Gas vs. Electric Pressure Washer at a Glance

When an Electric Pressure Washer Is Enough

Most homeowner jobs do not need much pressure. Cars, patio furniture, vinyl siding, and wood decks all clean in roughly the 500 to 2,000 PSI range, which is well within what an electric machine delivers. See our pressure washer PSI chart by job for the details. Electric models start with the push of a button, store easily, and can even be used in enclosed spaces, according to The Home Depot. Lowe’s notes they are usually less expensive and easier to maintain than gas.

The tradeoffs are power and range. You need an outlet within reach, and lower-powered models make large concrete jobs slow.

When a Gas Pressure Washer Makes Sense

Gas machines start around 2,000 PSI and go up to about 5,000 PSI, and heavy-duty and commercial units are commonly gas powered. That extra pressure, usually paired with higher flow, matters on a two-car driveway, a long sidewalk, or oil-stained concrete. Gas also frees you from cords, so you can clean a fence line or a back patio far from the house.

Pressure is only part of the picture. Flow (GPM) does much of the work of rinsing dirt away, which is why our PSI vs. GPM guide is worth reading before you buy.

Maintenance: What Each Type Needs

• Electric: rinse and clean the unit after use and lubricate fittings as needed. There is no engine, so there is no oil to change.
• Gas: oil changes, gas filter changes, regular lubrication, and spark plugs as needed, plus safe fuel storage. Lowe’s notes a well-maintained gas unit typically lasts longer. See our guide to what kind of oil a pressure washer uses.

Gas Pressure Washer Safety: Carbon Monoxide

Gas engines produce carbon monoxide, which you cannot see or smell. The CDC warns never to run a pressure washer engine indoors, in a garage or carport, or near open windows, doors, or vents. If you want to clean a garage floor, use an electric unit or keep the gas engine outside and well away from the house.

Buy, Rent, or Hire a Pro?

For quick jobs a few times a year, an electric washer is the practical buy. For a once-a-year driveway, renting a gas machine can make more sense than owning one. Houses and roofs are a different job: siding and shingles should be soft washed with a cleaning solution at low pressure, not blasted with a gas machine.

In Arlington and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Stegmeier Pressure Washing’s published prices are $350 to $550 for a house wash, $150 to $300 for a driveway, and $450 to $650 for roof washing. See all of our pressure washing services, or compare pressure washing prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a gas or electric pressure washer better?

Neither is better for everyone. Electric is better for light, occasional jobs because it is quieter, lighter, and easier to maintain. Gas is better for large or frequent concrete jobs because it delivers more pressure and has no cord.

What are the downsides of an electric pressure washer?

Electric models typically have less power than gas, and they need an outlet or a charged battery. That makes large driveways and stained concrete slower to clean.

Do electric pressure washers need oil?

No engine oil is needed because there is no gas engine. Maintenance is mostly cleaning the unit after use and lubricating fittings as needed. Always follow your model’s manual for pump care.

Is a gas or electric pressure washer better for a driveway?

Gas usually wins on a large or stained driveway because of its higher pressure and flow. A strong electric model can handle a small driveway with light dirt, but expect it to take longer.

Can I use a gas pressure washer in my garage?

No. The CDC warns never to run a pressure washer engine in a garage, carport, or other enclosed space because of carbon monoxide. Keep the engine outdoors and away from open windows, doors, and vents.

Sources: Lowe’s, “Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washers”; The Home Depot, “Gas vs Electric Pressure Washers”; CDC, “Warning! Carbon Monoxide Hazard”. Prices are Stegmeier Pressure Washing’s published rates as of October 2026.

Pressure Washer PSI Chart by Job

Sources do not always agree. BLACK+DECKER, for example, puts decks and siding at 1,800 to 2,500 PSI and driveways at 2,500 to 2,800 PSI. When ranges differ, start at the low end with a wide nozzle and only move closer or switch tips if the dirt is not coming off.

Light, Medium, or Heavy Duty: Which Class Fits Your Home?

