How Much Does It Cost to Clean Siding?
The siding is one of the first things people notice about your house. When it gets dirty, it starts to look uninviting. Ignoring your cleaning duties can leads to permanent stains. Mold and mildew deposits on your siding can lead to health problems. Plus, a clean house can equate to a higher home value, especially if you’re selling.
Homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $600 to clean the siding of their homes, with the average homeowner paying around $380 to clean the vinyl siding of a 1,500 square foot home using pressure washing. At a minimum, you’ll pay $250 to soft wash stone siding on a 1,000 square foot home and a high average of $700 to power wash aluminum siding on a 2,200 square foot home.
Siding Cleaning Cost
| Siding Cleaning Prices | |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $380 |
| Average range | $300-$600 |
| Minimum cost | $250 |
| Maximum cost | $700 |
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Siding Cleaning Cost by Project Range
Cost to Clean Siding per Square Foot
Most contractors charge between $0.25 and $0.40 per square foot to pressure wash siding. Before a contractor agrees to clean your home’s siding, the company will want to know the total area size. Square footage calculations are used to determine how many labor hours will be needed and how much cleaning agent will be needed for the job. You’ll need the total height and width in feet outside of your home to start. Then, multiply the two figures to get the total square footage for siding cleaning estimates. The following are the average costs per square foot to clean homes with vinyl 1 siding.
| Average Home Size | Siding Size | Cost To Clean Siding |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq. ft. | 1,000 sq. ft. | $175 - $250 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | 1,500 sq. ft. | $200 - $350 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | 2,500 sq. ft. | $350 - $400 |
| 2,200 sq. ft. | 3,000 sq. ft. | $500 - $700 |
| 2,500 sq. t. | 3,500 sq. ft. | $600 - $800 |
Siding Cleaning Cost by Method
The contractor evaluates the exterior of the home to determine the best method to remove dirt and mold. In many cases, you will clean siding by using a company that performs pressure washing to remove mold, dirt, and other forms of debris stuck to the side of your home. However, if a deep cleaning is needed, the contractor may consider other methods like power washing. The following costs reflect the average you’ll pay per method based on square footage and hourly charges.
| Method | Cost Per Hour | Cost Per Sq.ft. | Cost per 1,500 Sq.ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Wash | $55-$80 | $0.25-$0.35 | $275-$475 |
| Pressure Wash | $60-$100 | $0.25-$0.40 | $350-$400 |
| Power Wash | $75-$100 | $0.30-$0.50 | $400-$525 |
| Manual Wash | Included in other methods | Included in other methods | Included in other methods |
Soft Wash Siding
Soft washing costs $275 to $475 for a 1,500 square foot home with labor costs at $55 to $80 per hour. The project takes two to three hours to complete. The cost per square foot ranges from $0.25 to $0.35. Soft washing is similar to power washing but operates at a much lower pressure. This method combines low-pressure water mixed with a cleaning solution that works safely on brick, stucco 2, and vinyl. Soft washing usually costs less than pressure washing but may not remove everything.
Soft washing can be done with a pressure washer as long as the pressure is set for less than 1,000 psi. Pressure washing and power washing will typically use pressure above 1,000 psi.
Pressure Wash Siding Cost
Pressure washing is the most conventional method for cleaning siding. Hiring a professional to pressure wash your house will cost $60 to $100 per hour, depending on the siding material and level of dirt. A 1,500 square foot house takes approximately 3 hours, costing $350 to $400. Pressure washing a house will be around $0.25 to $0.40 per square foot.
Different detergents are designed for pressure washing. Your pressure washing professional will choose the one that is compatible with your siding material. These cleaners usually cause minimal damage to plants and soil and are often biodegradable. Because pressure washers can sometimes be too powerful, the pros you hire will adjust the water pressure so that it doesn’t cause damage. Knowledge and experience are good reasons to avoid the DIY approach.
Also, you’ll need a pro to make any repairs to your siding before you have it cleaned. Otherwise, you risk water getting into cracks and behind the siding, which can cause serious long-term damage. Manual washing may be done in conjunction with pressure washing and may cost on the higher end of the spectrum.
