How Long Does it Take To Power Wash A House?

Maybe you are one of the homeowners curious about “how long does it take to power wash a house?” when looking for a professional partner. A professional power washing company provides an accurate estimate about it. To be honest, the time depends on the size of your home.

We estimate the time and duration for every pressure-washing project we handle. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The time it takes to power wash your house depends on several factors.

If you want to reveal the true beauty of your home, you better call on the experts. Contact us today at 610-692-9274 to schedule your consultation and experience the difference!

How Long Does it Take To Power Wash A House, If I Do It?

Pressure washing in an average house can take 30 minutes to 3 hours, with an extra 15 to 30 minutes for setup and cleanup.

When pressure washing, you’ve got two steps: applying cleaning liquids and rinsing the exterior. Remember to give some time between applying and rinsing for the dirt and mold removal to work.

The size of your house plays a vital role. Small ones (1200-1500 sq ft) take around 30 minutes, while larger ones take 2-3 hours. Other factors like how many people are working, their experience, and the type of equipment also affect the time. A pressure washer is a good equipment for deep cleaning. 

What Is The Difference Between Power Washing And Pressure Washing In A House?

The key distinction lies in the heating element. Power washing utilizes highly pressurized, heated steam, while pressure washing employs unheated, high-pressure tap water. To learn more about their key difference, you can check our article about Key Differences of Power Wash vs. Pressure Wash. 

Factors Affecting How Long It Takes to Power Wash a House

Here are the key things that can influence your power washing project’s duration:

Size of Your House

This is a no-brainer. A medium-sized house (around 2,000 square feet) will naturally take longer to clean than a smaller bungalow. Remember, every square foot needs attention!

Number of Stories

Two-story houses take more time simply because there’s more surface area to cover. Reaching those second-story sections takes extra effort and might require specialized equipment.

Condition of Your Exterior

Heavily soiled houses with layers of dirt, mold, or mildew will take considerably longer to clean than those with just a light layer of grime. Stubborn stains might require a stronger cleaning solution and more focused cleaning, adding to the time.

Complexity of Your Exterior Design

Houses with intricate details, nooks, crannies, or multiple textures in their siding will take longer to clean thoroughly. Hard-to-reach areas require more maneuvering and time investment.

DIY vs. Professional Power Washing

If you’re tackling the project yourself, factor in your experience level. Learning the ropes and setting up the equipment will add time. Professional power washing companies have the experience and equipment to work efficiently, often completing the job faster.

When Should You Not Power Wash Your Home?

Experts recommend scheduling power or pressure washing during moderate seasons like spring or fall. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, should be avoided. Ideally, aim to conduct this maintenance task between March and November, ensuring favorable weather conditions for effective cleaning without risking damage to the property.

How Much Does it Cost to Power Wash a House?

Since the time it takes to power wash a house can vary, the cost also fluctuates. Professional companies typically charge by the square footage of your home, with the complexity of the job sometimes influencing the final price. The cost of pressure washing an entire house varies.

The usual cost, or on average, to pressure wash a house is around $308, but it can vary from $196 to $420 based on what needs to be done. In general, expect to pay between $0.25 and $1.00 per square foot for professional power washing.

Keep in mind that you’ll also need to factor in the cost of cleaning solutions and any other equipment you may need. Read more about our comprehensive guide to the costs and value of power washing prices among companies.  

DIY vs. Professional Power Washing of a House?

Now, let’s weigh the pros and cons of DIY versus hiring a professional. If you’re the handy type and have some experience with pressure washing, DIY might be the way to go. It can save you some cash and give you a sense of satisfaction knowing you did it yourself.

However, it’s best to leave it to the pros if you’re uncomfortable operating a pressure washer or tackling those hard-to-reach areas. A professional power washing company has the expertise and equipment to do the job quickly and safely. You can guarantee that professionals provide a comprehensive power washing service.

Safety First: Proper Safety Measures

Before you break out the pressure washer, it’s essential to prioritize safety. While pressure washing is generally safe when done correctly, following proper safety measures is essential to avoid accidents or damage to your property.

Always wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves to shield yourself from flying debris and cleaning solutions. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings and any potential hazards, such as electrical outlets or fragile landscaping features.

After you have finished the pressure washing, always clean up immediately. Do not leave harsh chemicals.

Is It Easy To Power Wash A House

Power washing a house carries potential risks. While it’s manageable to pressure wash siding and gutters on a single-story home from ground level, tackling a two-story house or areas with difficult access poses greater challenges and hazards. Moreover, the immense force of pressure washers can cause severe injuries, including skin damage and even blindness.

What Is The Best Way To Power Wash A House

The optimal approach is to begin cleaning from the bottom and work upwards. Utilize a cleaning solution and start power washing at the base of the house, progressing methodically. This technique prevents water and suds from cascading down the exterior, reducing the likelihood of overlooking sections. Maintain a horizontal, side-to-side spraying motion for thorough cleaning.

The Cleaning Process: High Pressure vs. Low Pressure

Regarding pressure washing, there’s a common misconception that higher pressure equals better cleaning. However, that’s not always the case. Too much pressure can damage delicate surfaces or force water into unwanted areas, causing potential water damage.

For most exterior surfaces, a medium-pressure setting is sufficient to remove dirt and grime effectively without risking damage. Professional power washing companies understand the importance of using the right pressure for each surface, ensuring a thorough clean without any collateral damage.

Finding the Right Pressure: High, Low, or Just Right?

This might surprise you, but there are better options than high-pressure washing. Using too much pressure can damage your siding, windows, or even delicate landscaping.

Professional power washing companies know exactly what pressure to use for different surfaces. They’ll use the cleaning power necessary to remove dirt and grime without harming your house.

Low-pressure settings are also useful for certain situations, especially for delicate surfaces like wood decks. 

How Many Times Should You Pressure Wash Your Home?

An annual pressure washing regimen for homeowners with vinyl, metal, or composite siding is recommended. However, those with wood siding should assess the need based on dirt accumulation or mildew growth unless gentle pressure washing to remove pollen or cobwebs is undertaken annually. 

Final Thoughts

Power washing your house is a fantastic way to boost curb appeal, remove built-up dirt and grime, and even increase your property value. The time it takes to complete the project depends on your house’s size, condition, and complexity. Do not speed up the power washing process to avoid extra costs.

For a quick and professional job, consider hiring a reputable power washing company. They have the expertise and equipment to get the job done right, often in less time than it would take you to do it yourself.

Remember, a clean and well-maintained house is an investment! We hope this answers your question how long does it take to power wash a house.

Frequently Asked Questions

What PSI range is suitable for a pressure washer?

The ideal PSI for a pressure washer varies depending on the intended use. As a general guideline, when shopping for one, aim for a model with a PSI ranging from 2,000 to 3,000.

A PSI of 3,000 is usually sufficient for most household tasks, and even the lower settings on such machines are typically suitable for surfaces like wood and siding.

How long does a pressure washer typically last?

Many pressure washers are designed to last for around 500 hours of use. While this might not seem extensive, considering that most homeowners use the machine for approximately 50 hours per year, your pressure washer should endure for a reliable 10 years.

What surfaces or items can be cleaned using a pressure washer?

You can clean a bunch of surfaces with a pressure washer. Your house siding, driveway, garage floor, patio, deck, and outdoor furniture are all fair game. Remember to adjust the pressure based on what you’re cleaning—concrete can take more pressure than wood.