Retailers group pressure washers into three classes. The Home Depot lists them like this:

• Light duty (300–1,999 PSI, up to 1.5 GPM): cars, patio furniture, grills, and small patios.
• Medium duty (2,000–3,299 PSI, up to 2.8 GPM): decks, fences, siding, and driveways.
• Heavy duty (3,300–4,600+ PSI, up to 4.0 GPM): large concrete areas, stains, and commercial work.

For a typical North Texas home with a driveway, sidewalk, and back patio, a medium-duty machine around 2,500 to 3,000 PSI covers most jobs. Pair it with a wide nozzle for anything softer than concrete.

Why GPM Matters as Much as PSI

PSI is how hard the water hits. GPM (gallons per minute) is how much water moves the dirt away. Multiply the two and you get “cleaning units.” Dultmeier’s example compares two 3,000 PSI machines: one at 2.5 GPM (7,500 cleaning units) and one at 4.0 GPM (12,000 cleaning units). The higher-flow machine rinses debris away faster and finishes the job sooner, without needing more pressure. On a large driveway, extra flow saves more time than extra PSI. For a deeper look, read our PSI vs GPM pressure washer guide.

Pressure Washer Nozzle Guide

• 0° (red): a pinpoint jet for stuck-on debris and expansion joints. It can damage surfaces quickly, so most homeowners should leave it in the box.
• 15° (yellow): stripping, grease, gum, and tough stains on concrete.
• 25° (green): the all-purpose tip for decks, fences, vehicles, and general cleaning.
• 40° (white): wide spray for siding, windows, patios, and rinsing.
• Soap tip (black, about 65°): low pressure for applying detergent and gentle rinsing.

Surfaces That Should Not Get High Pressure

Some surfaces need a cleaner, not more PSI. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says not to use a power washer to clean algae from shingles and warns that high-pressure washing is likely to damage asphalt roofing. The same logic applies to painted wood, older siding, stucco, and window screens. These surfaces are cleaned with a soft wash: a low-pressure spray of cleaning solution that kills mildew and algae, followed by a gentle rinse. If you want to clean a deck by hand instead, see our guide on how to clean a deck without a pressure washer.

Buy, Rent, or Hire a Pro?

A small electric washer is a good buy for cars, furniture, and quick patio rinses (see gas vs. electric pressure washers). Big concrete jobs are a different story. A clean, stripe-free driveway takes a high-flow machine, a surface cleaner, and pre-treatment for oil and rust stains. Houses and roofs need soft wash equipment and the right cleaning solution.

In Arlington and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Stegmeier Pressure Washing cleans driveways for $150 to $300, depending mostly on square footage and stains. See our driveway washing service, our low-pressure house washing and roof washing, or the full list of pressure washing prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2,000 PSI enough to clean a driveway?

It can clean light dirt off a driveway, but it will be slow. Dultmeier recommends 2,500 to 4,000 PSI for concrete. At 2,000 PSI, use a 15° or 25° nozzle, pre-treat stains, and expect to make more passes.

Is 3,000 PSI too much for a house?

For siding, yes, if you use a narrow nozzle or stand close. Vinyl siding cleans at about 1,300 to 2,000 PSI. Water forced up under the laps can get behind the siding. Mildew and algae come off with a cleaning solution applied at low pressure, which is how professional house washing is done.

Is 1,000 PSI enough to wash a house?

It is enough to rinse dust and pollen off siding. It will not remove green or black growth on its own. For that, apply a house wash cleaner first, let it work, and then rinse.

Is 3,000 PSI too much to wash a car?

It is above the 1,200 to 1,900 PSI range recommended for cars. If 3,000 PSI is all you have, use the 40° nozzle, keep the tip well back from the paint, and avoid aiming at trim, seals, and chips.

What PSI do I need for a wood deck?

Start at 500 to 1,500 PSI for wood decks and fences, and 1,500 to 2,000 PSI for composite decking. Use a 25° or 40° nozzle and keep the spray moving with the grain.

