Thinking about getting your house washed? Most homeowners in the Columbia, SC area pay between $200 and $600 for a professional house washing, depending on the size and condition of the home. But here's the catch — if your house has vinyl, wood, or painted siding, what you actually need is soft washing, not pressure washing.
We'll break down the costs, explain the difference, and help you understand what you should actually be paying for.
Average House Washing Costs
| Home Size (sq ft) | Stories | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 | 1 story | $200-$300 |
| 1,500-2,500 | 1-2 stories | $300-$450 |
| 2,500-3,500 | 2 stories | $400-$550 |
| 3,500+ | 2+ stories | $500-$600+ |
These prices cover the full exterior — all siding, soffits, fascia, and trim. Some companies price by the square foot ($0.10-$0.30/sq ft) while others quote flat rates based on an assessment.
Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing Your House
This is the most important thing to understand before hiring someone to wash your house: the method matters more than the price.
| Factor | Pressure Washing | Soft Washing |
|---|---|---|
| PSI | 3,000-4,000 | 100-500 |
| Best for | Concrete, brick, stone | Siding, painted wood, stucco |
| Kills organic growth? | No — blasts it off temporarily | Yes — kills at the root |
| Risk of damage? | High on siding, wood, shingles | Very low when done correctly |
| How long results last | Months | 1-3 years |
If a company shows up to wash your vinyl siding with a 3,000 PSI pressure washer, that's a red flag. High pressure on siding can crack vinyl, force water behind the siding (causing mold and rot), strip paint, and damage wood. A professional exterior cleaning company should know when to use pressure and when to use soft washing.
What Affects the Price?
Home Size and Height
Bigger homes have more surface area, and taller homes require more time and specialized equipment. A two-story home typically costs 30-50% more than a comparable single-story home.
Current Condition
A house with years of algae and mold buildup takes longer to clean than one on a regular maintenance schedule. Heavy green algae, black mold stains, and oxidation all require more solution and more time.
Siding Material
Different siding materials require different approaches. Vinyl is the most straightforward. Wood siding, stucco, and EIFS require more care and typically cost more. Brick homes may use a combination of soft washing (upper walls) and pressure washing (lower walls and foundation).
What Should Be Included?
A quality house washing should include:
- Pre-treatment with a cleaning solution to break down organic growth
- Full exterior washing of all siding, soffits, fascia, and trim
- Window rinsing (not full window cleaning, but clearing splash-back)
- Foundation and entry area rinse
- Landscaping protection — pre-wetting plants before and after
How Often Should You Wash Your House?
In the SC Midlands, we recommend house washing every 1-2 years. Our warm, humid climate promotes fast algae and mold growth, especially on north-facing walls and shaded areas. If you notice green or black discoloration on your siding, it's time — waiting only makes the job harder and more expensive.
Regular house washing also protects your paint or siding from premature aging. Organic growth traps moisture against your exterior, which accelerates deterioration over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to pressure wash a 2,000 sq ft house?
Can pressure washing damage my siding?
Is house washing worth it?
About the Author
Brayden Rollins
Brayden is the owner and operator of Monster Pro Wash, a locally owned exterior cleaning company serving the Columbia, SC metro area. With hands-on experience cleaning hundreds of homes and businesses across the SC Midlands, he knows what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to pressure washing, soft washing, gutter cleaning, and roof cleaning. When he's not on a job site, he's writing guides to help homeowners take better care of their properties.