What Is House Washing?
House washing is the cleaning of your home's exterior walls, trim, eaves, and soffits. Professional crews use a method called soft washing, which applies a cleaning solution at low pressure, lets it work for a few minutes, and rinses it off gently. The solution kills algae and mildew at the root, so your house stays clean longer than it would after a plain water blast. High pressure is saved for concrete, where it belongs.
Why Austin Homes Need Regular House Washing
Austin's humidity and shade make the north side of most homes turn green within a year or two. Homes under live oaks in Tarrytown, Allandale, and Travis Heights see it even faster, because the trees keep walls damp and shaded. Cedar pollen coats houses from December through February, and oak pollen follows in the spring, leaving a yellow film on siding, screens, and window sills.
Austin homes also collect spider webs, dirt dauber nests, and red dirt splash along the bottom of the walls. In newer neighborhoods like Mueller and Easton Park, construction dust settles on everything for months. A yearly soft wash removes all of it before it stains paint or grows into the surface.
Signs Your House Needs a Wash
- Green or black streaks, especially on the north side and under eaves
- A gray or yellow film on siding, trim, and window frames
- Spider webs and nests in corners, soffits, and porch ceilings
- Dark drip lines under windows and gutters
- Red or brown dirt splash along the bottom of the walls
- Paint that looks dull or faded even though it is not old
House Washing by Siding Type
Hardie Board and Fiber Cement Siding
Hardie board is common on Austin homes built in the last 20 years, and it is tougher than vinyl. Even so, James Hardie advises against high pressure washing, and its maintenance bulletin warns that damage from improper cleaning may not be covered by the warranty. The bulletin says any pressure washer should use a wide fan tip, stay at least 6 feet from the wall, and stay under 1,500 psi. Our soft wash stays well within those limits, and we test a small spot first on painted or older boards.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding bends and can crack under high pressure, and water sprayed upward can get trapped behind the panels. We apply our cleaning mix at low pressure and rinse at a downward angle so water runs off the siding instead of behind it. This also protects the small weep holes along the bottom edge of each panel.
Stucco
Stucco is porous, so dirt and algae soak in rather than sitting on top. High pressure can chip the finish, crack older stucco, and leave visible wand marks. Soft washing lets the solution reach into the pores and lift the stain out, then a gentle rinse carries it away.
Brick, Stone, and Limestone
Brick, Austin stone, and limestone look tough, but high pressure can wash out mortar and etch softer stone. Stone also needs a slightly stronger mix and more time than siding, which is why stone heavy homes cost a bit more. We rinse stone thoroughly to prevent white residue from forming as it dries.
Painted Wood and Trim
Painted wood trim, shutters, and older wood siding can lose paint under even moderate pressure. We clean them with low pressure and a mild mix. If we see loose or peeling paint during the estimate, we point it out before we start so there are no surprises.
| Siding Type | Our Method | Main Risk With High Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Hardie board | Soft wash | Surface damage and warranty issues |
| Vinyl | Soft wash, downward rinse | Cracks and water behind panels |
| Stucco | Soft wash | Chips, cracks, and wand marks |
| Brick and stone | Soft wash, stronger mix | Mortar loss and etching |
| Painted wood | Low pressure, mild mix | Peeling and stripped paint |
What's Included in Our House Wash
Every house wash includes all exterior walls, trim, eaves, soffits, and fascia. We also clean the front porch ceiling, porch columns, the garage door, exterior light fixtures, and the outside face of your gutters. Windows get a rinse as we go so the cleaning mix does not dry on the glass. Driveways, roofs, patios, and fences are separate services that we can add to the same visit.
How Much Does House Washing Cost in Austin?
| Home Size | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| One story, up to 2,000 sq ft | $349 to $599 |
| Two story, 2,000 to 3,500 sq ft | $549 to $999 |
| Larger or stone heavy homes | Quoted after a walkthrough |
Your price depends on square footage, number of stories, siding type, and how much algae has built up. Heavy growth, tall walls, and lots of stone add time. Adding a driveway, patio, or roof to the same visit usually costs less than booking each one separately, because our crew is already set up. You always get a written quote before any work begins.
Our House Washing Process
We start by walking your property, checking every surface, and pointing out loose paint, cracked caulk, or other problems. Then we soak your plants, cover outlets and lights, and close off any delicate areas. We apply the soft wash mix from the bottom up, let it work for a few minutes, and rinse from the top down. After a final rinse of every plant and surface, we check our work and text you before and after photos. You can read every step in detail on our process and safety page.
How Often Should You Wash Your House in Austin?
Once a year works for most Austin homes. Shaded homes, homes near Lady Bird Lake or Lake Travis, and homes under heavy tree cover may need a wash every 9 to 12 months. The best time is late spring, after oak pollen fades, or in October and November before cedar season and holiday guests.
Soft Washing vs. DIY Pressure Washing
A rented pressure washer can take a full weekend to clean a house that a trained crew finishes in a few hours. The bigger risk is damage: too much pressure can strip paint, crack vinyl, chip stucco, and force water behind siding. Plain water also does not kill algae, so the green comes back fast. If you want to do some cleaning yourself, stick to concrete and leave the walls to a soft wash crew.
Recent House Washing Projects in Austin
Crestview: Soft wash of Hardie siding and a limestone front porch on a one story home. North wall algae and cedar pollen film removed in about four hours, with a test spot on the painted trim first.
Mueller: Two story stucco home with dark drip lines under every window and construction dust from nearby building. Soft washed with a slightly stronger mix on the north side, finished in about five hours.
House Washing FAQs
Will soft washing damage my paint?
Is bleach safe on my siding?
Do you clean windows during a house wash?
How long does a clean house stay clean?
Can soft washing remove chalky oxidation from siding?
Get a Free House Washing Quote in Austin
Send us a few photos of your home or book a free walkthrough. Call or text (737) 344-9565, or visit our office at 5555 N. Lamar Blvd, Bldg C, Austin, TX 78751. We reply with a written quote within two business hours. There is no cost and no obligation to book.