How much does it cost to wash a house?

Professional soft wash: $200-$500 for an average single-story home. Multi-story: $300-$700. Per square foot: $0.15-$0.50. DIY: $20-$75 for solution and a garden hose sprayer. Most professionals quote by the job based on square footage, number of stories, and staining severity. Annual or biennial washing is recommended.

Should I pressure wash or soft wash my house?

Soft wash for house siding (always). Soft washing uses low-pressure water with a cleaning solution that kills mildew and algae without risking damage. Pressure washing at high PSI can drive water behind siding, strip paint, gouge wood, and crack vinyl. Use pressure washing only for hard surfaces: concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, and stone. The cleaning solution in soft washing does the work — not the water pressure.

Can I wash my house myself?

Yes. DIY house washing is straightforward with the right approach. Use a soft wash method: apply a house wash solution (commercial concentrate or 1 part bleach to 4-5 parts water with dish soap) from the bottom up, let it dwell 5-10 minutes, and rinse from the top down with a garden hose. Wet plants first to protect them. Work one wall at a time. Avoid spraying into gaps and vents. For two-story homes: use a telescoping wand or hire a professional.

How often should you wash your house exterior?

Every 1-3 years depending on: climate (humid climates need more frequent washing), shade (shaded walls grow mildew faster), tree proximity (sap, pollen, and organic debris), and siding type. Minimum: every 2-3 years. Homes in the Southeast or Pacific Northwest: annually. Homes in dry climates with full sun: every 3 years. Regular washing prevents staining from becoming permanent.

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Exterior House Washing Guide: Methods, Equipment & Costs

Lumberama Editorial Team, Exterior Maintenance & Cleaning Specialists Jun 11, 2026 12 min read

Why Wash Your House

Over time, your home's exterior accumulates dirt, mildew, algae, pollen, cobwebs, and environmental grime. This buildup is not just unsightly — it can cause real damage. Mildew and algae growth degrades paint and stain. Dirt traps moisture against the siding. Green and black stains reduce curb appeal and home value. Regular exterior washing (annually or every 2-3 years) preserves your siding, maintains curb appeal, and extends the life of paint and finishes.

Methods

Soft washing: Low-pressure water (under 500 PSI) combined with a cleaning solution that kills mildew, algae, and mold at the root. The solution does the cleaning — the water just rinses it away. Safe for all siding types (vinyl, wood, stucco, brick, fiber cement). The recommended method for residential house washing. The cleaning solution is typically sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and a surfactant. Applied with a low-pressure sprayer or pump. Let dwell for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with a garden hose or low-pressure washer.

Pressure washing: High-pressure water (1,500-3,000+ PSI) that blasts away dirt mechanically. Effective for hard surfaces (concrete, brick, stone). Can damage soft surfaces (vinyl siding, wood siding, painted surfaces, stucco, windows). Not recommended for house siding unless you are experienced with pressure control. Common damage: water driven behind siding, stripped paint, gouged wood, cracked vinyl.

When to use each: Soft wash: siding (vinyl, wood, stucco, fiber cement, brick). Pressure wash: concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, stone retaining walls. Never pressure wash: windows (seal failure), wood decks at close range (splintering), roof shingles (granule loss).

DIY House Washing

Equipment: Garden hose with spray nozzle or a pressure washer set to low PSI (under 1,500 with a wide-angle tip). Soft wash system: a 12V pump with a downstream injector or a garden hose-end sprayer with house wash solution. Cleaning solution: house wash concentrate from the hardware store, or a DIY mix of bleach (1 part sodium hypochlorite to 4-5 parts water) with a tablespoon of dish soap as a surfactant.

Process: Wet plants and landscaping near the house (protects from cleaning solution). Apply solution from the bottom up (prevents streaking). Let dwell 5-10 minutes (do not let it dry). Rinse from the top down with clean water. Work in sections (one wall at a time). Avoid direct spray into gaps, vents, light fixtures, and window seams.

Professional House Washing

Professional soft wash services include: pre-treatment of heavy mildew and stains, cleaning solution application, thorough rinse, attention to trim, gutters, and soffits, and window frame cleaning. Professionals have commercial equipment (stronger pumps, better reach) and experience avoiding damage. Best for: multi-story homes, heavy staining, and homeowners who prefer not to work on ladders.