Sources: Dultmeier, “Pressure Washers: What PSI Do I Need?”; BLACK+DECKER, “What PSI pressure washer is best for home use?”; The Home Depot, “Pressure Washer Buying Guide”; Alkota, “What Do Different Nozzles for Pressure Washers Do?”; Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, “Algae Discoloration”. Driveway prices are Stegmeier Pressure Washing’s published rates as of October 2026.

What You Need

• Oxygen bleach powder (sodium percarbonate). It is sold as a deck or laundry booster.
• A bucket of hot water to dissolve the powder.
• A soft or medium nylon deck brush on a pole. Skip wire brushes; they scratch and gouge wood.
• A garden hose with a spray nozzle.
• A pump sprayer or watering can to spread the solution evenly.
• Gloves, safety glasses, and non-slip shoes.
• Optional: a deck brightener with oxalic acid for the final step.

How to Clean a Wood Deck Without a Pressure Washer, Step by Step

1. Clear and Sweep the Deck

Move furniture, grills, rugs, and planters. Sweep off leaves and dirt, then clear the gaps between boards with a putty knife or a narrow brush so water can drain.

2. Wet the Deck and Nearby Plants

Mist the boards with the hose. Wet the plants and grass around the deck too, so any runoff is diluted. Work on a cool, cloudy day or in the shade. Hunker recommends applying percarbonate cleaners only when it is between 50°F and 85°F. In North Texas, that usually means a spring or fall morning.

3. Mix and Apply the Oxygen Bleach

Dissolve ½ to 1 cup of sodium percarbonate per gallon of hot water. Use the stronger mix on heavy mildew or green algae. Spread it over a section of the deck and let it soak for up to 30 minutes, adding more so the wood stays wet. Use the mix within about six hours; it loses strength after that. Test a hidden corner first if the deck has stain or sealer, because the cleaner can strip a worn finish.

4. Scrub With the Grain

Scrub each board along the grain with the nylon brush. Use light pressure on cedar and redwood, which are soft and scuff easily. Focus on shaded corners, the area under planters, and the boards near downspouts, where mildew grows fastest.

5. Rinse, Brighten, and Let It Dry

Rinse each section thoroughly with the hose before it dries. For a deck you plan to stain or seal, apply an oxalic-acid deck brightener after cleaning. It neutralizes the cleaner and returns the wood to its natural color. Rinse again, then let the deck dry for two to three days before applying any finish.

Which Cleaner Should You Use?

Why Not Chlorine Bleach?

Household bleach looks like a quick fix, but wood-treatment maker Viance notes that sodium hypochlorite breaks down lignin, the natural glue that holds wood fibers together. It also corrodes metal fasteners, harms nearby plants, and lightens the wood unevenly. Oxygen bleach cleans just as well without those side effects.

When to Call a Professional

Hand scrubbing works well for small and mid-size decks. It gets hard on a large, two-level, or heavily stained deck, or when the old finish is peeling. A professional crew uses low-pressure soft washing with the right cleaner strength for the wood, so the deck gets clean without raised grain or wand marks. In Arlington and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Stegmeier Pressure Washing cleans decks starting at $0.20 to $0.25 per square foot. Learn more about our deck cleaning service, or see our pressure washing prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to clean a wooden deck?

Sweep it, wet it, apply an oxygen bleach solution, let it soak for up to 30 minutes, scrub with a nylon brush, and rinse with a garden hose. No pressure washer is needed.

What is the best way to clean decking without a pressure washer?

Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) mixed at ½ to 1 cup per gallon of hot water is the most effective hand method. It kills mildew and algae and lifts gray weathering without damaging the wood.

Can I clean my wood deck with Dawn dish soap?

Yes, for light dirt and grease. Mix about 1 cup of mild dish soap per gallon of warm water, scrub, and rinse well. Dish soap does not kill mildew or algae, so use oxygen bleach for green or black growth.

When should you not power wash a deck?

