Have you ever stood in your driveway, looked up at your home, and thought, “Wow, when did it get that dirty?” Maybe it’s the moldy patches creeping across your siding, or the green algae framing your gutters. Or maybe it’s just that dull, gray film you didn’t even notice until the sun hit it a certain way. It kind of sneaks up on you, doesn’t it?

At that point, the decision becomes obvious—you need your house washed. But if you’re like most people, you’re probably wondering: Who do I call? With dozens of companies in your area offering deals, promising “professional results,” and flashing before-and-after pics, how do you know who you can trust?
This guide will walk you through the process of choosing a reliable house washing company near you—one that won’t damage your siding, ghost you after booking, or upcharge you the moment they arrive. It’s not as complicated as it seems, but there are a few things you’ll want to look out for before hiring anyone to touch your home.

Key Takeaways: What You’ll Learn in This Guide

• How to understand the right cleaning method for your home
• What questions to ask to vet experience, insurance, and services
• How to check for authentic reviews and avoid fake ones
• The biggest red flags to run from
• What to do before the company even arrives

1. Know What Your Home Needs

This may seem obvious, but most homeowners don’t know what kind of cleaning is safe—or even necessary—for their specific home. That’s where things can go sideways fast. You see, not all housewashing is created equal.

Let’s break it down:

Pressure Washing

This uses high-pressure water to blast away grime, perfect for hard surfaces like driveways or brick patios. But on siding? It can force water behind panels, strip paint, and cause damage.

Soft Washing

This is a much gentler approach. It uses low-pressure water combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions to safely remove dirt, algae, and mildew. It’s especially ideal for siding, roofs, painted wood, and stucco.

Most reputable companies will offer both options—and should be able to explain which method they recommend for your home and why. If someone says, “We just do pressure washing, it works on everything,”…that’s a red flag.

Want to understand the eco-impact of these methods? We broke it down in The Environmental Impact of Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: Which is Better?

2. Ask the Right Questions Upfront

Once you’ve got a short list of companies, start making calls or filling out online forms. The good ones will respond quickly—and how they answer your questions matters just as much as what they say.

Here’s a short list of what to ask:

• Are you insured and licensed? (They should say yes and offer proof if asked.)
• Do you use soft washing for siding and roofs?
• What kind of cleaning solutions do you use? Are they pet-safe or eco-friendly?
• Do you protect plants, windows, or electrical fixtures during cleaning?
• Can I get a written estimate?
• Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee or any touch-up policy?

Don’t worry about sounding picky—it’s your home. And any experienced company will appreciate an informed homeowner.

3. Review Their Online Reputation—But Do It Smartly

Let’s be honest: Reviews can be a bit of a mess. Some are fake, others are overly dramatic, and a few just seem… too perfect. So instead of only looking at the star rating, dig a little deeper.

Look for:

Volume and consistency – 50+ reviews with an average of 4.5 stars is a good sign.

Detailed comments – Look for specifics like “We had black mould on our siding” or “They were on time and explained everything.”

Photos – Before-and-after images from real clients go a long way

Owner responses – Especially to complaints. A respectful, problem-solving response shows professionalism.

Avoid companies that only have reviews on their website or Facebook page. Google, Yelp, and Angi are better sources with stricter review systems.

4. Don’t Get Fooled by the Price Game

This one can be tricky. It’s tempting to go with the lowest price, especially when they’re advertising a “whole house wash for $99!” But those kinds of offers usually come with catches: limited square footage, extra fees for second stories, or additional charges for detergent.

Instead, ask for a detailed quote that includes:

• Exact pricing per square foot or surface type
• Whether gutters, decks, or fences are included
• Extra charges for mold or mildew treatment
• How long the service will take
• Cancellation or rescheduling policies

Transparency matters. If they dodge the pricing question or only want to quote you in person after you’ve booked? Keep shopping.

5. Understand Their Process

You want a house washing company that has a clear, safe, and repeatable process—not just a couple of guys with a hose.

Look for companies that describe their process something like this:

“We begin by inspecting the property and covering sensitive areas like outdoor outlets or landscaping. Then, we apply a cleaning solution, allow it to dwell, and rinse using low-pressure equipment. Finally, we do a walkaround with the client to ensure satisfaction.”

That level of detail shows they know what they’re doing. If all they say is “We’ll just spray it down real quick,”—run.

6. Know the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late

Here are some signs that you may not be dealing with a professional house-washing company:

• No website or online presence
• Unmarked vehicles or no business logo
• No written quote or contract
• Pressure to pay in full before work is done
• No guarantee or warranty
• Poor communication or hard-to-reach

Also, if their equipment looks like it came from a garage sale, or their technician is unfamiliar with soft washing terminology, it’s best to keep looking.

7. Prep Your Home for the Best Results

A great company can only do so much if your home isn’t ready. There are a few simple things you can do to make sure everything goes smoothly:

• Move patio furniture, potted plants, and grills away from the home
• Close all windows and seal any gaps
• Point out areas of concern like mold patches or stained spots
• Cover outlets and sensitive garden areas with plastic if they haven’t already

We explain more about How To Prepare Your House For Pressure Washing.

8. Real-World Results (and Why Trust Matters)

Let’s take a second and imagine what this is really about. It’s not just about removing dirt. It’s about how you feel after it’s clean. You get to walk outside, take in your home, and think, “Dang, it looks new again.”

The good companies know this. They don’t rush. They walk you through the job before they leave. They invite feedback. And they’re not just trying to clean—they’re trying to earn your trust for next year too.

Recap: What You Should Look for in a House Washing Company

To quickly recap, here’s what you want to remember before booking:

• Know the right cleaning method: soft wash for delicate areas, pressure for concrete
• Ask the right questions about insurance, process, and experience
• Dig into reviews for honest insights
• Avoid shady pricing tricks
• Prep your house for better results

Hiring a trusted housewashing company might feel like a chore at first, but when you get it right, the results are worth it.

If you found this helpful, feel free to share this post with a neighbor who’s been eyeing their grimy siding. Or just bookmark it for when you’re ready to schedule your wash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How much does house washing typically cost?

It varies by region, house size, and method used. On average, homeowners pay between $250–$600 for full exterior washing. Ask for quotes based on your home’s square footage.

Q2. What time of year is best for house washing?

Late spring and early fall are ideal. Avoid freezing temps or heavy pollen seasons. Summer works too, as long as it’s not scorching.

Q3. Can house washing damage paint or siding?

If done incorrectly—yes. That’s why soft washing is recommended for painted surfaces. High-pressure systems can strip paint and warp vinyl if misused.

Q4. Will washing remove mold and mildew completely?

Yes, when done properly with cleaning solutions that kill spores. Be sure the company uses biodegradable and mold-specific detergents, not just water.