Pressure Washing Your Home This Spring: Costs, Tips & What to Wash

Spring Pressure Washing: The Fastest Way to Boost Curb Appeal

After months of winter grime, mold, and pollen buildup, your home's exterior probably looks tired. Pressure washing is the fastest and cheapest way to make your property look dramatically better — often in just a few hours. Here is everything you need to know about pressure washing your home this spring.

What to Pressure Wash in Spring

Focus on these surfaces for maximum visual impact:

Driveway and sidewalks: Oil stains, tire marks, and algae growth make concrete look decades older than it is. A clean driveway is the first thing visitors and neighbors notice.
House siding: Vinyl, aluminum, brick, and stucco all accumulate dirt, mildew, and green algae over winter. Soft washing (low pressure + cleaning solution) is safest for most siding types.
Deck and patio: Wood decks need cleaning before staining or sealing. Composite decks attract mold in shady areas. Concrete patios develop moss and algae.
Fence: Wood fences turn gray and develop mildew. Pressure washing before staining restores the original wood color and helps stain penetrate evenly.
Gutters and fascia: Black streaks on gutters (called tiger striping) are caused by oxidation and pollution. Pressure washing removes them instantly.
Outdoor furniture: Clean patio furniture, play structures, and planters before the entertaining season.

Pressure Washing Costs by Surface

Driveway (400-800 sq ft): $100 – $250
House siding (1,500-2,500 sq ft): $200 – $500
Deck (200-500 sq ft): $100 – $300
Fence (100-200 linear ft): $150 – $350
Patio (200-400 sq ft): $75 – $200
Full house package (driveway + siding + deck + walkways): $400 – $800

Most professionals charge either by square footage or by the hour ($50-$100/hour). A full house wash typically takes 3-5 hours.

PSI Guide: How Much Pressure for Each Surface

Using too much pressure damages surfaces. Using too little wastes time. Here is the right PSI for each material:

Vinyl siding: 1,300 – 1,600 PSI (too much pressure cracks vinyl and drives water behind it)
Wood deck: 500 – 1,200 PSI (high pressure gouges wood grain)
Concrete driveway: 2,500 – 3,000 PSI (concrete can handle aggressive pressure)
Brick: 1,500 – 2,000 PSI (avoid old mortar joints — they crumble above 2,000 PSI)
Stucco: 1,200 – 1,500 PSI with wide fan tip (stucco is fragile)
Composite deck: 1,000 – 1,500 PSI (check manufacturer warranty — some void it if pressure washed)

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

DIY makes sense if:

You already own a pressure washer (electric units start at $150, gas at $300)
You are only cleaning a small area like a patio or walkway
You are comfortable working on ladders for second-story siding

Hire a pro if:

You have a two-story home (professionals use extension wands and lifts safely)
You have delicate surfaces like old brick, stucco, or painted wood
You want the job done in a few hours instead of a full weekend
Your surfaces have mold or mildew that needs specialized cleaning solutions

Common Pressure Washing Mistakes to Avoid

Using too much pressure on wood: This gouges the grain and creates permanent damage. Start low and increase gradually.
Holding the nozzle too close: Keep 6-12 inches away from the surface. Closer is not better — it concentrates pressure and causes etching.
Ignoring safety: Never point a pressure washer at people, pets, or windows. Wear closed-toe shoes and safety glasses.
Pressure washing before painting: Wait 24-48 hours for surfaces to fully dry before applying paint or stain. Painting over damp wood traps moisture and causes peeling.
Skipping the cleaning solution: Water alone removes dirt but not mold, mildew, or organic stains. Use a sodium hypochlorite or oxygen bleach solution for best results.

When to Schedule Spring Pressure Washing

The ideal window is late March through May — after the last freeze but before summer pollen season coats everything again. April is the sweet spot in most of the country. If you are planning to stain your deck or paint your siding, pressure wash 1-2 weeks before to allow drying time.

Ready to get your home looking fresh for spring? Get free pressure washing quotes from local pros and compare pricing in your area.