Pressure washing
Compare local pressure washing and soft-washing companies for siding, decks and driveways. 5,391 pros listed in 2,153 cities across 49 states.
Reviewed and updated by the Fixerlane editorial team · How we research
Pressure Washing by city
What pressure washing covers
Pressure washing uses a high-pressure stream of water — sometimes heated, sometimes with a detergent — to strip dirt, algae, mould, oil and old coatings from hard surfaces. Common jobs are driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, fences, decks, brick and the outside of a house.
Soft washing is the gentler variant for siding and roofs: low pressure, with a cleaning solution doing most of the work. A good company chooses between the two surface by surface rather than using full pressure on everything.
Surfaces that need care
- Vinyl siding: high pressure can force water behind the panels.
- Wood decks and fences: too much pressure raises the grain and gouges soft wood.
- Older brick and mortar: pressure can erode soft mortar joints.
- Asphalt shingle roofs: these are usually soft-washed, not pressure-washed.
- Painted surfaces: washing before repainting is normal prep, but stripping paint from a pre-1978 home is covered by EPA’s lead rules (below).
- Windows, vents and outdoor electrical fittings, which should be protected.
When it is worth doing
Before painting or staining, when prep is most of the job; when algae or mildew makes a path or deck slippery; before selling; and where staining from oil, rust or leaves has built up. A yearly wash keeps most surfaces from needing the harsher cleaning that heavy build-up requires.
How to choose a pressure washing company
- Ask which surfaces they will pressure-wash and which they will soft-wash, and what chemicals they use near plants, pets and ponds.
- Check liability insurance — water forced into siding or an etched driveway is expensive to put right.
- Ask how they protect windows, outlets, lights and landscaping.
- For a pre-1978 home where paint will be stripped or disturbed, ask for their EPA or state Renovation, Repair and Painting certification.
- Ask about water supply and run-off: some cities restrict washing wastewater going into storm drains.
What affects the cost
- Area: square footage of driveway or deck, or the size and height of the house.
- Surface and method: soft washing siding or a roof takes different equipment and chemicals than a concrete driveway.
- How dirty it is: heavy algae, oil stains or rust need pre-treatment.
- Height and access — two-storey walls and steep lots add time.
- Add-ons such as sealing a deck or driveway afterwards.
- Bundles: several surfaces in one visit usually cost less than separate calls.
DIY or a pro, and safety
Renting a pressure washer for a concrete patio is a reasonable DIY job. Siding, roofs, wood and anything above ground level are where inexperience causes damage — and where working from a ladder with a washer that kicks back becomes dangerous.
A pressure-washer jet can cut skin; never point it at a person or an animal. Gas pressure washers produce carbon monoxide: CPSC warns never to operate a gasoline engine-powered tool in or near an enclosed space such as a garage (CPSC). In a pre-1978 home, anyone paid to disturb paint must be RRP-certified unless the exterior area is 20 square feet or less (EPA).
Common questions
- What is the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?
- Pressure washing relies on high water pressure; soft washing uses low pressure and a cleaning solution. Soft washing is usual for siding and roofs.
- Can pressure washing damage siding?
- Yes, if the pressure is too high or the angle is wrong — it can force water behind vinyl siding. That is why many companies soft-wash houses.
- How often should I pressure wash my house?
- It depends on climate, shade and trees. Many homeowners wash yearly or before painting; ask a local company what it sees on houses like yours.
- Is pressure washing safe for wood decks?
- With low pressure and the right tip, yes. Too much pressure gouges the wood and raises the grain.
- Do I need to be home?
- Usually not, but the company needs access to an outdoor tap and the work areas, and you should close windows and move outdoor furniture.
- Is it safe to run a gas pressure washer in the garage?
- No. CPSC warns never to run a gasoline engine-powered tool in or near an enclosed space, because of carbon monoxide.
Related services
Sources
Safety and standards advice on this page comes from these publishers. Dates are the ones each page shows.
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers (no date shown; read October 2026)
- US EPA, Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Contractors (last updated March 31, 2026)
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