Few home improvement projects deliver as much visual impact per dollar as a professional house washing. In a single afternoon, years of accumulated grime, algae, and discoloration can be removed, revealing the original color and condition of your home's exterior. The difference is often striking.
What House Washing Removes
A professional house wash removes more than just surface dirt. On most homes, we're addressing multiple types of buildup simultaneously:
- Dirt and road grime — the gray-brown film that accumulates on all exterior surfaces from traffic, soil, and wind
- Algae and mildew — the dark green, gray, or black staining that appears particularly on north-facing siding and under eaves
- Spider webs and insect nests — under soffits, around windows, and in corners
- Pollen and dust — the yellowish coating that builds up each spring
- Oxidation on older surfaces — the chalky, faded look on aging vinyl or painted surfaces
- Light moss growth — before it gains a real foothold on siding or trim
The Impact on Home Value
Real estate professionals consistently cite curb appeal as one of the most important factors in home sales. Studies suggest that improved curb appeal can increase perceived home value by 5–10%. A professional house washing costing a few hundred dollars can translate to thousands of dollars in buyer perception.
Even if you're not selling, there's value in maintaining your home's exterior. Organic growth like algae and mold, if left unchecked, can work its way into siding, caulk joints, and wood trim — causing damage that's far more expensive to repair than to prevent.
What to Expect During a House Washing
A professional house washing on a typical DuPage County home takes 2–4 hours. Here's how the process typically works:
- Pre-rinse and wet down landscaping near the home
- Apply soft wash solution to siding, starting from the bottom up to prevent streaking
- Allow dwell time for the solution to kill biological growth
- Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom
- Hand-clean windows, trim details, and areas needing extra attention
- Final rinse to ensure no solution residue remains
Before your house washing: Close all windows and doors. Move potted plants away from the immediate work area. Let the crew know about any areas of concern, like loose caulk, damaged siding, or outdoor electrical outlets.
Soft Washing for Home Exteriors
Most home exteriors — vinyl siding, aluminum, stucco, and wood — should be cleaned using soft wash methods rather than high-pressure water. Soft washing is gentler on surfaces while being more effective against the biological growth that causes most discoloration. Contact AMH Pressure Wash to schedule your house washing in DuPage County.
