There’s no single right schedule. How often your house needs a wash depends on shade, trees, which side of the house you’re looking at, and what the siding is made of.
A sunny wall with open sky above it can stay clean for a long time. A shaded wall under big trees can turn green much sooner. The same house can need very different care on the front and the back.
Signs it’s time
- A green or black film on the shady side.
- Dark spots on soffits and under the eaves.
- Mud splashed up on the bottom rows of siding.
- Gray or black streaks on the gutter faces.
- Brick that looks darker or blotchier than it used to.
Trees play a big part. Evansville and its partners planted 557 trees in 2024, the most in a single year so far (WNIN). That’s good news for the city. It also means more shade on some walls as those trees grow.
What your siding can handle
Vinyl is forgiving. The siding trade group PEPA, formerly the Vinyl Siding Institute, says vinyl “Only needs mild soap and water from a garden hose for periodic cleaning.” It allows a power washer “with caution” and warns not to aim upward, since “this can force water behind the siding panels.”
Brick is touchier, especially older, softer brick. The Brick Industry Association says not to go above 400 psi at the nozzle unless the brick maker allows it.
If the roof has streaks too, we offer full property washes, so the walls and roof get done on the same job. Read about house washing and roof cleaning for the details. Or call or text (812) 664-6222, and we’ll tell you at a free exterior evaluation whether your house needs a wash yet.