Get matched with top pressure washers in Dunseith, ND

The answer to how often you should pressure wash your house is the same no matter whether your siding is wood, metal, or vinyl. Plan to do a project like this once a year with occasional hand cleanings in between to remove unexpected dirt—like debris from an especially violent storm or droppings from birds flying overhead.

The amount of pressure required to wash your siding depends on the material. Vinyl siding, as well as brick and stone exteriors, can handle high pressure of 2,500 to 3,000 psi, especially if you’re not worried about damaging paint. Wood and aluminum siding needs a gentler approach and shouldn’t face more than 1,500 psi.

Cedar shake siding requires regular cleaning, or else it will grow mold and algae. However, a pressure washer can easily damage your cedar shakes if the water pressure is too high. We recommend cleaning with a garden hose instead. Review our guide to cedar siding maintenance if you’ve just finished your installation.

Like many other household tools and equipment, the life span of a pressure washer depends on the model and overall quality of the unit, plus how well you maintain the care of it. Pressure washers include a life span rating in the description, which tells you how many hours you can expect out of it. While you can find a wide range of hours, if you plan on using your pressure washer regularly, look for a model rated for 2,000 hours or higher.