Avoid high pressure on soft woods like pine, cedar, and redwood, on older or weathered boards, and on decks with peeling finish. High pressure can splinter the surface, raise the grain, and leave wand marks that show through new stain.

How long should a deck dry before staining?

Let the wood dry for two to three days after cleaning and rinsing, longer after rain or in humid weather.

Sources: Hunker, “How to Clean a Wood Deck With Sodium Percarbonate” (updated June 22, 2022); Viance, “Why You Should Not Use Bleach to Clean Your Deck”; Trex RainEscape, “How to Clean a Wood Deck Without a Pressure Washer”. Deck cleaning prices are Stegmeier Pressure Washing’s published rates as of October 2026.

Soft Wash House Cost at a Glance

National cost guides often lump soft washing in with pressure washing. The two methods are priced differently because they work differently. Soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution that kills mold, mildew, and algae at the root. Pressure washing relies on water force. If you want the full breakdown, read our guide to soft washing vs. pressure washing.

Cost by House Size and Number of Stories

Size and height are the two biggest drivers of price. A bigger home has more wall surface to treat and rinse. A taller home takes more time, longer hose runs, and extra care around second-story windows and trim.

What Changes the Price of a Soft Wash

• Square footage. More wall area means more cleaning solution, more time, and more rinsing.
• Number of stories. Second and third stories take longer to reach and treat evenly.
• Siding material. Vinyl, brick, stucco, stone, and painted wood each need a different solution strength and rinse approach. Stucco and painted surfaces call for extra care.
• How dirty the house is. Heavy mildew or algae, often on north-facing walls and shaded sides, may need a stronger mix or a second pass.
• Access. Tight side yards, steep slopes, dense landscaping, and fences add setup time.
• Add-ons. Gutters, windows, driveways, and roofs are priced separately, but bundling them on one visit usually costs less than booking each one alone.

How Much Does It Cost to Soft Wash a House in DFW?

In Arlington and across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, most homes we soft wash fall between $350 and $550. That range covers a typical 2,000 to 2,500 sq ft home, or about $0.15 to $0.25 per square foot of home size. Larger two-story homes, heavy algae growth, or difficult access can push a quote above that range.

Every quote is based on your home. We look at the size, the siding, and where the growth is before we give you a number. If you want a quick ballpark first, try our pressure washing cost calculator.

Soft Washing vs. DIY: Is a Pro Worth It?

Renting a pressure washer and buying cleaner can look cheaper on paper. The risk is the damage. High pressure can force water behind vinyl siding, strip paint, etch stucco, and blow out window seals. Repairs can cost more than the wash. A professional soft wash uses the right solution strength for your siding and rinses at low pressure, so the clean lasts longer and the surface stays intact. If you still want to do it yourself, our step-by-step guide to how to soft wash a house covers the safe way.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

1. Know your home’s approximate square footage and number of stories.
2. Note the siding type (vinyl, brick, stucco, stone, or wood).
3. Point out problem areas, such as green growth on the north side or black streaks under the eaves.
4. Ask whether the quote includes protecting plants, rinsing landscaping, and cleaning windows and doors.
5. Ask if bundling gutters, the driveway, or the roof on the same visit lowers the total.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to soft wash a house?

HomeAdvisor reports that most homes cost $300 to $900 to soft wash. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our typical price is $350 to $550 for a 2,000 to 2,500 sq ft home.

How much does it cost to soft wash a 2,000 sq ft house?

Angi lists $200 to $1,000 for washing a 2,000 sq ft house nationally. In DFW, a 2,000 sq ft home usually lands in our $350 to $550 range, depending on stories, siding, and how much growth there is.

Is soft washing worth the money?

For most homes, yes. Soft washing kills mold, mildew, and algae instead of just blasting the surface, so the house stays clean longer. It also avoids the damage that high pressure can cause to vinyl, stucco, paint, and window seals.

Is soft washing more expensive than pressure washing?

