Illustration of a house being cleaned with a pressure washer spray under a protection shield
Original illustration โ€” ServiCover
๐Ÿ“Œ Key Takeaway: Washing a house exterior typically costs $170-$360, while driveways average $155-$190. Most pros charge about $0.35-$0.77 per square foot for power washing, and $50-$200 per hour (most homeowners pay $130-$160).

Who Provides Pressure Washing

Dedicated Exterior Cleaning Companies
Best for: Siding and roof soft washing  |  Watch for: Chemical handling practices
Specialists who own both high-pressure and soft-wash equipment and know which method suits each surface.
Pressure Washing Franchises
Best for: Scheduled service, consistent pricing  |  Model: Franchise
National brands such as Window Genie and Men In Kilts bundle house washing with window or gutter cleaning in many markets.
Handymen & Landscapers
Best for: Simple flatwork like patios  |  Watch for: Damage from too much pressure
Often cheaper for driveways and patios. For siding, roofs and soft wood, a specialist is safer.

2026 Price Snapshot

SurfaceTypical Cost
House exterior$170-$360
Driveway$155-$190 ($0.25-$0.35/sq ft)
Deck$120-$240
Privacy fence$180-$300 ($0.30-$0.50/sq ft)
Roof (soft wash)$250-$600
Concrete patio$120-$240
Gutter exteriors$55-$160
Hourly rate$50-$200 (most pay $130-$160)

Pressure vs. Power vs. Soft Washing

MethodHow It WorksBest For
Pressure washingHigh-pressure cold waterConcrete, brick, hard surfaces
Power washingHigh-pressure hot waterGrease, oil stains, heavy grime
Soft washingLow pressure plus cleaning solutionsSiding, roofs, painted and delicate surfaces

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I pressure wash my house?

Many homeowners wash siding about once a year, or more often in humid, shaded areas where mildew grows quickly.

Can pressure washing damage siding?

Yes โ€” too much pressure can crack vinyl, strip paint, etch wood and force water behind siding. That's why pros soft wash most siding.

Do I need to be home during pressure washing?

Usually not, as long as outdoor water access is available and windows are closed.