How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a House?
The exterior of your home faces constant exposure to the elements. In Green Bay, that means everything from summer humidity and pollen to winter road salt and ice. Over time, dirt, mold, mildew, and algae accumulate on your siding, making your home look older and less appealing than it actually is. Professional house washing removes that buildup and restores your home’s curb appeal — but what should you budget for the service?
Most homeowners in the Green Bay area pay between $200 and $600 for a full house wash, with the average falling around $350 for a standard two-story home. The final cost depends on your home’s size, the number of stories, the type of siding, and the level of contamination.
House Washing Prices by Home Size
| Home Size | Number of Stories | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 1,500 sq ft) | 1 story | $150 – $275 |
| Average (1,500–2,500 sq ft) | 1–2 stories | $250 – $400 |
| Large (2,500–3,500 sq ft) | 2 stories | $350 – $500 |
| Very large (3,500+ sq ft) | 2–3 stories | $450 – $700 |
These ranges represent typical pricing in the Green Bay market. Your actual cost may vary based on the specific factors described below.
Pricing by Siding Material
Your home’s siding material is one of the most important factors in determining the cleaning method and cost. Each material has different requirements for pressure, cleaning solutions, and technique.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is the most common siding material in the Green Bay area and is generally the most affordable to clean. It responds well to soft washing, which uses low pressure (under 1,000 PSI) combined with cleaning solutions to safely remove dirt, mildew, and algae. Vinyl siding is durable but can be damaged by excessive pressure, which can crack panels or force water behind the siding. Professional soft washing avoids these risks entirely.
Wood Siding
Cedar shakes, clapboard, and other wood siding materials require the most careful approach. Wood is susceptible to damage from high pressure, and cleaning solutions must be chosen carefully to avoid discoloration or fiber damage. Wood siding cleaning typically costs 10–20% more than vinyl due to the additional care required. After cleaning, many homeowners opt for staining or sealing, which adds to the total investment but protects the wood for years.
Brick and Stone
Brick and natural stone are extremely durable and can generally tolerate higher pressure than vinyl or wood. However, mortar joints can be damaged by excessive pressure, especially on older homes. Brick cleaning often addresses efflorescence (white mineral deposits), moss in joints, and general grime. Pricing is typically comparable to vinyl siding for standard cleaning but may be higher if significant efflorescence removal is needed.
Stucco
Stucco requires a soft wash approach because its textured surface is prone to chipping and cracking under high pressure. The textured surface also tends to trap more dirt and biological growth than smooth surfaces, which can mean more cleaning product is needed. Stucco cleaning typically costs about 10–15% more than vinyl siding.
Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing for Houses
When it comes to house exteriors, most reputable professionals in the Green Bay area use soft washing rather than traditional high-pressure washing. Soft washing uses specialized cleaning solutions applied at low pressure to kill mold, mildew, and algae at the root. The solution does the work rather than brute force, which means a more thorough clean with zero risk of damage to your siding.
High-pressure washing (2,500+ PSI) directed at siding can crack vinyl, gouge wood, damage mortar, erode stucco, and force water behind the siding where it can cause mold and structural damage. If a company quotes you for high-pressure house washing, that’s a red flag. Your home should always be soft washed by trained professionals.
What’s Included in Professional House Washing
When you hire a reputable company for house washing, the service should include:
- All siding surfaces: All accessible exterior walls from the roofline down to the foundation.
- Window trim and frames: Cleaning around windows without leaving streaks on the glass.
- Soffits and fascia: These areas are particularly prone to mold and spider webs.
- Foundation splashback zone: The lower portions of your home that collect the most dirt.
- Downspouts and gutters (exterior): Cleaning the visible surfaces of gutters and downspouts.
- Pre-treatment: Application of cleaning solutions before the wash for optimal results.
- Plant protection: Wetting and covering nearby plants and landscaping to protect them from cleaning solutions.
Some companies may charge extra for certain elements like gutter brightening (removing black streaks from gutters), window cleaning, or treating heavily stained areas. Always ask what’s included in the quoted price.
How Story Count Affects Pricing
Multi-story homes cost more to wash for several reasons. Higher surfaces require specialized equipment, extended reach poles, or lift equipment. The work is more time-consuming and requires greater safety precautions. In general, expect the following price increases based on story count:
- Single story: Base pricing
- Two stories: 30–50% more than single story
- Three stories: 50–75% more than single story
These increases reflect the additional time, equipment, and risk involved in reaching higher surfaces safely.
Regional Pricing: Wisconsin vs. National Averages
Green Bay and northeast Wisconsin pricing tends to be slightly below national averages for house washing. The national average for a full house wash ranges from $300 to $700, while Green Bay pricing runs about 10–15% lower for comparable homes. However, Wisconsin homes often need more intensive cleaning due to the climate — heavy humidity, long winters, and significant seasonal pollen all contribute to faster buildup on exterior surfaces.
How Often Should You Wash Your House?
Most Green Bay homes benefit from annual or bi-annual exterior cleaning. Homes with significant tree coverage, north-facing walls, or proximity to agricultural areas may need cleaning more frequently. Regular washing prevents biological growth from taking hold, which means each cleaning is less intensive and less expensive. It also prevents mold and mildew from causing long-term damage to your siding.
Get Your Free House Washing Estimate
Every home is unique, and the best way to know exactly what your house washing will cost is to request a personalized estimate. At Green Bay Pressure Washer, we provide free, no-obligation quotes and will explain exactly what’s included before any work begins. Our soft wash process is safe for all siding types and delivers results that last.
