The honest answer: most homes in the tri-state should be washed once a year, usually in spring or early summer once pollen settles. But it depends on what you're cleaning and what's growing on it.
A quick schedule
- Vinyl & painted siding: once a year — sooner if you see green or black streaks.
- Driveways & walkways: every 1–2 years, or when oil and tire marks build up.
- Decks & fences: once a year before you re-seal or stain.
- Roofs: only when you see black streaks or moss — and only with soft washing.
Pressure washing vs. soft washing
High pressure is great for concrete and pavers. But for siding, roofs and anything delicate, soft washing — low pressure plus a cleaning solution — is the safer call. It kills the algae and mildew at the root instead of just blasting the surface, so it stays clean longer and you don't risk forcing water behind the siding.
Should you DIY or hire it out?
A rental washer is fine for a small patio. For two-story siding, roofs, or anything near windows and landscaping, the risk of injury, cracked siding, or water intrusion usually isn't worth it. That's where a licensed, insured crew earns its keep.