How to pressure wash a house

Keeping your home looking clean and well-maintained might seem like a big task, but pressure washing makes it a little simpler. It can breathe new life into your home’s exterior, removing stains, dirt and grime that build up over time. Refer to the guide below for instructions on pressure washing your house and understanding the significance of following proper safety procedures.

Step-by-step guide to pressure washing a house

1. Put on the correct safety gear

To make sure you pressure wash safely, first put on protective eye gear and gloves. Also, make sure to never use a ladder when pressure washing, as the force of the pressure could cause you to fall.

Other safety precautions to take before pressure washing your home

• Cover light fixtures, air conditioners, plants and shrubs to protect them from the force of the pressure washer.
• Before starting, scrub the exterior to loosen the dirt, debris or mildew.
• Don’t point the pressure washer into any gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior.
• When washing, keep the wand at least 6 feet away from electrical wires.
• Don’t point the washer at pets or people. [1]

2. Prepare your home

Use drop cloths or plastic to cover any plants or shrubbery nearby. Make sure all windows and doors are closed. If windows leak, use duct tape to seal them shut. [2] Make any repairs to the exterior of your home before pressure washing. Re-nail or replace loose or rotten boards so you don’t drive a hole through the siding. [3]

3. Choose a pressure washer and nozzle

Before you begin washing, you’ll want to make sure you are using the right pressure washer and nozzle. You can choose between a gas and electric pressure washer, and if you are planning to rent one, the cost will depend on the type of pressure washer and how long you’ll be using it. The gas pressure washers can typically generate higher PSI, or pounds per square inch, of pressure. Make sure to do your research and ask the rental agent what pressure washer would be ideal for your home.  You should also ask how to operate, how to attach or detach nozzles from the machines and other questions you might have. [2]

Selecting the correct PSI for your home

It’s important to keep in mind that different siding on the exterior of your house can handle different amounts of pressure. For example, vinyl siding can withstand 2,500 to 3,000 PSI, but aluminum or soft-grain wood can withstand only 1,200 to 1,500 PSI. [1]

4. Set up your pressure washer

Before you get started, mix water, cleaning detergent and mildewcide in a bucket. Attach your desired nozzle to the pressure washer, and then connect the pressure washer to your garden hose. Test the pressure by stepping at least 3 feet away from the exterior of your house and spraying it. Adjust the distance until your pressure feels strong enough to remove dirt without damaging the exterior. [1]

5. Pressure wash from top to bottom

After you’ve established a good distance to wash from, start at the top. Gutters and overhangs are cleaned first, followed by washing down the side of the house. Make sure to angle the sprayer at 45 degrees to prevent the water from getting under the siding. [2]

6. Hire a professional if needed

If you’re worried about the risk that comes with high-pressure water, it’s best to hire a professional to pressure wash your home. A pro can help ensure that the whole exterior gets clean without any spots missed, and that the washing is done with the proper safety equipment. [4]

FAQs about pressure washing

What’s the difference between pressure washing and power washing?

Both power washing and pressure washing use similar amounts of pressure. However, a power washer heats up the water before it’s blasted onto your house exterior, and a pressure washer doesn’t. [5]

What’s the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?

The main difference between soft washing and pressure washing is the amount of pressure each uses. Soft washing uses gentle pressure with low-pressure nozzles and needs a cleaning solution. Pressure washing uses a lot of pressure with high-pressure nozzles and may not require any special detergent. [6]

How much does it cost to pressure wash a house?

According to Angi.com, in 2025, it can cost on average between $200 and $420 to pressure wash a house. This can vary depending on the size of your house. If you’re getting your house professionally pressure washed, it can cost $25 to $100 per hour. If you purchase your own pressure washer, this can cost you between $100 and $1,000, depending on the type of pressure washer you’re renting and how long you’ll be using it. [7]

How long does it take to pressure wash a house?

The length of time varies depending on the size of your house, but it can take 30 minutes to 3 hours to pressure wash a house. To give you an example, a 2,500-square-foot house that’s only one story could take around an hour to pressure wash. [2]

When is the best time to pressure wash a house?

The best time of year to pressure wash a house is in the spring or fall. The sun can get too strong in the summer, which could dry the side of your home between scrubbing and pressure washing. [2]

How often should you pressure wash your house?

About once a year you should pressure wash your house to get rid of the dirt and other buildup on the side of your home. If you see the buildup more frequently than that, you can always pressure wash it more often. [4]

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Sources:

[1] “How to Pressure Wash a House,” homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-pressure-wash-a-house/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9017ce6ec7b (accessed March 20, 2025).
[2] “How to Pressure Wash a House,” Gretchen Heber, Bob Vila and Steffani Cameron, bobvila.com/articles/how-to-pressure-wash-a-house (accessed March 20, 2025).
[3] “Homeowner’s Guide to Pressure Washing a House,” familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-pressure-wash-a-house (accessed March 20, 2025).
[4] “The Best Time to Pressure Wash Your House,” Nick P. Cellucci, angi.com/articles/best-time-to-pressure-wash-house.htm (accessed March 20, 2025).
[5] “What is the Difference Between Power Washing vs Pressure Washing?” shackshine.com/power-washer-vs-pressure-washer/ (accessed March 20, 2025).
[6] “Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each Method,”  Paige Bennett, angi.com/articles/soft-wash-better-regular-pressure-washing.htm (accessed March 20, 2025).
[7] “The Best Time to Pressure Wash Your House,” Nick P. Cellucci, angi.com/articles/best-time-to-pressure-wash-house.htm (accessed March 20, 2025).