Grime, mildew and stains build up a little at a time until one day the outside of your property looks years older. Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in your area brings it back, usually in a single visit. For wood siding, that means soft wash.
How we clean it
Cleaning solution: A mild house-wash mix; an oxygen-based cleaner when the wood will be stained.
Cleaning wood siding safely
Painted and stained wood siding grows mildew and loses its finish faster on the shaded and weather-facing sides. A soft wash cleans it without raising the grain, and is the usual first step before repainting or restaining.
Avoid: High pressure that raises fibers, gouges the wood or strips sound paint unevenly.
How often: Every 1-2 years, and before every repaint.
When to book pre-paint washing for wood siding
- You're about to paint or stain the house
- Chalky residue comes off on your hand
- Mildew or dirt under the old paint
Why it gets dirty
- Paint chalking as it ages
- Mildew that will grow through new paint if not killed
- Dirt that weakens adhesion
What you can do yourself
- Ask your painter what prep they need
- Allow siding to dry for the time the paint maker recommends before painting
Not sure what you're looking at? The free stain identifier and safe pressure guide explain each stain and surface.
Why more pressure isn’t better
- Painting over mildew, which bleeds through
- Too much pressure that damages wood or drives water into the wall
- Painting before the wood is dry
Our process for pre-paint washing for wood siding
- Coordinate with your painter
- Protect plants and fixtures
- Kill mildew and wash the surface
- Remove loose chalk and dirt
- Leave the house to dry before painting
How much does pre-paint washing for wood siding cost?
What moves the price:
- Size: square footage of siding, roof or flatwork
- Condition: heavy growth, old stains and peeling finishes take longer
- Access: number of stories, roof pitch, slopes and how close we can park
- Add-ons: sealing, gutter brightening and other services done in the same trip
These are typical U.S. ranges, not a quote. You get an exact price before any work starts. For a quick estimate, try the pressure washing cost calculator.
Other services for wood siding
- Soft Washing for Wood Siding
- House Washing for Wood Siding
- Exterior Mold & Mildew Removal for Wood Siding
Serving your area and nearby towns
We provide pre-paint washing for wood siding across all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. Pick your state to see local details:
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Alabama
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Alaska
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Arizona
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Arkansas
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in California
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Colorado
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Connecticut
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Delaware
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in District of Columbia
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Florida
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Georgia
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Hawaii
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Idaho
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Illinois
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Indiana
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Iowa
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Kansas
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Kentucky
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Louisiana
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Maine
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Maryland
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Massachusetts
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Michigan
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Minnesota
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Mississippi
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Missouri
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Montana
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Nebraska
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Nevada
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in New Hampshire
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in New Jersey
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in New Mexico
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in New York
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in North Carolina
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in North Dakota
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Ohio
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Oklahoma
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Oregon
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Pennsylvania
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Puerto Rico
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Rhode Island
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in South Carolina
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in South Dakota
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Tennessee
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Texas
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Utah
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Vermont
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Virginia
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Washington
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in West Virginia
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Wisconsin
- Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding in Wyoming
Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding: frequently asked questions
How much does pre-paint washing for wood siding cost?
Pre-Paint Washing for Wood Siding typically costs $250-$600 for a typical home exterior, and usually takes 2-4 hours plus dry time. The exact price depends on the size and condition, and you get it before any work starts. Call (555) 010-0000 for a free quote.
Do you use high pressure for pre-paint washing for wood siding?
For wood siding: soft wash, typically under 500 PSI; up to about 1,000 PSI with a wide tip for bare wood prep. What we avoid: high pressure that raises fibers, gouges the wood or strips sound paint unevenly. The cleaning solution does most of the work, followed by a gentle rinse.
Is pre-paint washing for wood siding safe for my plants and pets?
We pre-wet plants and lawns, keep cleaning solutions diluted to what the surface needs, and rinse landscaping again when we finish. Keep pets and children inside until surfaces are rinsed and dry.
How often should I schedule pre-paint washing for wood siding?
Every 1-2 years, and before every repaint. Shade, nearby trees, humidity and heavy traffic mean more frequent cleaning; sunny, dry spots can go longer. Our free cleaning frequency tool gives a recommendation for your climate.
What if it rains on the day?
Light rain doesn't stop most washing, but heavy rain, high wind, lightning and freezing temperatures do. If the weather isn't right, we reschedule at no charge. Our work is backed by a satisfaction guarantee.