It can be slightly higher because it uses a cleaning solution. Angi lists soft washing at $0.30 to $0.60 per square foot, compared with $0.10 to $0.50 for pressure washing. On siding, soft washing is usually the better value because the results last longer and the risk of damage is lower.

How often should a house be soft washed?

Most homes in North Texas do well with a soft wash about once a year. Shaded homes, homes near trees, and homes with heavy algae on the north side may need it more often.

How long does it take to soft wash a house?

Most single-story homes take a few hours, and two-story homes take a bit longer. See our guide on how long it takes to wash a house for times by home type.

Does the price include windows and gutters?

Gutter cleaning and window cleaning are priced as separate services. Ask about adding them to your house wash, since bundling services on one visit usually costs less than booking each one alone.

Get a Soft Wash Quote in Arlington and DFW

Stegmeier Pressure Washing is owned and run by James Stegmeier, serving Arlington and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Learn more about our house washing service or our soft washing service, or call us for a free quote.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, “How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a House?” (updated Jan. 20, 2022); Angi, “How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash and Power Wash a House?” (updated Sept. 5, 2024); Homewyse, “Cost to Power Wash Siding” (May 2026). DFW prices are Stegmeier Pressure Washing’s published rates as of October 2026.

The Short Answer

For sidewalk cleaning, sweep first, pre-treat stains and algae, then wash with a pressure washer and a rotary surface cleaner for an even, stripe-free finish. Rinse the edges and clean up runoff.

What You Need

• A broom or leaf blower
• A concrete cleaner or degreaser, plus an algae cleaner for green areas
• A pressure washer with a surface cleaner attachment
• A stiff nylon brush for spots

How to Clean a Sidewalk Step by Step

1. Sweep and clear

Remove leaves, dirt, and anything loose.

2. Pre-treat problem areas

Treat algae, oil, and rust separately. See algae on concrete, oil stains, and rust stains.

3. Wash with a surface cleaner

A surface cleaner avoids the stripes a wand leaves on concrete. Work in overlapping passes.

4. Detail the edges and rinse

Clean along the edges and expansion joints, then rinse everything off the walkway.

Sidewalk Cleaning for Businesses

Storefronts, apartment complexes, and HOA common areas see heavy foot traffic, which grinds in dirt and leaves gum and spills. Regular cleaning keeps entrances looking cared for and reduces slippery algae in shaded areas. See our commercial and HOA pressure washing and apartment pressure washing.

How Often to Clean Sidewalks

Once or twice a year works for most homes. Busy commercial walkways may need more frequent cleaning.

Can Pressure Washing Damage a Sidewalk?

Not when it is done correctly. Damage usually comes from narrow nozzles held too close. See does pressure washing damage concrete.

Leave It to a Pro

We clean sidewalks, walkways, and driveways across DFW with surface cleaners and pre-treatments. For homes, see driveway and concrete cleaning, where most driveways cost $150 to $300 ($0.18 to $0.25 per sq ft).

Ready for a quote? Call 817-580-9881 or request a free estimate online. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and the rest of our DFW service areas.

FAQs

What is the best way to clean a sidewalk?

Sweep, pre-treat stains and algae, then wash with a pressure washer and a rotary surface cleaner for an even finish, and rinse.

Can you pressure wash a sidewalk?

Yes. Concrete sidewalks are a good fit for pressure washing when a surface cleaner and the right nozzle are used.

How do you get algae off a sidewalk?

Apply a cleaner made to kill algae, let it work, and then wash and rinse. Pressure alone often leaves the roots behind.

For technical background on concrete, see the Concrete in Practice series from the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.

How often should sidewalks be cleaned?

Once or twice a year for most homes. High-traffic commercial walkways may need more frequent cleaning.

The Short Answer

Sweep, apply a stone-safe cleaner, let it work, and rinse with low pressure. Use a cleaner made for algae where there is green or black growth. Avoid acidic cleaners on travertine and limestone-based stone, and avoid high pressure that can flake stone or wash out joints.