Power Wash Siding Cost
Expect to pay around $450 to $525 to power wash a 1,500 square foot home with vinyl siding. The labor cost would be around $75 to $100 per hour, with the project taking a maximum of four hours. By square footage, the cost to power wash will be around $0.30 to $0.50. Contractors may start out testing the siding first with the heat before making a large-scale application. The professional will confirm that the power washer won’t damage the siding. Since power washing requires different equipment and potential extra hours of labor, the cost is slightly more than pressure washing.
Power washing is considered for siding that has a significant amount of dirt. The main difference between power washing and pressure washing is the water temperature. Pressure washing uses water directly from the hose, while power washing heats the water first before being applied with a high-powered nozzle. Power washing can be used on vinyl, wood, and aluminum siding for cleaning purposes.
Manual Siding Cleaning
Manual cleaning involves going in by hand with a brush and cleaners to get rid of dirt. This is appropriate for certain kinds of siding, like wood, as it avoids paint and caulk 3 damage. It’s very unusual to find a professional service that washes siding entirely by hand. Siding should be cleaned at least once a year but possibly more frequently if your siding is susceptible to mold and mildew buildup or if you put your house up for sale. That being said, hand washing certain sections is usually included in the hourly cost of pressure washing.
Siding Cleaning Cost by Material
Different types of siding are popular on homes today. Not all can handle the same type of cleaning method. Review manufacturer recommendations before hiring a contractor to clean your siding. If you use a method that isn’t recommended, you could end up voiding warranty coverage. The following are the average costs to clean siding by material on a 1,500 square foot exterior. These costs range from $275 to $500.
| Material | Soft Wash | Pressure Wash | Power Wash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone | $275 | $350 | $400 |
| Brick Veneer | $275 | $350 | $400 |
| Vinyl | $300 | $380 | $450 |
| Wood | $300 | $450 | N/A |
| Stucco | $325 | $400 | $475 |
| Aluminum | $325 | $425 | $500 |
| Steel | $325 | $425 | $500 |
| Cedar | $350 | $500 | N/A |
| Engineered Wood | $380 | N/A | N/A |
| Fiber Cement | $400 | N/A | N/A |
| Stone Veneer | $400 | N/A | N/A |
Stone Siding Cleaning
For synthetic types, the contractor may choose soft wash. Soft wash costs around $275, pressure wash averages $350, and power washing is about $400 for stone siding on a 1,500 square foot home. Stone siding is hearty and can usually handle medium to high amounts of pressure while cleaning. Contractors will likely use a mild cleaning agent and a psi over 1,500 to clean stone siding. Power washing is also safe on most types of stone siding.
Brick Veneer Siding Cleaning
The cost to clean brick veneer 4 siding on a 1,500 square foot home will be $275 for soft wash, $350 for pressure wash, and $400 for power wash. Brick and brick veneer siding withstands power washing and pressure washing. In fact, dull brick facades can brighten up considerably after a contractor pressure washes the area. Brick commercial cleaners are usually mixed in before power washing to remove any dirt, mold, and pollen.
Vinyl Siding Cleaning Cost
To pressure wash vinyl siding on a 1,500 square foot exterior, the homeowner will pay around $380. Power washing will average $450, while soft wash costs about $300. Vinyl siding is the most commonly used material on the exterior of homes. Vinyl siding power wash methods are possible since the material is very durable. Power washing is usually done if the siding hasn’t been cleaned in some time and needs a deep wash. When a contractor chooses to power wash or pressure wash vinyl siding, they will choose a psi around 1,500. Soft wash is used on vinyl siding when the home is older or doesn’t require a deep cleaning. In these instances, the contractor uses psi under 1,000.
Wood Siding Cleaning
Pressure washing wood siding of a 1,500 square foot home will be around $450, while soft wash will cost about $300. Wood siding tends to attract significant amounts of mold and mildew over time. Since wood siding is fragile and can become damaged, you have to be careful during cleaning, especially in older homes. When a contractor goes ahead to pressure wash wood siding, the professional will likely use a psi lower than 1,000. Soft wash wood siding is preferred since it won’t dislodge pieces of the siding. Most contractors won’t power wash wood siding since heat could discolor or damage the wood.
