How Long to Pressure Wash a House: Explore the Timeline

Published September 18th, 2025 by Nubirth Pressure Washing

Many homeowners wonder about how long it takes to pressure wash a house before starting their cleaning project. The time required depends on several key factors that influence the cleaning process. Reliable pressure washing services typically consider the size of the house, the amount of dirt buildup, and the surface materials when planning their work schedule. The complexity of your home's design and weather conditions also play important roles in timing. This guide breaks down the key factors that determine pressure washing duration, helping you plan your cleaning project effectively.

Factors Affecting Pressure Washing Time

Several key elements determine how long your pressure washing job will take. House size is the main factor - bigger homes need more time to clean completely. The amount of dirt, mold, and grime on surfaces makes a big difference, too. Different siding materials, such as vinyl, brick, or wood, each require a unique cleaning approach and time. Complex architectural features, such as detailed trim work and decorative elements, add extra cleaning time. Weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, can slow down the process and impact the performance of the cleaning solution.

Time Estimates Based on House Size

Small to medium homes typically take 1-3 hours to pressure wash completely. Larger houses usually need 3-5 hours or more, depending on square footage and how complex the design is. Bigger homes have more surface area to cover, including multiple stories and detailed features that take extra time. Multi-story houses also require more setup time for ladders and safety equipment. The layout of your property affects timing too—houses with lots of corners and angles take longer than simple rectangular designs.

How Dirt Level Changes Everything

Heavy dirt and grime can double or triple your cleaning time. Stubborn buildup, such as mold, mildew, or years of accumulated dirt, often requires multiple passes to remove completely. Some tough stains require pretreatment with special cleaning solutions before you even start pressure washing. Really dirty surfaces slow down your progress because you need to work more carefully and thoroughly. The type of dirt matters too—organic growth like algae comes off easier than oil stains or paint splatters.

Surface-Specific Time Breakdown

Concrete driveways clean up quickly due to their smooth, durable surface - usually around 30 minutes for average-sized areas. Wooden decks need more careful handling to prevent damage and typically take 1-2 hours to clean properly. Vinyl or aluminum siding cleans efficiently and takes about 1-2 hours for most homes. Brick or stone exteriors take longer, often 2-3 hours, because these porous materials trap dirt deep in their surface.

Smart Tips to Save Time

Pre-soaking heavily dirty areas before you start makes the actual cleaning much faster and easier. This simple step loosens stubborn dirt and grime so it washes away more quickly. Here are key time-saving strategies:

Work in Sections: Clean one area completely before moving to the next to avoid going back over missed spots

Use the Right Nozzle: Match your nozzle to the job—wrong pressure settings waste time and can cause damage

Maintain Proper Distance: Stay consistent with your distance from the surface to clean efficiently without rework

Professional vs DIY Time Differences

Professional crews can typically finish a house in 2-6 hours, depending on size and dirt level. They know exactly which techniques work best and have commercial-grade equipment that cleans faster. DIY projects often take much longer—sometimes a full day to an entire weekend. Your experience level, equipment quality, and familiarity with proper techniques all impact how long the job takes. Professionals also handle prep work and cleanup more efficiently, which saves considerable time overall.

The total time for your pressure washing project depends on these key factors working together. Planning ahead and understanding what affects timing helps you set realistic expectations for your cleaning project.