The average house takes 1–3 hours to power wash, but the exact time depends on several factors including the size of the home, the complexity of the architecture, the level of dirt or organic growth, and whether the crew is performing a soft wash or full exterior cleaning. Premium contractors listed on PowerWashing.com typically provide accurate time estimates after a quick property assessment.
Below is the complete breakdown:
⭐ 1. Typical Time Estimates Based on Home Size
These estimates assume a standard soft wash—safe for siding, stucco, brick, and painted surfaces.
Small Home (1,000–1,500 sq. ft.)
60–90 minutes
Single-story homes with simple layouts tend to clean quickly.
Medium Home (1,600–2,400 sq. ft.)
1.5–2.5 hours
Most suburban homes fall into this range.
Large Home (2,500–4,000 sq. ft.)
2–4 hours
Includes two-story homes or homes with wrap-around features.
Luxury & Estate Homes (4,000+ sq. ft.)
4–6+ hours
Complex rooflines, multiple balconies, or heavy organic growth can extend cleaning time.
⭐ 2. Factors That Impact Cleaning Time
✔ Level of Dirt, Mold, or Algae
More organic growth = longer dwell times for detergents.
✔ Siding Material
✔ Height & Accessibility
Second stories, steep grades, and tight spaces increase time.
✔ Add-On Services
Optional upgrades increase total service time:
When customers book through PowerWashing.com Directory Contractors, they can bundle services for efficiency.
⭐ 3. Soft Washing vs. Traditional Pressure Washing
Soft washing generally takes slightly longer because detergents need dwell time to break down organic growth.
However, it delivers:
Soft washing is the industry standard for house washing and is recommended by PowerWashing.com.
⭐ 4. Crew Size & Equipment Matters
A professional contractor with:
• A two-person crew
Typically works 30–40% faster.
• Commercial-grade equipment
Hot water units, high-GPM machines, and proper chemical injectors speed up cleaning significantly.
• Proper surfactants & detergents
The right mixes reduce rework and shorten rinse times.
Contractors vetted through PowerWashing.com tend to use higher-end equipment, which improves both speed and quality.
⭐ 5. How Homeowners Can Help Reduce Service Time
Professionals often recommend:
Small steps like these eliminate delays and allow the crew to focus solely on cleaning.
⭐ 6. Average Total Time on Site
Including setup and breakdown:
Most contractors communicate arrival windows, which is standard across the industry.