Clean Stucco Siding
To clean a 1,500 square foot stucco exterior, you’ll pay around $325 for soft wash, $400 for pressure wash, and $475 for power wash. Stucco siding is notoriously difficult to clean. Since the material is porous, the siding tends to easily build up mold, dirt, and pollen stains. Stucco can be damaged if too much pressure is used, so most contractors won’t spray over 2,500 psi. Since stucco does get dirty easier than other types of siding, you will likely have to clean your home professionally at least once a year.
Clean Aluminum Siding
Costs for a 1,500 square foot home is approximately $325 for soft wash, $425 for power wash, and $500 for pressure wash. Aluminum siding has many advantages to homeowners, including resistance to mold buildup. Most homeowners can keep their aluminum siding clean using manual techniques. However, if you do need to clean, contractors may recommend that you soft wash aluminum siding. Moreover, if large amounts of dirt are visible, you could pressure wash aluminum siding. Use minimal amounts of pressure for aluminum siding power wash, too—ideally less than 1,500 psi.
Steel Siding Cleaning
The cost of cleaning a 1,500 square foot exterior is $325 for soft wash, $425 for pressure wash, and $500 for power wash. With steel siding, you won’t see large buildups of mold over time. Steel siding is easy to clean using a pressure washer on a medium setting. If the area is very dirty, the professional may consider a power washer since the heat could remove any caked on dirt. Harsh chemicals, especially acidic types, are avoided when cleaning steel siding.
Cedar Siding Cleaning
Expect to pay around $500 to pressure wash cedar siding and $350 to soft wash cedar siding on a 1,500 square foot home. Cedar siding will be managed in the same manner as wood siding. Like a wood deck, a siding with cedar shake will discolor over time due to mold and dirt buildup. When you pressure wash cedar siding, there’s a chance of wood fibers falling off. Preferably, contractors would consider a soft wash for cedar siding with a psi under 1,000. Like wood siding, you won’t typically power wash cedar siding since the heat may be too harsh on the material.
Engineered Wood Siding Cleaning
Since the work is on a specialized material, expect to pay around $380 to soft wash a 1,500 square foot home. According to some engineered wood siding manufacturers, homeowners should not use pressure washers on the material. A pressure washer may damage the finish. Instead, use manual and soft wash methods.
Fiber Cement Siding Cleaning
Expect to pay around $400 to soft wash fiber cement 5 siding on a 1,500 square foot home. The cost is slightly elevated due to the specialized material. According to the manufacturer of fiber cement siding, James Hardie, you can only use non-abrasive cleaning methods. Don’t power wash Hardie siding. You can only use soft wash to clean fiber cement or manual methods such as cleaning with a soft-bristle brush and garden hose.
Stone Veneer Siding Cleaning
An estimated cost to soft wash stone veneer on a 1,500 square foot home is $400 or more. Stone veneer is another type of siding that can’t be cleaned with a pressure washer or power washer. The material is too delicate to handle the high amounts of pressure applied during a cleaning session. Instead, only mild cleaners and a polishing tool can be used to get rid of any grime on stone veneer. Ask a contractor about their experience with soft washing stone veneer before hiring the company.
Preparation Before Siding Cleaning
Before you can clean your siding, you’ll want to make an initial inspection. What you’re trying to do is identify the main source of dirt on your siding. Is it mostly pollen? Mostly dirt? Mildew? Bird and critter droppings? It’s important to understand the source of the dirt before you reach out to a contractor. Different cleaners and cleaning methods are more appropriate for different dirt sources. The contractor needs as much information as possible to determine the right cleaning method for your house. Remember to take square footage measurements. Most contractors want an approximate size of the cleaning area.
Remove any decor items attached to your home’s exterior before your contractor appointment. Examples include wreaths, plant hangers, holiday lights, and metal signs. Many homeowners seal windows and doors with caulk before power washing to prevent any water damage. Doors and windows are usually locked before a pressure washing appointment.
Outdoor light fixtures don’t need removal, but you should cover them with plastic wrap to prevent shortages. Contractors may ask you to turn off the power of any outlets and lights located on the exterior of the home.
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Siding Painting Cost
After the siding has been cleaned, you may want to paint it to give your house a little bit of a makeover. The average cost to paint the siding of a 1,500 square foot house is $1,850. The siding must be cleaned before it is painted.
