House washing: what to charge (or expect to pay)
The typical US rate for house washing is $0.10 – $0.50 per square foot, adjusted for soil level. Below: how the price is built, what pushes it up or down, and how to quote it line by line.
Typical price range
| Soil level | Multiplier | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|
| Light (maintenance clean) | ×1.00 | $0.10 – $0.50/sq ft |
| Medium (typical job) | ×1.15 | $0.11 – $0.57/sq ft |
| Heavy (algae, neglect) | ×1.35 | $0.14 – $0.68/sq ft |
Source (verified September 18, 2026): Angi — “How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a House?”, $0.10–$0.50 per sq ft.
What moves a house wash price
Stories matter: a second story means ladders or extension wands and slower work, so most contractors price the upper band for two-story homes. Siding type matters too — vinyl soft washes quickly, while brick and stucco hold dirt in their texture. Heavy algae on the north face is the classic ×1.35 job. At the published per-sq-ft range, a 2,000 sq ft home prices at 2,000 × $0.10–0.50 = $200–$1,000; anything below your minimum charge hits the minimum instead.
Quoting it in writing
WashQuote prices house washing by square footage with the soil factor built in, applies your minimum job charge automatically, and exports a professional PDF quote while you are still on the customer's driveway. Free, no account, nothing leaves your phone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to pressure wash a house?
Most US house washes run $0.10–$0.50 per sq ft, so a 2,000 sq ft home prices at 2,000 × $0.10–0.50 = $200–$1,000 depending on stories, siding and soil level.
Is soft washing better than pressure washing for siding?
Yes for siding: low pressure plus detergent cleans without forcing water behind the panels or stripping paint. High pressure on vinyl or wood siding causes damage.