Pressure Washing
Most exterior surfaces don't need high pressure — they need the right pressure. We match the method to the material instead of pointing a 3,000 PSI wand at everything.
- Free quotes, usually same day
- Surface-safe methods
- Plants protected
- Residential & commercial
Before
After
Drag to compare — siding soft wash
Pressure washing that's matched to the surface
Exterior surfaces on the Peninsula collect a predictable set of problems: algae on shaded siding, moss in roof valleys, black organic staining on concrete under tree cover, and a dull film of dust and pollen over everything by the end of a dry summer. Left alone, most of it keeps growing — algae and moss hold moisture against the surface, which is how a cosmetic problem turns into a repair bill.
Pressure washing vs. soft washing
They get used interchangeably, but they aren't the same thing. Pressure washing uses mechanical force — right for concrete, pavers and hard flatwork. Soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution that breaks down algae and mildew at the root — right for siding, stucco, roofs and painted wood. Use the second where you need the first and the surface stays dirty. Use the first where you need the second and you cause damage.
BeforeAfterWhat we pressure wash — and what we soft wash
If it's outside and it's dirty, it's usually something we handle. Here's the method each surface gets.
Driveways
Rotary surface cleaner for an even, stripe-free finish. Oil and rust spots pre-treated.
PressureWalkways, steps & sidewalks
Black organic staining and slippery shaded sections cleared edge to edge.
PressurePatios & pavers
Hard flatwork cleaned at full pressure, with joints and edges detailed.
Soft washSiding & stucco
Low pressure plus a cleaning solution, so water is never forced behind the surface.
Soft washRoofs
Moss, algae and lichen killed at the root — safe for asphalt shingle and tile.
Low pressureDecks & fences
Wood and composite at the pressure each one can actually take — no splintering.
Storefronts, office entries and HOA common areas too — commercial exterior cleaning →
Our process, start to finish
- Walk-through & quote. We look at each surface and tell you which method we'll use and why. For simpler jobs, photos are enough to give you a price.
- Protect the property. Landscaping near the work area is pre-wet and covered where necessary.
- Pre-treat & clean. Heavy organic growth is pre-treated and left to dwell, then cleaned at the pressure the material can take.
- Rinse & final walk. We rinse surrounding plants and hardscape, then walk the property with you so you can see what changed.
You don't need to be home — just give us access to the areas being cleaned and an outdoor water spigot.
Recent results
Original photographs from our own jobs, full frame.
BeforeAfter
Why homeowners choose Peninsula Exterior Care
5.0 from 32 Google reviews
Every one from a real customer. Read them →
Fully insured
We're happy to send current documentation before any work starts.
No damage from the wrong method
Real pressure only where a surface can take it. Everything else gets soft washed.
Clear quotes, fast
Send a few photos and we can usually price it the same day, with the scope in writing.
“Because my house is old, I didn't want to use too much pressure. He is meticulous and provided a fair price for all the work he did. No damage at all to the stucco or wood from the washing.”
What affects the price
We don't publish a price list, because quoting a property without seeing it is guessing. The main factors are square footage and number of stories, the surface and the method it needs, how long it's been since the last cleaning, and access — hillside lots, long driveways and tight side yards all add time. Bundling services in one visit, like a house wash plus the driveway, costs less than booking them separately.
How often
Most Peninsula homes do well on an annual cycle for siding and a twice-yearly cycle for gutters and windows. Properties under heavy tree canopy — common in Atherton, Woodside, Los Altos Hills and Portola Valley — usually need more frequent attention, since organic debris is what drives most of the staining. Driveways and walkways under trees typically look their best with a cleaning every year or two.
Want a price today?
Send 2–3 photos of the area and we'll come back with a number, usually the same day.
Frequently asked
Will pressure washing damage my siding or stucco?
It can, which is why we don't pressure wash those surfaces. Stucco is porous and high pressure can force water behind it; painted wood can splinter and lose its finish. Both get soft washed instead.
How much does pressure washing cost?
It depends on the size of the area, the surface, its condition and access, so we quote each job individually. Send a few photos through the form below and we can usually give you a price the same day.
Do you use bleach?
We use a sodium hypochlorite based solution diluted appropriately for the surface, which is the standard approach for killing algae and mildew at the root rather than just rinsing the top layer off. Landscaping gets pre-wet and rinsed.
How long does a typical job take?
A single-service job like a driveway or windows is usually a few hours. A full exterior — house wash plus driveway plus walkways — is typically most of a day.
Are you insured?
Yes. We are fully insured and happy to send current documentation before any work begins.
Do I need to be home?
No, as long as we have access to the areas being cleaned and an outdoor water spigot. Plenty of our jobs happen while the homeowner is at work.
Pressure Washing across the Peninsula & South Bay
We are based in Atherton and cover the Peninsula, South Bay and San Francisco. Tap a city for local detail on what we see there and how we handle it.
Pressure Washing in San Jose · Pressure Washing in Santa Clara · Pressure Washing in Palo Alto · Pressure Washing in Menlo Park · Pressure Washing in Atherton · Pressure Washing in Redwood City · Pressure Washing in San Mateo · Pressure Washing in San Francisco
Also serving Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Los Altos, San Carlos, Hillsborough, Burlingame, Daly City and every other city we cover.
You might also need
House Washing
Soft washing that lifts dirt, algae and buildup from siding without the damage high pressure causes.
Driveway Cleaning
Oil, tire marks, algae and grime lifted with rotary surface cleaning — no wand striping.
Roof Cleaning
Moss, algae and debris removed with low-pressure methods safe for shingles and tile.
Concrete & Sidewalk Cleaning
Walkways, sidewalks, steps and concrete flatwork cleaned evenly, edge to edge.
Get a quote for pressure washing
Send a few details and we'll get back to you with a price — usually the same day.