, and cleaning solutions is a good sign; one who quotes everything as maximum PSI is not.
Beyond curb appeal, regular washing is genuine maintenance: algae holds moisture against siding, gloeocapsa magma streaks shorten shingle life, and a slick green sidewalk is a slip hazard. It is also the standard prep before exterior painting or staining and one of the cheapest things you can do before listing a house. Confirm any company you hire carries liability insurance — water driven at thousands of PSI can break windows, strip paint, and force water behind siding in inexperienced hands.
How much does pressure washing cost?
A full house wash typically runs $200–$500 depending on size, stories, and siding type; driveways and sidewalks commonly $100–$300; decks and fences priced by square footage and condition. Roof soft washing runs higher — often $400–$1,000 — because of the products, care, and access involved. Most companies quote free from a few basic details or a satellite look at the property.
What is soft washing and why does it matter?
Soft washing uses garden-hose-level pressure and biodegradable cleaning solutions to remove algae, mildew, moss, and lichen from surfaces that high pressure would destroy — vinyl and painted siding, stucco, and asphalt shingles. It kills growth at the root, so results typically last longer than pressure alone. Roof manufacturers and the industry association ARMA specifically warn against high pressure on shingles; a company proposing to pressure-wash your roof is your cue to keep looking.
Will pressure washing damage my siding or deck?
In the wrong hands, absolutely — etched wood, stripped paint, cracked vinyl, and water forced behind siding are all common DIY and cut-rate outcomes. Professionals prevent this by matching pressure and technique to the surface: wide tips and distance on wood, soft wash on siding, high pressure reserved for concrete. Experience, insurance, and surface-specific answers are what you are paying for.
How often should I have my house washed?
Once a year is the common rhythm for siding, with shaded and north-facing walls, homes under trees, and humid climates growing algae faster. Concrete generally needs attention every year or two, and a roof soft wash typically holds three to five years. If green or black streaks are visible from the street, it is time.