What is the Best Month to Pressure Wash a House?

Pressure washing and soft washing a house is best done after any major seasonal change. There is no “ideal” month to soft wash your house, but there are definitely months that it is recommended! That being said, what is the best month to pressure wash a house? Let’s talk about this as well as some of the most popular pressure washing and soft washing questions!

Pressure Washing vs Soft Washing

Before we get into the best month to pressure wash/soft wash a house, it’s important that you understand the difference. Most people use the term “pressure washing” when booking a house washing service. This is simply because it’s the most common term, but “pressure” washing a house may not be the ideal solution to your problem. You may benefit more from “soft” washing a house. What’s the difference?

Pressure washing, as the name suggests, comes with extreme force or pressure. It’s when water/cleaning solution comes shooting out of a hose at high speeds and in large volumes. The purpose of pressure washing is to use the force of the water to remove stuck on molds, grime, rust, etc. It’s a great method for rock-solid areas such as concrete.

Soft washing on the other hand provides the same volume of water/cleaning solution, but without the extreme level of force or pressure. There’s still more force than would come from your typical hose, but it’s not as hard as pressure washing. Soft washing provides the same results as pressure washing, while maintaining the integrity of your home. Soft washing is not as commonly used yet, but it is rapidly growing in popularity as companies and homeowners realize its benefits.

Is it Better to Soft Wash or Pressure Wash a House?

Soft washing is the ideal method when it comes time to giving your house some much needed TLC! Soft washing allows your cleaning company to remove dirt, grit, mold, and more from the extension of your home without causing any damage. Soft washing uses a biodegradable solution applied with low pressure pumps to remove all the built-up alga, dirt, cobwebs and grime. The solution is applied, let to dwell to do its job and then rinsed away using low pressure.

Many homeowners do not realize how fragile shingles, siding and even brick and stone can be. Shingles and siding in particular are very sensitive to pressure washing technique. However, bricks and stone can crack as well, particularly if they are older. Soft washing prevents damage to the exterior of your home that could then lead to damage to the interior. It takes the same amount of time, gets the job done just as well, but adds a layer of protection that pressure washing simply doesn’t.

Additionally, if the exterior of your home has some damage to it, such as a cracked siding or loose brick, soft washing can help prevent further damage during the cleaning process. You may not even realize there is damage until the cleaners tell you. By using soft washing, your cleaners can still get the job done without posing a threat to the exterior and interior of your home.

When Do Cleaners Use Pressure Washing on a House?

There may be times where your cleaning company will need to use pressure washing on the exterior of your house even if they are hired to soft wash. This typically only happens in the following situations:

• The area being washed is concrete
• There is significant stuck-on debris that soft washing or specific detergents cannot remove

Those are the only times where pressure washing part of your house may be required by the company you hired.

What is the Best Month to Pressure Wash Your House?

Whether you are pressure washing or soft washing your house, there are some months that are recommended for it and others that aren’t. This can vary based on where you live and the weather patterns in your area. However, there are four months that are best for pressure or soft washing you’re your house!

• March
• June
• August
• November

Typically, pending the area you live, it’s best to get your home cleaned between the months of March and November. This is when the weather is at its calmest in most areas. Essentially, what you’re striving for is to pressure wash your home after major seasonal changes. For example, pressure or soft washing your home at the beginning of March can clear any debris or mold build up that occurred during the winter months. Soft washing your house at the end of November on the other hand can remove the build up of fallen leaves or allergens that accumulated during the Fall season. June and August landed on this list because they are summer months when the weather is fairly consistent, and June is typically after the spring pollen season has ended. Again, that heavily depends on the area you live in!

What are the Benefits of Pressure Washing/Soft Washing a House?

Pressure washing and soft washing a house is a must for any homeowner. Regardless of which method you go with, you’re bound to experience the following benefits:

• Protect your house from damage in the future
• Save time and money by preventing future flaws
• Removing the build up of harmful molds and algae
• Enhance curb appeal of your house
• Uncover hidden cracks and flaws
• Remove the build up of any fallen debris
• Increase the value of your house

How Often Should You Soft Wash or Pressure Wash Your House?

Pressure washing and soft washing your house should happen at least once per year pending the area you live in. If you live in an area with a fairly consistent and mild climate, you can likely get away with a cleaning once a year! However, if you live in an area with blunt seasonal changes, your house may benefit from additional cleanings.

Areas with clear-cut season changes would be better suited for at least 2 per year – one at the end of fall, and one at the end of winter. Additionally, determining if your house needs a cleaning can be based on the simple look of the house. If you notice that your house has black streaks, mold, algae, green stripes, etc., it may be time for an additional soft washing! This can ensure that no damage occurs to the outside of your home and will enhance your house’s curb appeal!

Final Thoughts

It’s best to pressure wash or soft wash your house between the months of March and November due to the seasonal changes. Soft washing is preferred as it is a gentler process that preserves the structural and visual integrity of your home. Pressure washing can lead to damage to shingles, siding or brick and this damage can lead to structural problems you don’t want to have to deal with! Hire a company who will soft wash your house for you to enhance curb appeal, remove build up and debris, and keep your homes structure intact!