Guide
How often should you pressure wash your house?
For most homes, once a year keeps siding, driveways and decks clean and stops mold and grime from setting in. Here's a simple schedule for each surface and what it costs to have it done.
Updated October 12, 2026 · By the Trade Pricing Control team · Where our prices come from
A simple schedule by surface
| Surface | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| House siding | About once a year | More often near the coast, trees or heavy rain |
| Driveway and walkways | About once a year | Sooner if you see oil stains, moss or slippery spots |
| Deck or patio | About once a year, usually spring | Always before staining or sealing |
| Fence | Every 1 to 2 years | When you see green or gray buildup |
| Roof | Only when streaks or moss appear | Low-pressure soft wash only, never high pressure |
Signs it's time
- Green, black or gray streaks on siding, often on the shady north side
- Mildew or algae on the deck, patio or fence, or boards that feel slippery
- Oil stains, tire marks or dark patches on the driveway
- Dirt and cobwebs around windows, eaves and the gutter faces
- You're about to paint, stain, seal or put the house on the market
Why a yearly wash is worth it
Mold, mildew and algae hold moisture against siding and wood, which speeds up rot, staining and paint failure. Slippery decks and walkways are a fall risk. A yearly wash is cheap maintenance compared with repainting, replacing deck boards or sealing a stained driveway. It also makes a big difference to curb appeal if you're selling.
Best time of year
Late spring or early summer works best for most homes: pollen season is over, it's warm enough for things to dry, and the house is clean for the months you spend outside. Pick a dry day well above freezing. Some homeowners add a quick fall wash of the driveway and walks before winter.
What it costs to hire a pro
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| House siding | $170 – $360 |
| Driveway | $100 – $260 |
| Deck or patio | $120 – $240 |
| Fence | $180 – $300 |
| Roof (soft wash) | $250 – $600 |
| Gutter faces | $55 – $160 |
The national average is about $211 per job, and pros often charge $130 to $160 an hour. A typical yearly house wash plus driveway lands around $350 to $620. Booking several surfaces in one visit is usually cheaper than separate trips.
DIY or hire a pro?
Renting a pressure washer costs about $45 to $250 a day, and buying one runs roughly $55 to $320 for electric models and $300 to $430 for a basic gas model. DIY works well for driveways, patios and decks. Siding, second stories and roofs are where a pro earns the money: too much pressure can strip paint, force water behind siding or damage shingles.
Safety first: pressure washers send thousands of people to the emergency room each year. Wear goggles, gloves and closed shoes, never point the wand at people or pets, test the pressure on a hidden spot first, and don't use a pressure washer from a ladder.
Run a pressure washing business? Offer customers a yearly plan based on this schedule, and see what it takes to get started with the pressure washing startup cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you pressure wash your house?
About once a year for most homes. Homes in rainy, coastal, wooded or stormy areas may need it more often, while homes in mild, dry climates can often go every few years.
How often should you pressure wash a driveway?
About once a year, or sooner if you notice oil stains, moss or slippery patches. Many homeowners do it on the same visit as the house wash.
Can you pressure wash a roof?
Roofs should only be cleaned with a low-pressure soft wash. High pressure can strip granules and damage shingles. A soft wash usually costs $250 to $600.
How much does it cost to pressure wash a house?
Most homeowners pay about $170 to $360 to wash the siding, and around $350 to $620 for a house wash plus driveway.
What is the best time of year to pressure wash a house?
Late spring or early summer, on a dry day well above freezing, after pollen season is over.