The exterior of your house undergoes significant wear and tear. Sun, rain, humidity, pollen, dirt, and mold all cause damage to your house’s exterior. All of it accumulates on your siding, trim, and foundation.
So how often should you actually pressure wash it?
Depends on where you live, what your house is made of, and what is growing on it. But there are solid guidelines that work for most Texas homes.
Here is what we have learned cleaning houses across Houston for over 20 years.
Snapshot: House Washing Frequency in Texas
| Situation | How Often |
| Standard Texas home | Once per year minimum |
| Heavy tree coverage or shade | Twice per year |
| North-facing walls with mold | Twice per year, sometimes more |
| Near busy roads | Twice per year (exhaust and road grime) |
| Coastal or high humidity areas | Twice per year |
| Vinyl siding | Once per year, soft wash only |
| Brick exterior | Once per year, sometimes every 18 months |
| Stucco | Once per year, gentle pressure |
The Short Answer
Most houses in Texas need pressure washing once a year. Some need it twice.
That is the baseline. But your specific situation might push you toward more frequent cleaning or let you stretch it longer.
What Affects How Often You Need to Wash
Climate and Humidity
Texas humidity is brutal on house exteriors. Mold, mildew, and algae love moisture. They grow faster here than in drier states.
A house in Arizona might go two years between cleanings. Same house in Houston? The house in Houston requires at least an annual cleaning. The humidity just does not let up.
Tree Coverage and Shade
Trees are beautiful. They also dump leaves, pollen, sap, and seeds all over your house. That organic debris holds moisture against your siding. This creates an ideal environment for the growth of mold.
Shaded areas stay damp longer. Do your north-facing walls receive direct sunlight? Mold magnets. If your house sits under heavy tree coverage, plan on twice-yearly cleaning.
Properties in Spring and The Woodlands with all those beautiful pines and oaks? They deal with this constant.
Siding Material
Different materials handle dirt and cleaning differently.
- Vinyl: Shows dirt easily. Soft washing effectively cleans it. Annual cleaning keeps it looking fresh.
- Brick: More forgiving. It’s possible to wait up to 18 months between cleanings. But mortar joints collect grime.
- Stucco: Textured surface traps dirt. It requires gentle pressure to prevent any damage. Annual cleaning is recommended.
- Wood: Requires careful attention. Too much pressure damages it. Soft wash only. Annual minimum.
- Hardie board: Durable stuff. Annual cleaning works well. It can withstand pressure more effectively than vinyl.
Proximity to Roads
Does the house sit close to a busy street? Exhaust fumes, road dust, and tire particles coat your siding continuously. That dark film builds up faster than you might expect.
Homes near highways or major roads usually need twice-yearly cleaning. The grime just accumulates too fast for annual service to keep up.
Your Standards
Some homeowners are fine with a little dirt. Others want their house looking perfect year-round. Neither is wrong.
If you are selling your house or hosting events, you probably want more frequent cleaning. If you just want basic maintenance, annual works fine for most situations.
Signs Your House Needs Washing Now
Do not just go by the calendar. Watch for these signs that it is time to clean:
- Green or black streaks on siding indicate the presence of mold and algae.
- Dark stains running down from gutters
- Cobwebs accumulating in corners and under eaves
- Visible dirt film when you run your finger across siding
- Faded or dingy appearance overall
- Musty smell near exterior walls
- Neighbors just washed theirs and now yours looks bad
That last one is real. Nothing makes a dirty house more obvious than a clean one next door.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long
Skipping pressure washing for years creates problems beyond just looking bad.
- Mold and mildew become established. Harder and more expensive to remove.
- Organic growth can actually damage siding over time.
- Stains become permanent. Some discoloration never comes out.
- Paint degrades faster under layers of grime.
- Curb appeal drops. Affects home value.
- Allergens accumulate. Allergens have the potential to impact the quality of indoor air.
Prevention costs less than restoration. Always.
Best Time of Year to Wash Your House
Spring is the most popular time. It effectively eliminates winter grime, pollen, and debris. Prepares your house for summer.
Fall works well too. Cleans off summer dust and prepares for holiday gatherings. The weather is usually cooperative.
Summer can work, but it is hot. Cleaning solutions dry faster, which can cause streaking if the crew is not careful. Early morning jobs are best in summer months.
Winter is tricky in Texas. We get enough warm days to make it possible, but scheduling gets unpredictable.
Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing for Houses
Important distinction here.
Traditional pressure washing uses high PSI to blast dirt off. Works excellently on concrete. However, it is not suitable for most types of house siding.
Soft washing uses lower pressure plus cleaning solutions that kill mold and algae at the root. This method is safer for siding, windows, and trim. Results last longer because you are actually killing the growth, not just knocking it off.
Most professional house washing is actually soft washing. If someone wants to blast your vinyl siding with 3,000 PSI, find a different company.
FAQs
Can I pressure wash my house myself?
You can. But there are risks. Wrong pressure settings damage siding, force water behind panels, crack windows, and strip paint. Rental equipment often lacks the finesse of professional setups. If you go DIY, start with the lowest pressure and test in an inconspicuous spot first.
How much does professional house washing cost?
Most single-story homes in the Houston area run $200 to $400. Two-story homes typically cost $350 to $600. It all depends on factors such as size, condition, and accessibility. Obtaining multiple quotes is highly recommended.
Will pressure washing damage my siding?
It can if done wrong. Too much pressure on vinyl causes cracks and warping. Water forced behind siding creates moisture problems. That is why professionals use soft washing techniques for most house exteriors. Safer and more effective.
Should I wash my house before painting?
Absolutely. Paint does not stick well to dirty surfaces. Any painter worth hiring will require a clean surface before starting. Pressure washing before painting is standard practice.
Does house washing help with allergies?
It can. Mold, pollen, and dust accumulate on exterior walls. Some of that gets inside through windows, doors, and ventilation. Removing buildup from your exterior can reduce allergen load around your home.
How long does a house washing take?
Most single-story homes take one to two hours. Two-story homes might take two to three hours. Heavily soiled houses or large properties take longer. Your crew should be able to give you a time estimate when they quote the job.
Can I wash my house in winter?
In Texas, yes. We get enough mild days to make it work. All we need are temperatures above 40 degrees and no rain in the forecast. Summer and fall are easier to schedule, though.
Why Klein Pressure Washing
Klein Pressure Washing has been cleaning houses across Houston, Spring, Klein, The Woodlands, and Cypress for over 20 years.
We use soft washing techniques that clean thoroughly without risking damage to your siding. Commercial equipment. Biodegradable detergents. Our crews possess extensive knowledge and expertise in their respective fields.
Most of our customers set up annual service and stick with it year after year. Works for them. We are confident that our services could also benefit you.
Want a free quote? Give us a call.
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