How To Pressure Wash A House: Step-by-step Guide

Learning how to pressure wash a house is one of the most effective ways to improve curb appeal and extend the life of siding, decks, patios or patio furniture. With the right equipment, spray nozzle, and safety precautions, you can use pressurized water to effectively clean dirt, mildew, and paint buildup in just a few hours. 

This guide will breakdown:

• How to choose the best PSI and spray nozzle for your home
• The full step-by-step process to pressure wash exterior surfaces
• What it costs to pressure wash a house 
• and when to consider professional cleaning services

Choosing the Right Pressure Washer

Not all pressure washers are created equal, and choosing the right one is essential for protecting exterior surfaces.

• Electric vs. Gas: Electric pressure washers are lighter, easier to maintain, and use cold water, which works for small patios or single-story homes. Gas-powered pressure washers are heavy duty and deliver high pressure water, making them better for larger square foot areas or story homes with extensive siding.
• Water Flow (GPM): Gallons per minute measure how fast the machine can rinse. Higher water flow improves how effectively you deep clean siding and stone surfaces.
• Spray Nozzle Types: Adjustable nozzles give you flexibility. A 25° or 40° nozzle is best for siding, while a 0° pinpoint nozzle can cause damage and should only be used on durable stone or concrete.

According to Bob Vila, matching the PSI and nozzle to the material is key to avoiding costly mistakes.

Pro Tip: Check your owner’s manual for guidance before starting.

What’s the Correct PSI for My Home’s Siding?

The best PSI for house pressure washing varies depending on exterior surfaces:

• Vinyl siding: 1,300–1,600 PSI
• Wood siding: 1,200–1,500 PSI (soft wash settings and wide spray nozzles to prevent damage)
• Brick or stone: 2,500–3,000 PSI with a rotating spray nozzle
• Painted surfaces: Use lower PSI to avoid stripping
• Roof shingles: Avoid direct high pressure water. A roof clean should use low PSI soft wash methods to prevent lifting shingles.

If you are unsure, start with a wide range nozzle and lower pressure. Increase gradually while monitoring results.

Steps to Pressure Wash Any House

Step 1: Assemble the Wand

Securely attach the wand to your washer. This tool directs the pressurized water onto exterior surfaces.

Step 2: Connect the High-Pressure Hose

Connect the high-pressure hose between the washer and the wand. Ensure fittings are tight to handle heavy duty water flow.

Step 3: Connect the Garden Hose

Attach your garden hose to supply cold water to the machine. Make sure the water source is steady to avoid air gaps.

Step 4: Select & Attach Your Nozzle

Choose the correct spray nozzle for the job. Wide nozzles are safer for siding; narrow nozzles deep clean stone or patios.

Step 5: Turn On the Hose

Ensure water flows freely through the garden hose before starting. This prevents pump damage.

Step 6: Plug In or Fuel Up

Plug into a power outlet (electric models) or add gasoline (gas models). Check all safety connections.

Step 7: Turn On the Pressure Washer

Start the machine and test spray in an inconspicuous area to make sure you can effectively clean without damage.

According to Young House Love, test sprays are one of the best DIY pressure washing tips to avoid mistakes.

Before Cleaning With a Pressure Washer

Proper house pressure washing safety precautions ensures a great job and protects your home’s exterior surfaces. Taking time here can save money and prevent damage:

• Cover outdoor outlets, light fixtures, and electrical boxes with waterproof tape or plastic covers.
• Protect landscaping, shrubs, and garden beds with tarps or plastic sheeting to minimize detergent runoff and environmental impact.
• Wear full safety gear: goggles, gloves, hearing protection, and closed-toe shoes with good traction.
• Mix eco-friendly detergents designed for pressure washing to effectively clean mildew and dirt while reducing harm to soil and water.
• Close windows and doors to avoid leaks.
• Move vehicles, furniture, or outdoor fabrics away from spray zones.
• Always test spray on a hidden area before continuing, checking that the nozzle and PSI are safe for the material.