How to Clean a Flagstone Patio

1. Clear and sweep

Remove furniture and sweep out leaves and debris from the joints.

2. Treat growth

Flagstone in shade often grows algae and moss. Apply a solution made to kill it and let it dwell.

3. Rinse at low pressure

Some flagstone is layered and can flake under high pressure. Use a wide spray and keep the tip back.

4. Check the joints

Refill sand or repair mortar joints that have washed out or cracked.

How to Clean Travertine Pavers

1. Use a pH-neutral cleaner

Travertine is a form of limestone and reacts with acids. Skip vinegar and acidic products.

2. Scrub gently

Use a soft or medium nylon brush on stains.

3. Rinse with low pressure

A gentle rinse or a surface cleaner at low pressure gives an even result.

4. Consider sealing

A stone sealer can help travertine resist stains, especially around pools and grills.

Pool Decks

Algae on stone pool decks makes them slippery. Keep runoff out of the pool and rinse well. See patio and pool deck cleaning tips.

When to Call a Pro

Large patios and pool decks are faster with professional equipment and the right cleaning solutions. We offer patio and paver cleaning and stone cleaning across DFW. See also how to clean limestone.

Ready for a quote? Call 817-580-9881 or request a free estimate online. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and the rest of our DFW service areas.

FAQs

Can you pressure wash travertine?

At low pressure, yes. High pressure can damage the surface and wash out joints. Use a wide spray and a stone-safe cleaner.

What should you not use on travertine?

Avoid vinegar, lemon, and acidic cleaners. Travertine is a form of limestone and can etch.

How do you clean a flagstone patio?

Sweep, treat any algae or moss with a suitable cleaner, and rinse at low pressure. Then check and refill the joints.

For stone-safe cleaners, see cleaning products for natural stone from the Natural Stone Institute.

Should travertine pavers be sealed?

Sealing can help travertine resist stains, especially around pools and outdoor kitchens. Clean and dry the stone before sealing.

The Short Answer

Clean limestone with a stone-safe, non-acidic cleaner and low pressure. For mildew and algae, use a solution made for organic growth, let it dwell, and rinse gently. Never use vinegar or acid-based cleaners, which etch limestone.

Why Limestone Needs Extra Care

• It is soft: high pressure can erode the surface and leave marks.
• It reacts with acids: vinegar, lemon, and many masonry acids dissolve the stone.
• It is porous: it holds moisture, which feeds mildew and algae.

How to Clean Limestone Step by Step

1. Brush off loose dirt

Use a soft or medium nylon brush. Avoid wire brushes.

2. Wet the stone and nearby plants

Pre-wetting keeps cleaner from soaking in too deeply.

3. Apply a stone-safe cleaner

For general dirt, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner. For green or black growth, use a solution made to kill mildew and algae, following the label.

4. Let it dwell, then rinse at low pressure

Give it time to work and keep it from drying, then rinse gently.

A Real Example

We cleaned a limestone retaining wall in the DFW area that was covered in mildew and algae. The wall was soft washed at low pressure, not blasted. You can see the before and after on our stone and brick cleaning page.

What Not to Do

• Do not use vinegar, muriatic acid, or acidic cleaners.
• Do not use a narrow, high-pressure nozzle.
• Do not let cleaner dry on the stone.

Related Guides

• How to clean brick
• How to clean flagstone and travertine
• How to remove algae from concrete

Ready for a quote? Call 817-580-9881 or request a free estimate online. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and the rest of our DFW service areas.

FAQs

Can you pressure wash limestone?

Only at low pressure. Limestone is soft, and a high-pressure stream can erode the surface. A soft wash with the right cleaner is safer.

Can I use vinegar to clean limestone?

No. Vinegar and other acids react with limestone and can etch or dull the surface.

What is the best cleaner for limestone?

A pH-neutral stone cleaner for general dirt, and a solution made for mildew and algae when there is organic growth.

For stone-safe cleaners, see cleaning products for natural stone from the Natural Stone Institute.

How do you remove black mold from limestone?

