Pressure wash your home's siding, driveway, deck, and walkways safely with the right equipment settings, cleaning solutions, and techniques for each surface type.
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Equipment and Safety Setup
Choose the right pressure washer for the job
Electric models (1,300-2,000 PSI) handle most homeowner tasks and cost $100-$250 to buy. Gas models (2,500-4,000 PSI) tackle heavy concrete cleaning and cost $250-$500. Renting a gas unit costs $50-$100/day. More PSI is not always better — too much pressure damages surfaces.
Select the correct nozzle for each surface
0-degree (red) is for cutting — never use on siding or wood. 15-degree (yellow) strips paint and heavy grime. 25-degree (green) is the all-purpose workhorse for most cleaning. 40-degree (white) is for delicate surfaces like windows and softwood. Start with a wider angle and narrow down.
Wear safety gear: goggles, closed-toe shoes, long pants
A pressure washer stream at 2,000 PSI can cut through skin and cause serious injury. Never point the wand at people, pets, or yourself. Wear safety goggles (not just glasses) to protect against flying debris. Ear protection is needed for gas models.
Protect landscaping, windows, and electrical fixtures
Cover outdoor outlets and light fixtures with plastic bags and tape. Close all windows tightly. Move potted plants and outdoor furniture out of the spray zone. Soak delicate plants with water before and after washing — this dilutes any chemical runoff.
Connect the water supply and test the unit
Use a standard garden hose with a minimum flow of 2 gallons per minute. Squeeze the trigger to purge air before starting the engine. Running a pressure washer without water flow for more than 30 seconds can burn out the pump — replacement pumps cost $150-$400.
House Siding
Apply cleaning solution from bottom to top
Use the black soap nozzle (low pressure) to apply detergent. Working bottom to top prevents streaking from dirty runoff. Mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water for mildew, or use a commercial house wash ($10-$20/gallon) that covers 500-1,000 sq ft.
Let the solution dwell for 5-10 minutes
The cleaning solution needs contact time to break down mildew, algae, and dirt. Don't let it dry on the surface — re-apply if it starts drying. Work in sections of 10-15 feet at a time to keep the solution wet.
Rinse siding from top to bottom with the 25-degree nozzle
Hold the wand 12-18 inches from vinyl siding and 18-24 inches from wood siding. Aim slightly downward, never upward under the lap edges — water forced behind siding causes mold and rot in the wall cavity. Use 1,500-2,000 PSI maximum for vinyl.
Spot-treat stubborn stains
Rust stains need an oxalic acid cleaner ($8-$12/bottle). Oil and grease stains need a degreaser ($8-$15/gallon). Apply, scrub with a stiff brush, let sit 5 minutes, then rinse. Some stains may need 2 treatments.
Concrete and Driveway
Pre-treat oil stains on the driveway
Apply a concrete degreaser ($10-$15/gallon) directly to oil spots. Scrub with a stiff bristle brush and let sit 15-30 minutes. Older oil stains may need a poultice treatment left overnight. Treat stains before pressure washing for best results.
Apply concrete cleaner to the entire surface
Use a concrete-specific cleaner or mix 1 cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) per 2 gallons of water. Apply with the low-pressure soap nozzle and let dwell for 10 minutes. One gallon of concrete cleaner ($12-$18) covers 200-300 sq ft.
Pressure wash concrete with the 15-degree or turbo nozzle
Use 2,500-3,000 PSI for concrete driveways and sidewalks. A surface cleaner attachment ($50-$100) cleans 4x faster than a wand and leaves no stripe marks. Work in overlapping passes moving at a steady pace. A 20x40-foot driveway takes 45-90 minutes.
Seal concrete after it dries for 24-48 hours
Concrete sealer ($25-$40/gallon) protects against stains, moisture, and freeze-thaw damage. One gallon covers 200-300 sq ft. Apply with a roller or pump sprayer. Sealed concrete resists oil and rust stains for 2-3 years before reapplication.
Deck and Wood Surfaces
Apply deck cleaner or wood brightener
Deck cleaner ($12-$18/gallon) removes gray weathering and mildew. Wood brightener contains oxalic acid that restores the natural color. Apply with a pump sprayer or roller and let sit 10-15 minutes. One gallon covers 100-200 sq ft.
