Pressure washing siding rates: DIY rental vs hiring a pro
By My Yard Editorial Team · 7/28/2026
The Quick Answer
Pros charge $0.20–$0.55 per sq ft, or $300–$700 for an average house. A rental washer is $70–$110 per day plus your entire Saturday.
The Witty Breakdown
The real difference isn't the machine, it's the technique. Siding should be soft-washed with detergent at low pressure, not blasted at 3,000 PSI.
High pressure forces water behind siding and into window seals. That's a mold problem you won't see for a year.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Use a house-wash detergent and let it dwell 5–10 minutes.
- 2
Wash top-down, rinse bottom-up.
- 3
Keep the wand at least 18 inches from vinyl, and never spray upward under laps.
- 4
Cover outlets, lights, and plants near the foundation.
Pro-Tip / Do Not Do This
Never pressure wash a wood deck at full blast. You'll etch the soft grain and give it permanent stripes.
Was this helpful?
Related Guides
Community Comments
No comments yet — be the first neighbor to weigh in.