Apply a cleaner made to kill mildew and algae at low pressure, let it dwell without drying, and rinse gently.

The Short Answer

Roof and gutter cleaning means soft washing the roof to remove algae streaks and then clearing and flushing the gutters and downspouts. In DFW, roof washing typically costs $450 to $650 ($0.20 to $0.25 per sq ft) and gutter cleaning $125 to $275 ($1.50 to $1.80 per linear ft). Booking both in one visit is usually more efficient.

Why Clean the Roof and Gutters Together

• Order matters: cleaning the roof first means any debris that washes off goes into gutters that are about to be cleaned.
• One setup: ladders, equipment, and plant protection are done once.
• Better results: clean gutters carry the rinse water away properly.
• Bundle savings: our packages include a multi-service combo for two or more services.

What Roof Cleaning Includes

We soft wash asphalt shingle and tile roofs with a solution that kills the algae causing black streaks, then rinse gently. We do not pressure wash shingles. See roof washing and how to clean roof shingles.

What Gutter Cleaning Includes

We clear debris from the gutters, flush the downspouts, and clean up the mess. See gutter cleaning.

Roof and Gutter Cleaning Cost

More detail: roof cleaning cost, gutter cleaning cost, and all pressure washing prices.

How Often to Schedule

Gutters usually need cleaning at least twice a year, in late spring and fall. Roofs are cleaned when streaks and growth appear, often every few years. Many homeowners pair a roof cleaning with one of their regular gutter cleanings.

Don’t Forget the Gutter Faces

The outside of gutters often shows black “tiger stripes.” They need a special cleaning. See tiger stripes on gutters.

Ready for a quote? Call 817-580-9881 or request a free estimate online. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and the rest of our DFW service areas.

FAQs

Should I clean my roof or gutters first?

The roof. Cleaning it first sends any loosened debris into the gutters, which are then cleared and flushed.

How much does roof and gutter cleaning cost?

In Dallas-Fort Worth, roof washing typically costs $450 to $650 ($0.20 to $0.25 per sq ft) and gutter cleaning $125 to $275 ($1.50 to $1.80 per linear ft). Bundling services in one visit can reduce the total.

Do you pressure wash roofs?

No. We soft wash roofs with low pressure and a cleaning solution that kills algae, which protects the shingles.

For the roofing industry’s guidance on algae streaks, see Algae Discoloration of Roofs from the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.

How often should gutters be cleaned?

At least twice a year for most North Texas homes, usually in late spring and fall. Homes with lots of trees may need more.

The Short Answer

For most siding, the safest method is a low-pressure soft wash: wet nearby plants, apply a siding-safe cleaning solution from the bottom up, let it dwell, and rinse gently from the top down. Avoid high pressure on vinyl, stucco, painted wood, and older brick mortar.

Siding Cleaning at a Glance

How to Clean Vinyl Siding

Vinyl cleans up easily with a soft wash. High pressure can drive water behind the panels and into the wall. See how to clean vinyl siding and, for faded panels, chalky vinyl siding.

How to Clean Brick Siding

Brick handles more than vinyl, but mortar is the weak point. Use a cleaning solution and low-pressure rinse. See how to clean brick and efflorescence on brick.

How to Clean Stucco

Stucco is porous and easy to damage, so it should only be soft washed. See how to clean stucco.

How to Clean Wood and Fiber Cement Siding

Painted surfaces need gentle cleaning. High pressure can lift paint and raise wood grain. Soft wash, rinse well, and check for peeling paint afterward.

Removing Mildew and Algae

Green or black patches on north-facing or shaded walls are growth, not dirt. Scrubbing or pressure alone rarely removes it at the root. A cleaning solution that kills mildew and algae does. See how to soft wash a house.

How Often to Clean Siding

Once a year works for most DFW homes. See how often to wash your house in Texas.

When to Call a Pro

Two-story homes, heavy growth, and mixed materials are faster and safer with professional equipment. Our house washing service soft washes siding across DFW, and most homes cost $350 to $550 ($0.15 to $0.25 per sq ft).

