Pressure Washing Houston • House Exterior Cleaning
House Exterior Cleaning Services
Houston house exteriors washed clean — mildew on the north face, algae on the soffits, dirt on the siding — all of it removed at the correct pressure for each surface type. Surface ready to paint, seal, or just look maintained.
Executive Summary: House Exterior Cleaning Services
House exterior cleaning services cover the pressure washing and soft washing of Houston home exteriors — siding, stucco, brick, soffits, fascia, and gutters. The correct service uses different pressure settings for different surfaces — high-pressure concrete technique on Hardie board damages the surface and voids manufacturer care guidelines.
Standard house wash: soft wash (low pressure + detergent dwell) on siding and stucco; medium pressure on brick; high pressure only on concrete or masonry surfaces. Most whole-home exterior washes complete in 2–4 hours. Estimated cost: $200–$1,000.
Every Houston exterior wash requires biocide treatment where mildew is present. Pressure washing mildew without killing it first moves the organism across the surface — it regrows within one season on the disturbed substrate.
The Fast Facts on House Exterior Cleaning Services
What does house exterior washing cost?
The short answer is an estimated $200 to $1,000 for a standard Houston home depending on size, surface type, and mildew severity. Small single-story homes at the lower end; large two-story homes with stucco and heavy mildew at the upper end. Your written quote is fixed before work starts.
What pressure is safe for house siding?
The short answer is soft wash — under 500 PSI with detergent dwell — for most siding types including Hardie board, vinyl, and painted wood. High pressure on siding strips paint, forces water behind panels, and can void manufacturer care guidelines. We soft-wash siding and reserve high pressure for concrete surfaces only.
How long does a house exterior wash take?
The short answer is 2 to 4 hours for most Houston homes. Homes with heavy mildew on north-facing walls or large stucco surfaces may run closer to 4 to 5 hours with biocide dwell time included.
Recent Houston House Exterior Cleaning Services Jobs
Three recent pressure washing jobs across Greater Houston.
Whole-Home Exterior Wash — The Heights (77008)
March 2026 · 1,900 sq ft two-story wood siding home. Heavy mildew on north face and soffits. Biocide treatment first, soft wash on all siding. High pressure on concrete porch. 3.5 hours. Pre-painting prep confirmed clean by painting crew.
Stucco Wash Before Repaint — Katy (77494)
November 2025 · 2,600 sq ft stucco two-story. Chalk and mildew on south and north faces. Detergent pre-soak, medium pressure on stucco. Surface confirmed dry and clean before masonry primer was applied 48 hours later.
Hardie Board Exterior Soft Wash — Sugar Land (77479)
January 2026 · 2,200 sq ft, 10-year-old Hardie siding. Algae and dark streaks on east and north panels. Biocide solution dwell, soft wash rinse. No panel damage, no water intrusion behind panels. 2.5 hours.
All prices are estimates. Final scope confirmed in writing before work begins.
House Exterior Washing Problems Are Almost Always Wrong Pressure
Paint stripped from siding by high-pressure washing
High-pressure washing at 2,000+ PSI on painted Hardie, vinyl, or wood siding strips paint in strips. Soft wash — detergent dwell at under 500 PSI — removes mildew and grime without touching the paint surface.
Mildew returns 4 months after the last wash
The surface was pressure-washed but not biocide-treated. Pressure washing moves mildew off the surface without killing the organism — it regrows from surviving spores within one growing season. Biocide dwell before rinsing kills the organism at the surface level.
Water forced behind siding panels
High-pressure washing aimed upward or directly into panel seams forces water behind the siding. Behind Hardie board, trapped moisture accelerates deterioration. We angle the nozzle downward and use correct pressure for panel type.
Schedule a Walkthrough
We walk the exterior and assess surface type and mildew level before writing a number.
Our Process: Clean the Right Way
- 1Surface Assessment & Chemical SelectionWe assess stain type, surface material, and contamination level before selecting the correct pressure, detergent, or biocide solution. High pressure on the wrong surface causes etching, splintering, or shingle granule loss — we confirm the correct approach before any water is applied.
- 2Pre-Treat, Wash & RinseDetergent or biocide solution applied first and allowed to dwell before pressure washing — this breaks down contaminants at the surface level rather than forcing them deeper with water alone. Thorough rinse removes all residue and detergent from the surface.
- 3Final Inspection & Site CleanWe walk every cleaned surface with you before leaving. Waste water is directed away from storm drains and landscaping. All hoses and equipment removed from the property. Written completion confirmation available on request.
What to Expect: Your Service Timeline
| Stage | When | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival & setup | On-site | Equipment staged; plants pre-soaked; outlets protected |
| Chemical pre-treat | 15–30 min | Detergent or biocide applied and allowed to dwell on surface |
| Pressure wash | 1–3 hours | Surface washed at correct PSI; problem areas addressed with surface cleaner |
| Rinse & inspect | 30 min | Thorough rinse; surface inspected for remaining staining |
| Site clean & departure | 15 min | Equipment removed; waste water cleared; property returned clean |
Most house exterior washes: 2 to 4 hours. Homes with heavy mildew or large stucco surfaces may extend to 5 hours with biocide dwell time.