Wash wood with low pressure and the 40-degree nozzle
Use 500-1,200 PSI maximum on wood decks. Higher pressure drives water into the grain, raises fibers, and damages the surface. Hold the wand 12-18 inches away and move with the grain direction. Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cleaning.
Scrub stubborn mildew with a brush before rinsing
Black mildew in wood grain may need manual scrubbing with a stiff-bristle brush and deck cleaner. Work the cleaner into the grain and let it sit 5 minutes before rinsing. Heavily weathered decks may need sanding with 60-80 grit after washing.
Let the deck dry 48-72 hours before staining or sealing
Wood must be completely dry before applying stain or sealer. Check by pressing a paper towel to the surface — any moisture transfer means it's not ready. Apply stain or sealer within 2 weeks of washing, before the wood weathers again.
Cleanup and Equipment Care
Rinse all landscaping and plants with clean water
Chemical runoff from cleaning solutions can damage plants if left on leaves and soil. Give all nearby plants a thorough rinse with the garden hose after washing is complete. Water the soil around the foundation to dilute any pooled chemicals.
Flush the pressure washer pump with clean water
Run clean water through the system for 2 minutes after disconnecting the soap line. This flushes chemical residue that corrodes pump seals. For storage longer than 30 days, run pump saver solution ($8-$12/bottle) through the system.
Store nozzles and attachments properly
Rinse all nozzles and check for clogs. Store in a labeled bag so you can find the right tip next time. Replace any cracked O-rings ($2-$5 for a multi-pack) to prevent leaks at connections. Coil the hose loosely to prevent kinks.
Inspect cleaned surfaces and note any needed repairs
Pressure washing reveals damage hidden under dirt: cracked siding, rotted trim, loose mortar, and concrete cracks. Make a list of repairs while the surfaces are clean. Address wood repairs before applying stain or sealer. Mortar joints cost $5-$10 per linear foot to repoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What PSI pressure washer do I need for home use?
For most residential tasks, a 2,000-3,000 PSI gas or electric pressure washer handles everything. Use 1,300-1,800 PSI for cars, patio furniture, and delicate surfaces. Use 2,000-2,500 PSI for wood decks and vinyl siding. Use 2,500-3,000 PSI for concrete driveways and brick. Higher PSI damages wood and vinyl. A consumer-grade electric unit ($150-$300) works for light jobs; gas units ($300-$800) deliver more power for driveways and large surfaces.
Can pressure washing damage my house?
Yes, if done incorrectly. Using too much pressure (above 2,000 PSI) on wood siding strips the grain and causes fuzzing. Vinyl siding cracks under sustained close-range blasts. Water forced up behind siding seams and into window frames causes mold and rot inside walls. Always start with a wide fan tip (25-40 degrees) at 12-18 inches from the surface and test a small area first. Spray at a downward angle on siding to prevent water intrusion behind lap joints.
How much does professional pressure washing cost?
Professional pressure washing costs $0.15-$0.30 per square foot for driveways and patios, $0.15-$0.50 per square foot for house siding, and $0.25-$0.50 per square foot for decks. A standard 2-car driveway (400 sq ft) runs $100-$200. A full house wash costs $200-$600. Deck cleaning and prep for staining runs $150-$300. Most pros charge a $150-$200 minimum regardless of job size.
Should I use detergent with a pressure washer?
Yes, detergent cuts through grime, mold, and mildew 3-4x faster than water alone and allows you to use lower pressure, reducing surface damage risk. For house siding, use a dedicated siding cleaner ($10-$15 per gallon concentrate). For concrete, use a degreaser ($12-$20 per gallon). For mold and mildew, a sodium hypochlorite (bleach-based) wash at 1-3% concentration works best. Always apply detergent from the bottom up on vertical surfaces to prevent streaking, then rinse from top down.
How often should a house exterior be pressure washed?
Wash your house exterior once a year in spring to remove winter grime, pollen, and mildew buildup. Driveways and walkways benefit from washing every 1-2 years, or whenever oil stains, moss, or algae become visible. Decks should be washed annually before re-sealing. Homes in humid climates (Southeast, Pacific Northwest) or near trees develop mold and algae faster and may need washing every 6-8 months on the north-facing sides.