Ready for a quote? Call 817-580-9881 or request a free estimate online. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and the rest of our DFW service areas.

FAQs

What is the best way to clean house siding?

A low-pressure soft wash with a siding-safe cleaning solution, applied from the bottom up and rinsed from the top down. It cleans without damaging the surface.

Can I pressure wash my siding?

Use caution. High pressure can damage vinyl, stucco, painted wood, and mortar. A soft wash is safer for most siding.

What removes green mildew from siding?

A cleaning solution made to kill mildew and algae, applied at low pressure and given time to work before rinsing.

For the siding industry’s cleaning advice, see How to Clean Vinyl Siding from the Polymeric Exterior Products Association.

How much does it cost to clean siding?

In Dallas-Fort Worth, most professional house washes cost $350 to $550 ($0.15 to $0.25 per sq ft), depending on the home’s size, height, and condition.

The Short Answer

To soft wash a house, wet the plants around it, apply a soft wash cleaning solution to the siding at low pressure from the bottom up, let it dwell without drying, then rinse from the top down with low pressure and rinse the plants again.

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing uses about the same pressure as a garden hose. The cleaning solution does the work, breaking down mildew, algae, pollen, and dirt so they rinse off without damaging siding, paint, or seals. Learn more in soft wash vs. pressure wash.

What You Need

• A soft wash system or a pressure washer set up with a low-pressure soft wash tip or downstream injector
• A house wash solution made for siding, typically with a surfactant so it clings
• Protective eyewear, gloves, and clothing
• A garden hose for pre-wetting and rinsing plants

Always follow the product label for mixing and safety.

How to Soft Wash a House Step by Step

1. Prepare the area

Close windows and doors, cover outlets and light fixtures, and move furniture, grills, and vehicles away from the walls.

2. Wet the plants

Soak landscaping near the house. Wet plants absorb less of the solution.

3. Apply the solution from the bottom up

Working one section at a time, apply the solution evenly from the bottom of the wall to the top. This helps prevent streaking.

4. Let it dwell

Give the solution several minutes to work, but do not let it dry on the siding. In Texas heat, work in shade or smaller sections.

5. Rinse from the top down

Rinse thoroughly with low pressure, starting at the top.

6. Rinse the plants again

Give landscaping a final rinse when you are done.

Which Surfaces Should Be Soft Washed?

Vinyl siding, painted wood, stucco, brick, fiber cement, and asphalt shingle roofs are all good candidates. See vinyl siding, stucco, brick, and roof shingles.

Common Mistakes

• Letting the solution dry on the siding
• Skipping plant protection
• Using high pressure “to speed things up”
• Working on a ladder while spraying chemicals

When to Hire a Pro

Two-story homes, heavy growth, and delicate surfaces are safer with professional equipment and experience. We offer soft washing and house washing across DFW. Most house washes run $350 to $550 ($0.15 to $0.25 per sq ft). For national averages and what changes the price, see how much it costs to soft wash a house. See how to pressure wash a house for more on surfaces that can handle more pressure.

Ready for a quote? Call 817-580-9881 or request a free estimate online. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and the rest of our DFW service areas.

Related: How to clean siding by material

FAQs

What is soft washing a house?

Soft washing cleans a home’s exterior with a cleaning solution and low pressure. The solution kills mildew and algae, and a gentle rinse carries away the dirt.

Is soft washing better than pressure washing?

For siding, stucco, painted surfaces, and roofs, yes. It cleans more thoroughly at the root and avoids the damage high pressure can cause.

Will soft washing hurt my plants?

Not when plants are wetted before and rinsed after, and the solution is used according to the label.

Soft washing targets mold and mildew; for more on what causes them, see A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home from U.S. EPA.

How much does it cost to soft wash a house?

In Dallas-Fort Worth, most house washes cost $350 to $550 ($0.15 to $0.25 per sq ft) depending on the home’s size, height, and condition.