Quick answer: Most homes need one gentle exterior wash a year. If you live in a humid or high-pollen area, plan on every six months. Planning a Father’s Day cook-out? Schedule the clean-up now so Dad can flip burgers with pride.
What Counts as “Pressure Washing”?
Homeowners use pressure washing (or power washing) as a catch-all term for exterior cleaning. Techniques vary from high-pressure rinses that blast away stubborn stains to low-pressure soft washes that combine gentle water flow with eco-friendly detergents. The goal is the same: remove grime, algae, and pollen without damaging siding, paint, or landscaping. Throughout this article, “pressure washing” refers to any professional exterior wash tailored to your surfaces.
How Often Should You Pressure Wash Your House?
Independent guides like Angi and Better Homes & Gardens recommend once a year for most homes, or every 6-12 months if humidity or pollen run high. Adjust the frequency based on your climate, building materials, and lifestyle factors like hosting outdoor events or nearby tree coverage.
Vinyl, Metal, & Fiber Cement
These durable sidings benefit from a gentle detergent rinse to keep colors vibrant and prevent mildew from taking root in hidden seams. A mild soft wash removes dust, pollen, and airborne pollutants before they etch into the material. Regular maintenance also extends the life of caulking and seals around windows and doors.
- Average climate: 12 months
- Humid/coastal: 6-8 months
Brick or Stone
Masonry is tough but porous, so it absorbs dirt, pollen, and salt spray. Rinsing these surfaces helps avoid mold growth in crevices and preserves mortar integrity. Pressure washing with a masonry-safe cleaner lifts organic matter without eroding joints or leaving water stains that can discolor brick faces.
- Average climate: 12-18 months
- Humid/coastal: 9-12 months
Painted Wood (Soft-Wash Only)
Painted clapboard or trim shows chalk and algae sooner than you’d think. Stick to low pressure and detergent so you clean without peeling paint.
- Average climate: 12 months
- Humid/coastal: 6-9 months
Driveways, Walks & Patios
Concrete and pavers grow slick when algae, oil drips, and leaf tannins settle in. Cleaning these hardscapes reduces slip hazards and restores curb appeal. A combination of pressure and scrubbing targeting oil or rust stains keeps surfaces safe and vibrant.
- Average climate: 12 months
- Humid/coastal: 6-9 months
Here’s some signs that you can’t wait: Green or black streaks, chalky paint, slippery concrete, HOA letters, or that big Father’s Day gathering on the calendar.
What We Offer at Professional Edge Cleaning
Our soft wash service covers:
- Siding (vinyl, brick, or composite)
- Exterior of windows and doors (garage door, too)
- Gutters, downspouts, eaves, soffits, fascia & trim
The solution kills mold, mildew, algae, and pollen and usually erases ordinary dirt better than high-pressure blasts. Stains like rust, black-walnut dye, or artillery fungus may need specialty treatments. Just ask before we arrive.
Our insurance-backed techs dial in the right pressure (or no pressure) for every surface and handle the chemistry so you don’t have to juggle bleach jugs in the driveway.
