ArcaMax

Your house needs a good washing when dirt, mildew and tree sap accumulate on the siding and trim. By keeping the exterior of your house clean, you’ll prolong the life of the siding and trim and reduce the need to paint it. Your option is to hire a house cleaning service, which uses a pressure washer, or do it yourself by renting a power washer for a day (or two, depending on the size of your house).

You’ll find house cleaning services listed online and on a local neighborhood exchange. Some companies send out a mailer or post a flyer at a home center. Or try the old-fashioned way and when you notice a house being cleaned, ask the owner if they’re satisfied with the job.

To clean the exterior of a 1200-square-foot house a cleaning service will charge $384. You can rent a power washer for $175 a day, do the job and save 54%. A popular size power washer is rated 1,200 psi, which means it delivers 1,200 pounds per square inch of water and detergent. The unit has a wand with an adjustable spray nozzle that attaches to a garden hose. In addition to the washer, you need a sturdy ladder long enough to reach the high point of your house, a garden hose and drop cloths to protect the shrubbery. If you have a two-story house, you will probably have to rent scaffolding to safely reach the second floor.

Get specific operating directions from the rental center about the kind of cleaning solution and how much of it to use. For the best results, begin washing on the shady side of the house, following the sun, so it doesn’t dry too quickly. And keep the wand moving so streaks of dirty water won’t stain the siding. For safety’s sake, consider wearing safety glasses.

Pro Cost: $384 — DIY Cost $175 — Pro time: 5.3
DIY Time: 9.5 — DIY Savings: $209 — Percent Saved: 54%

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To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2025 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.