How Often Should I Pressure Wash My House in Virginia?
By Dr. Powerwash - Charlottesville, VA
Living in Virginia is beautiful — but the same trees, humidity, pollen, and changing seasons that make our area so scenic also take a toll on your home’s exterior. Many homeowners in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Greene, Louisa, and surrounding counties ask the same question:
How often should I pressure wash my house in Virginia?
The short answer: Most Virginia homes should be professionally washed once per year. But depending on your location, shade, and environmental exposure, the ideal schedule can vary.
Why Homes in Virginia Get Dirty Faster
Virginia’s climate creates the perfect conditions for organic buildup on siding:
- High humidity levels
- Heavy tree coverage (especially in Central Virginia)
- Pollen seasons in spring
- Mold, algae, and mildew growth
- Rain and seasonal temperature swings
If your home is in a shaded area (common in Charlottesville, Earlysville, Keswick, and Greene County), you may notice green algae or mildew much sooner than homes in full sun.
Recommended Pressure Washing Frequency (Virginia Homes)
1. Once Per Year (Most Homes)
For the majority of homeowners, an annual house wash is the best maintenance schedule. This keeps your home:
- Looking clean and bright
- Protected from long-term staining
- Free from damaging organic growth
- HOA and curb-appeal compliant
Annual washing is especially ideal for vinyl siding, Hardie board, brick, and painted exteriors.
2. Twice Per Year (Shaded or High-Moisture Properties)
You may need washing every 6–8 months if:
- Your home sits under heavy tree cover
- The north side of your house stays green
- You live near wooded or damp areas
- You notice algae returning quickly
This is very common in neighborhoods with a lot of tree cover and around wooded lots in Central Virginia.
3. Every 2 Years (Low Exposure Homes)
Homes that get full sunlight and minimal tree exposure can sometimes go up to 18–24 months between washes.
However, waiting too long allows buildup to:
- Permanently stain siding
- Shorten the lifespan of exterior surfaces
- Increase the cost of future cleanings
Preventative maintenance is always more cost-effective than restoration cleaning.
Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing (What Your Home Actually Needs)
At Dr. Powerwash, we use a soft wash system for house exteriors — not high-pressure blasting.
Why this matters:
- Safe for siding and paint
- Kills algae and mildew at the root
- Longer-lasting clean
- Prevents damage to your home
High pressure alone can actually damage siding and force water behind panels, which is why professional soft washing is the recommended method for residential homes in Virginia.
Signs Your Virginia Home Needs Washing Sooner
You may not need to wait a full year if you notice:
- Green or black streaks on siding
- Spider webs and dirt accumulation
- Dingy or faded appearance
- Mildew smell near exterior walls
If your home looks noticeably darker than when it was last cleaned, it’s likely time for a professional wash.
Best Time of Year to Pressure Wash in Virginia
The ideal seasons are:
- Spring: Remove pollen, mildew, and winter buildup
- Fall: Clean before winter moisture and staining set in
Many homeowners choose spring to restore curb appeal and fall to protect their investment.
The Cost of Waiting Too Long
Skipping regular washing can lead to:
- Permanent staining
- Premature siding replacement
- Higher long-term maintenance costs
- Reduced property value and curb appeal
Routine exterior cleaning is one of the simplest ways to protect one of your largest investments — your home.
Dr. Powerwash Recommendation (For Central Virginia Homeowners)
For homes in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Greene, Louisa, Orange, Madison, Nelson and surrounding areas, we typically recommend:
✔ Annual House Soft Wash (Standard Maintenance)
✔ Biannual Cleaning for Shaded or High-Moisture Homes
This approach keeps your home clean, protected, and looking its best year-round.
Get a Professional House Wash in Virginia
At Dr. Powerwash, we specialize in safe, professional house washing tailored to Virginia’s climate and environmental conditions. Our soft wash process removes algae, mold, and buildup without damaging your siding — and delivers long-lasting results.
If you’re unsure when your home was last cleaned, chances are it’s time for a wash. A yearly maintenance plan such as our Dr. Powerwash Prime plan can also help you save money while keeping your home consistently clean.
Serving Charlottesville, Greene, Albemarle, Louisa, Orange, Madison, Nelson and surrounding Central Virginia communities.