The Right Time to Schedule House Exterior Cleaning Services
You are painting in the next 2–4 weeks.
Paint applied to a dirty, chalky, or mildewed surface does not bond. The exterior must be washed and fully dry — typically 48–72 hours — before primer is applied.
The north-facing walls look dark from mildew.
North-facing Houston siding accumulates mildew faster than any other elevation. Annual washing with biocide treatment keeps it manageable.
You are listing and the exterior needs to show well.
Fresh-washed siding photographs dramatically better in listing photos. Most house washes book within a few days of the call.
Check Availability
Book 3–7 days ahead for most Houston exterior washes. Call now to confirm availability.
The Henry Contractor Difference
Right pressure for the surface
Power washing concrete at 3,000 PSI is correct. The same pressure on painted siding strips paint. On shingles, it shreds granules. We match PSI to surface type — and switch to soft wash (under 500 PSI with chemical dwell) for surfaces that require it.
Biocide before the rinse
Pressure washing mildew without biocide treatment moves the organism around the surface without killing it. It regrows faster on a freshly disturbed surface. We apply biocide solution first, allow dwell time, then rinse — every time mildew is present.
No damage to landscaping or electrical
Pre-soak all plantings before washing, cover all exterior outlets, and direct waste water away from storm drains and plant beds. We protect adjacent surfaces as part of standard prep — not an afterthought.
Transparent Pricing for House Exterior Cleaning Services
| What Drives the Cost | Standard vs. Premium Service | What to Know Before Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Square footage and surface type; a standard driveway is different scope from a large property with multiple surface types | Standard: one detergent type, single pass. Premium: biocide pre-treat + detergent + high-pressure rinse for heavily contaminated surfaces | Active mold or algae requires biocide dwell time — adds to the service window |
| Staining severity; light surface grime vs. embedded oil, rust, or heavy mildew growth | Standard: standard pressure, single rinse. Premium: hot water or rotary surface cleaner on heavy concrete staining | Height or restricted access adds staging time and equipment |
| Chemical requirements; standard wash vs. biocide, degreaser, or oxidizing cleaner | Standard: water only or mild detergent. Premium: targeted chemical for stain type | Environmental compliance for commercial sites: waste water containment may be required |
House exterior wash: $200–$1,000 depending on size and mildew level. Written quote fixed before work starts.
Get an Exact Number
We assess surface type, staining level, and area before writing a number.
House Exterior Cleaning Services vs. Garden Hose vs. Rental Equipment
| Feature | Henry Contractor | Garden Hose | Rental Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure & Technique | Matched to surface type; soft wash where required; correct PSI by material | Garden hose pressure inadequate for embedded stains or mildew | Fixed PSI regardless of surface; etching or surface damage common |
| Chemical Treatment | Biocide or detergent applied to dwell before rinse; stain type matched to chemical | No chemical treatment; water only; mildew regrows quickly | Generic soap; not matched to stain type |
| Surface Safety | Surface-specific technique; no high pressure on shingles, painted siding, or wood grain | Nozzle distance inconsistent; etching or wood splintering common | No surface assessment; damage to softer surfaces common |
| Waste Water Management | Plant beds pre-soaked; outlets covered; waste water directed from drains | Runoff unmanaged | No containment; chemical runoff into storm drains or plant beds |
| Pricing Transparency | Written quote per surface; fixed before work starts | Material and time costs unpredictable | Low per-surface rate; add-ons for chemicals and setup common |
Who We Partner With
Houston Homeowners
Annual or pre-paint exterior washing is the lowest-cost maintenance step you can take on a Houston home. Mildew removal extends the life of every coat of paint.
Pre-Sale Sellers
Listing photos with clean siding show better and faster. A house wash takes 2 to 4 hours and costs a fraction of a repaint.
Property Managers
Rental properties with visible mildew on exterior siding generate tenant complaints and reduce curb appeal. Scheduled washing maintains appearance between repaints.
Proudly Serving Greater Houston
We proudly provide professional pressure washing services to homeowners, businesses, and property managers throughout the Greater Houston area, including: The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Cypress, Memorial, and surrounding communities.
Combine house exterior washing with a whole-house exterior repaint, or return to the pressure washing hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer is an estimated $200 to $1,000 depending on home size, surface type, and mildew severity. Small single-story homes at the lower end; large two-story homes with stucco and heavy mildew at the upper end.
The short answer is soft wash — under 500 PSI with detergent dwell — for all siding types including Hardie board, vinyl, and painted wood. High pressure on siding strips paint and can force water behind panels. We use soft wash on siding and high pressure only on concrete surfaces.
The short answer is 2 to 4 hours for most Houston homes. Homes with heavy mildew on multiple elevations or large stucco surfaces may extend to 4 to 5 hours with biocide dwell time included.
The short answer is no — mildew is environmental and will return in Houston’s humid climate. Biocide treatment significantly slows regrowth by killing the organism rather than just rinsing it off. Annual washing prevents heavy buildup from developing.
The short answer is 48 to 72 hours after pressure washing — the surface must be fully dry before any primer is applied. Painting over wet or damp siding causes adhesion failure and blistering.
Ready to get your surfaces clean?
Fill out the free estimate form at the top of the page to get started, or call us directly to schedule your on-site assessment.