DIY vs Professional Pressure Washing - What Homeowners Should Know
Homeowners in Michigan often ask whether pressure washing is best done by themselves or by a professional crew. Many also search for homemade house wash mixes to save money. This guide answers common DIY questions and shows why hiring an expert usually delivers safer, longer-lasting results.
DIY House Washing Basics
Popular Homemade Solutions
A common DIY mix combines one gallon of water, a cup of laundry detergent, and a cup of bleach or vinegar. This blend loosens surface dirt and light mildew. It can be poured into the pressure-washer soap tank or sprayed on with a garden sprayer.
Equipment Homeowners Use
Most homeowners rent or buy consumer-grade pressure washers rated between 1 500 and 2 500 PSI. The machine can handle small patios or low siding but struggles on tall walls or deep stains. Reaching peaks often requires ladders, which adds risk.
Limitations and Risks of DIY Cleaning
Possible Surface Damage
High pressure can punch holes in vinyl, chip paint, or force water behind siding. A wrong nozzle or a heavy trigger finger magnifies that danger. Repairs can erase any savings from doing the job yourself.
Personal Safety Concerns
Handling a powerful spray while standing on a ladder is risky. The water kickback can throw you off balance. Each season, homeowners suffer injuries from slips, falls, and accidental spray wounds.
Cost and Time
Rental fees, detergents, gas, and protective gear add up. A weekend project often turns into two full days of work. Professionals finish the same job in a few hours with better tools.
What Professional Pressure Washing Includes
Full Exterior Service
A standard house wash covers all siding surfaces and trim. Many companies can add decks, porches, and driveways in one visit. Crews rinse plants first and cover delicate landscaping.
Commercial Equipment and Detergents
Pros use washers that deliver higher flow at controlled pressure. They match each nozzle and PSI to the material they are cleaning. Their detergents kill mold spores and slow regrowth, so the home stays cleaner for longer.
Trained and Insured Technicians
Experience prevents streaks, missed spots, and damage. Insurance protects you if anything goes wrong, though incidents are rare. The team also follows safety rules, so you avoid the ladder risk entirely.
DIY or Pro - Which Choice Fits Your Home
When DIY May Be Enough
Small concrete pads or a short fence can be handled by a careful homeowner. Using the right nozzle and keeping a safe distance lowers the chance of damage. If you already own a washer, cleaning a tiny area may cost less.
When Professional Service Wins
Large homes, second-story siding, or any delicate material deserve expert care. The cost difference is modest once you list your time, rental fees, and risk. Most homeowners decide pro cleaning is worth it for peace of mind and a better result.
Time to Protect Your Michigan Home
A clean exterior boosts curb appeal and prevents early wear. Instead of wrestling with equipment and risk, let Diamond Dazzle Cleaning handle the work. Our technicians choose the right pressure or soft-wash method for every surface, giving you a spotless finish that lasts.
Request a free estimate today and enjoy a freshly washed home without the stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pressure washing a house include?
Pressure washing a house usually includes cleaning the entire exterior siding of the home. Professionals will wash all sides of your house’s siding to remove dirt, mildew, and grime. Many services also offer to clean other exterior elements during the visit – for example, they might rinse off porches, wash the exterior of gutters, or even clean driveways and decks if arranged. Always check with your service provider, but a “house wash” generally covers the main exterior walls at minimum.
Is pressure washing your house a good idea?
Yes, keeping your house clean with pressure washing is generally a good idea for maintenance and curb appeal. Removing algae, dirt, and mold protects your siding and prevents decay. But using a pressure washer incorrectly (too much pressure or the wrong technique) can cause damage or force water into your walls. If you’re not confident with the equipment, it’s best to hire a professional to make sure the job is done safely.
What is a good house wash solution for a pressure washer?
A good house wash solution can be either a store-bought siding cleaner or a homemade mixture. One effective homemade house wash solution is to mix about one gallon of water with a cup of laundry detergent, plus a cup of bleach (or white vinegar as a gentler alternative). This kind of solution helps break down grime and kill mildew on siding. Always avoid mixing bleach with any other chemicals, and test your cleaning mix on a small spot first. Also, protect nearby plants by rinsing them with water before and after you wash.
How often should I pressure wash my house in Michigan?
For a home in Michigan, many homeowners opt to pressure wash about once a year or once every two years. Michigan’s climate (with humid summers and wet, snowy winters) can lead to mold or grime buildup, so an annual cleaning, often in late spring or early summer, keeps the siding in good shape. In general, a proper professional cleaning can keep a house looking clean for anywhere from several months up to two years before grime accumulates again.
Should I hire a professional or pressure wash my house myself?
If you’re experienced and only need to clean a small area, DIY could be fine. But for a full house – especially a multi-story home – hiring a professional is usually the safer, more effective choice. Professionals have the right equipment and skills to avoid damage, and their work often yields longer-lasting results. In most cases, the convenience and peace of mind of hiring a pro make it worth it.