Siding Repair Cost
Your annual siding cleaning is also a good time to check for necessary repairs. Depending on the type of siding, you may have to deal with cracks or peeling paint. Stucco repairs, for example, will cost $8 to $50 per hour. In terms of labor, for other siding repairs, you can expect a reduced rate of $40 to $50 per hour for a contractor. Stucco 2 repairs are typically priced at a much higher price than other types of materials. Material costs for siding repairs vary too. One piece of vinyl siding, for example, costs about $40. Wood siding, on the other hand, may cost $100 to $150 per section.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Several cleaning products are appropriate for siding, but you should take some precautions. Avoid using abrasive brushes, which can damage the siding. Also, you should avoid using cleaners with organic solvents, undiluted chlorine 6 bleach, or solvents like furniture polish or nail polish remover. All of these types of substances can damage your siding.
- Mold and mildew are unsightly, which is a great reason to clean your siding. However, did you know it can also be detrimental to your health? If your children are playing outside, they can potentially develop health problems from exposure to mold. In addition, mold and mildew, though it starts on the outside, can potentially make its way into the house. Attics are particularly vulnerable to mold and mildew that start outside.
- Dirt, mold, and mildew can damage your siding in the long run. When left without cleaning, dirt can eventually permanently discolor your siding, which can lower your home’s value. While you could clean it yourself, it’s better to hire a professional. They have more experience and can clean your house without damage. For example, improper pressure washing techniques can lead to water behind the siding or damage to the siding itself.
- When cleaning your home’s siding, you may want to consider a complete top to bottom refresh. Consider hiring a contractor to tackle other types of exterior cleaning, such as cleaning the fascia and soffits 7. You may also want to schedule your gutter cleaning before having the siding pressure washed.
FAQs
- How much does pressure washing cost per hour?
Pressure washing costs $60 to $100 per hour.
- How much does it cost to pressure wash per square foot?
It depends on the level of dirt and the size of the project. It could be as low as $0.25 per square foot to as high as $0.40 per square foot. There is usually a minimum area to charge by the square foot. Some contractors charge by the hour, not the size.
- How often should I clean the vinyl siding on my house?
To avoid long-term buildup of mold, mildew, and dirt, your vinyl siding should be pressure washed once a year, preferably in the warmer months.
- What is the best cleaner for vinyl siding?
There is no one right answer because it depends on the level of dirt and grime on your siding. Cleaners like oxygen bleach and vinegar are useful, but you should avoid abrasive brushes, undiluted bleach, and organic solvents to protect your siding.
- Can you pressure wash vinyl siding?
Pressure washing is an effective tool for cleaning siding and can get some of the hard-to-remove grime like mildew and mold.
- How do you clean a vinyl siding on a house?
Vinyl can be cleaned in several ways. One is to do it yourself using a soft brush and appropriate cleaners. The other way is to pressure wash the siding by renting a pressure washer or hiring a professional.
- Does Simple Green clean vinyl siding?
There is a specific cleaning product that Simple Green makes that is designed for cleaning vinyl.
- How often should you power wash vinyl siding?
In most cases, you should power wash vinyl siding every two years. However, you may have to increase the timeframe in certain circumstances. As an example, some homeowners choose to power wash before putting their houses up for sale. Also, most painters recommend power washing before any exterior painting.
- How much pressure for power washing stucco?
Power washing stucco requires a medium amount of pressure. Contractors will use between 1,500 and 2,500 psi to clean stucco siding.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others
2 Stucco: A type of durable plaster finish made of aggregates, a binder, and water (traditionally Portland cement, sand, and water) used on masonry, walls, ceilings, and decorative moldings
3 Caulk: A chemical sealant used to fill in and seal gaps where two materials join, for example, the tub and tile, to create a watertight and airtight seal. The term "caulking" is also used to refer to the process of applying this type of sealant
5 Fiber cement: A building material made with cellulose fiber, concrete, and recycled materials such as glass
7 Soffits: Construction material, typically composed of vinyl or aluminum, used to enclose the underside of eaves and ceilings
How much does it cost to clean siding in my city?
Cost to clean siding varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
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