Pressure Washing: What Actually Works (and What Damages Your Home)

A lot of "cheap" pressure washing ends up costing more later because of damage to wood, vinyl, and brick.

The right pressure for the surface

Chemicals vs. just water

For most homes we use a mild surfactant + bleach solution on siding to kill mildew at the root, then rinse cleanly. On decks we often use a brightener after cleaning to restore color without stripping the wood.

Frequency

In the Triangle, once a year for most homes is enough. If you're in a heavily treed area or have a pool, you may need it twice.

The goal isn't to make everything look brand new every time — it's to keep mildew, algae, and dirt from permanently staining surfaces.