How Often Should You Pressure Wash Your Home? Expert Recommendations for 2026

Pressure washing is one of the easiest ways to preserve the look and condition of your home, especially in a climate like Alabama where moisture, heat, and seasonal storms constantly affect exterior surfaces. But one question homeowners often ask is: How often should I pressure wash my house?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, experts agree that several factors—such as weather, home design, material type, and the surrounding environment—determine how frequently you should schedule a cleaning. Below, we outline the best guidelines for 2026 so Alabama homeowners can protect their property, prevent build-up, and keep their home looking fresh year-round.

1. The General Rule: At Least Once Every 12 Months

In most cases, homeowners should pressure wash at least once every year. This helps remove the dirt, mold, and mildew that naturally accumulate due to Alabama’s humidity.

Annual cleaning prevents:

• Stains from becoming permanent
  
  
• Mold from embedding into siding
  
  
• Algae from spreading across shaded areas
  
  
• Exterior paint from breaking down
  
  

If your home is surrounded by trees, sits in a shaded area, or experiences heavy pollen buildup, you may benefit from cleaning more frequently.

2. Alabama’s Climate Means Many Homes Need Cleaning Every 6–8 Months

Because Alabama experiences long stretches of moisture and heat, homes here often accumulate grime faster than homes in drier states. Shaded areas, north-facing walls, and properties near lakes or wooded areas grow mildew especially quickly.

If you notice:

• Black or green streaks on siding
  
  
• Slippery driveways
  
  
• Faded-looking brick
  
  
• Dirt buildup on shutters or gutters
  
  

…it’s a sign that cleaning is needed sooner than once a year.

Most experts recommend washing your Alabama home every 6 to 8 months for best results.

3. Different Surfaces Require Different Cleaning Schedules

Not all areas of your property weather the same amount of exposure. Understanding each surface’s needs helps you decide how often to schedule pressure washing.

Siding (vinyl, wood, stucco)

Recommended: 6–12 months
Vinyl siding collects algae quickly, while wood siding absorbs moisture. Stucco can stain easily.

Roof

Recommended: Every 1–2 years
Algae, moss, and black streaks are common in humid regions. Soft washing is preferred over high-pressure cleaning.

Driveways & Sidewalks

Recommended: Every 6–12 months
Concrete absorbs dirt and becomes slippery when algae grows.

Decks & Patios

Recommended: Every 1 year
Humidity causes wood to darken and age faster unless cleaned regularly.

Fences

Recommended: 1–2 years depending on wood type and sun exposure.

Each surface ages differently, and pressure washing helps extend its lifespan.

4. Consider Your Home’s Surroundings

Your environment plays a bigger role than you may think. Homes in certain areas need more frequent cleaning because outdoor conditions accelerate buildup.

You may need more frequent pressure washing if your home is near:

• Large trees or wooded areas
  
  
• A lake or river
  
  
• Construction zones
  
  
• Farmland or open fields
  
  
• Areas with heavy pollen exposure
  
  
• High-humidity pockets
  
  

Tree sap, falling leaves, and pollen stick to siding and driveways, causing faster staining. If this sounds like your property, plan for a cleaning every 6 months.

5. After Storm Season Is a Good Time to Clean

Strong winds, rain, and storm debris can cause sudden buildup on siding and roofs. Alabama’s storm season often leaves:

• Mud splashes
  
  
• Branch debris
  
  
• Dirt streaks
  
  
• Mold patches
  
  
• Clogged gutters
  
  

Cleaning your home after major weather events keeps your surfaces protected and restores your exterior quickly.

6. Pressure Washing Before Painting or Staining Is Essential

If you’re planning to repaint your siding, stain your deck, or refresh your exterior trim, pressure washing is a must. Paint and stain products don’t bond well to dirty surfaces.

Cleaning before painting removes:

• Loose dirt
  
  
• Old flakes
  
  
• Mold and mildew
  
  
• Embedded debris
  
  

This ensures your new finish lasts longer and adheres properly.

7. Maintaining Curb Appeal Year-Round

A clean home exterior makes a huge difference—especially when you're trying to maintain or improve curb appeal. Whether your home is on the market or you simply enjoy a well-kept property, pressure washing helps restore brightness to:

• Siding
  
  
• Brick
  
  
• Garage doors
  
  
• Patios
  
  
• Porch areas
  
  

Many homeowners choose to pressure wash in spring and fall, keeping the home looking its best throughout the entire year.

8. How to Know It’s Time to Pressure Wash (Even If It Hasn’t Been a Year Yet)

Watch for these signs:

• Green or black streaks on siding
  
  
• Dirt or moss on the roof
  
  
• Slippery concrete surfaces
  
  
• Pollen buildup
  
  
• Mud stains after rain
  
  
• A dull or faded exterior
  
  
• Spider webs around windows
  
  
• Strong mildew smell
  
  

If you notice any of these, it’s time to schedule a cleaning—regardless of when your last pressure wash was.

9. Why Professional Cleaning Outperforms DIY Machines

While DIY pressure washers are easy to rent, they often lack the power, precision, and cleaning solutions needed to properly clean home surfaces without causing damage.

Professionals use techniques that match the surface type:

• Soft washing for roofs
  
  
• Controlled pressure for siding
  
  
• Deep surface cleaning for driveways
  
  
• Safe detergent mixes for mold and mildew
  
  

This ensures a deeper clean and reduces the risk of stripping paint or harming fragile materials.

Final Recommendations for 2026

For most Alabama homeowners, the ideal pressure washing schedule is:

• Every 6–12 months for the full exterior
  
  
• Every 1–2 years for roofs
  
  
• Every year for decks, patios, and driveways
  
  
• Twice a year in shaded or high-moisture locations
  
  

Regular cleaning is a simple, affordable step that protects your home and keeps it looking fresh year after year.