What We Clean With Our Pressure Washer

Composite Decking

Use lower PSI, a wide spray nozzle, and cold water. Too much pressure can damage boards. Sweep debris first and wash in long, even passes. According to Family Handyman, composite surfaces need gentle cleaning to avoid scratches.

Painted Railings

Soft wash or low pressure settings preserve the paint. Avoid direct high pressure water, which can chip paint. Detergent solutions designed for exterior cleaning work best for these delicate areas.

Outdoor Fabrics

Do not spray directly. Use detergent and rinse at low PSI for fabrics like umbrellas or cushions. Remove fabric from frames where possible. Let air dry fully to prevent mildew.

Stone Patio

High PSI and a rotating nozzle deep cleans stone. Great for removing years of buildup like algae and dirt. Use eco-friendly detergents for a deeper clean and rinse thoroughly with the garden hose.

Roof Clean

Never use high pressure water on roof shingles. A roof clean should be done with a soft wash solution and low PSI to protect the structure. Professional cleaning services highly recommend this method to avoid costly roof damage.

Pressure Wash Siding vs. Soft Wash

When cleaning siding, homeowners often compare pressure washing with soft washing. Pressure washing uses high pressure water and a spray nozzle to deep clean exterior surfaces, while soft washing relies on lower pressure and special detergents.

• Pressure wash siding: Best for brick, stone, and durable vinyl. It effectively cleans stains, mildew, and dirt buildup. Use caution on painted surfaces.
• Soft wash: Recommended for wood siding, roof shingles, and painted railings. The combination of eco-friendly detergents and low PSI reduces the risk of damage and extends the life of surfaces.

According to Angi, soft washing is highly recommended for delicate materials, while pressure washing is better for tougher surfaces that need heavy duty cleaning.

Other Uses For Your Pressure Washer

Pressure washers can effectively clean a wide range of exterior surfaces beyond siding. With the right spray nozzle and PSI settings, they can be used for:

• Driveways and sidewalks: High pressure water deep cleans oil stains, dirt, and mildew.
• Gutter cleaning: Attachments make it easier to flush debris and prevent clogs.
• Fences: Effectively clean wood or vinyl fencing to restore colour and remove buildup.
• Outdoor furniture: Use lower PSI to rinse plastics or metals without damage.
• Vehicles: A wide spray nozzle and cold water setting can wash cars, boats, or RVs.

Professional cleaning services also deploy pressure washers for a wide range of tasks, including large commercial spaces, parking lots, and industrial equipment. This versatility makes pressure washers valuable tools for both homeowners and contractors.

Pressure Washing Safety Precautions

Safety is critical when working with heavy duty equipment:

• Never point the nozzle at people or pets
• Avoid ladders — high pressure water can throw you off balance
• Always use a trigger safety lock
• Avoid spraying directly at siding seams or roof shingles
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully

For more guidance, see the EPA’s recommendations on outdoor water use to minimize environmental impact.

How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a House?

The cost to pressure wash a house depends on the square foot area, number of story homes, and condition of the siding:

• Single-story house: $200–$400
• Two-story house: $300–$600
• Larger homes or heavy buildup: $600+

DIY can cost $50–$100 if you rent a washer and use your garden hose. Hiring professional pressure washing services is more expensive but ensures a great job with specialized equipment.

Homeowners often weigh the ROI of DIY vs. hiring cleaning services. DIY saves money but is reported to take 2–6 hours depending on square foot size.

A Better Alternative for Contractors

If you run a business offering pressure washing services, invoicing and payment management is just as important as cleaning. That’s where Invoice Fly’s Invoicing Software can help:

• Create professional invoices for pressure washing jobs
• Accept online payments with ease
• Keep customer records and square foot pricing organized
• Share invoices as PDFs or with clients in real time

Need an invoicing solution for your small business? Try Invoice Fly’s Invoicing Software — It’s free!

You can also try our Invoice Generator or browse our Invoice Templates to build your own.