Pressure Washing Services in Washington, DC, Maryland & Virginia
Rent Painters provides professional pressure washing and power washing services across Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. Since 2010 we've cleaned siding, brick, decks, driveways, patios and fences, using the right pressure and method for each surface. We lift off mold, algae and grime without cracking vinyl or stripping paint, and our $2 million in liability coverage protects your property while we work.
Pressure washing vs. power washing vs. soft washing
These terms get mixed up, and the difference matters for your home. Pressure washing uses cold, high-pressure water and is best for hard surfaces like concrete driveways, patios and sidewalks. Power washing is the same but with heated water, which cuts grease and stubborn buildup faster. Soft washing uses low pressure (under about 500 PSI) plus cleaning solutions. It's the correct, safe method for delicate surfaces like vinyl siding, painted wood, stucco and roofs.
This is where cheap operators go wrong: blasting vinyl siding at 2,000+ PSI can crack panels, force water behind walls and strip caulking. We match the pressure and technique to each surface, soft washing where it's needed and high pressure only where it's safe.
What we pressure wash
- House siding: vinyl, wood, brick, stucco and fiber cement, soft-washed to protect the surface
- Driveways, sidewalks and patios: concrete and pavers cleaned of oil, dirt and stains at higher pressure
- Decks and fences: cleaned at the right pressure for wood, and prepped if you're refinishing a deck or painting a fence
- Garage doors, porches and steps: brightened and cleared of mildew
- Roofs: soft-washed to remove algae streaks without damaging shingles
House washing before you paint
If you're planning an exterior paint job or refinishing a deck, a house wash isn't optional. It's the foundation. Paint and stain only bond to a clean, dull, dry surface, so we wash off dirt, chalking, mildew and loose paint, then let the surface dry fully (at least a couple of days) before any coating goes on.
Skip this step and even premium paint peels early. Having one crew handle both the wash and the paint means a better, longer-lasting result.
Our pressure washing process
- Free estimate: contact us or call. We assess the surfaces and give you a customized quote.
- Prep the area: we cover what shouldn't get wet and make sure doors and windows are closed.
- Apply cleaning solution: a detergent goes on at low pressure to break down mold, algae and grime.
- Wash: we rinse top to bottom with the correct pressure and nozzle for each surface: soft wash for siding and roofs, higher pressure for concrete.
- Let it dry: if painting comes next, we let the surface dry at least two days first.
Most home washes take 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on size, height and how much buildup there is.
Why hire a professional power washing service
A pressure washer in the wrong hands damages siding, forces water into walls and misses the mold it was meant to remove. A professional service brings the right pressure, the right cleaners and the experience to use them safely. Rent Painters has cleaned DC-metro exteriors since 2010:
Right method for each surface
Soft wash for siding and roofs, high pressure for concrete. We bring all the equipment, so you don't rent a machine you'll use once.
Real cleaning
Detergents that kill mold and algae, not just rinse the surface.
Paint-ready prep
Washed and dried correctly when paint or stain comes next.
$2,000,000 general liability
And full Workers' Compensation compliance.
Angi Super Service Award
Angi (formerly Angie's List), 5 years running.
2-year warranty
Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
What homeowners say
“These guys were great from start to finish … I can't recommend them enough. You won't be disappointed. Chris the owner is a very honest trustworthy guy!”
— Louise R., Google review. See more reviews
Areas we serve
We provide pressure washing throughout the DC metro, including:
- Washington, DC
- Alexandria
- Arlington
- Falls Church
- Bethesda
- Chevy Chase
- Potomac
- Rockville
- Gaithersburg
- Kensington
- Silver Spring
- Montgomery County
- Tenleytown
- College Park
- Bowie
Pairing it with outdoor work? See our exterior painting, deck staining and cleaning and fence painting services.
Pressure washing FAQ
Get your instant quoteWhat's the difference between pressure washing, power washing and soft washing?
Pressure washing uses cold high-pressure water for hard surfaces. Power washing adds heat for grease and stubborn buildup. Soft washing uses low pressure plus cleaning solution for delicate surfaces like siding and roofs. We use whichever the surface needs.
Will pressure washing damage my siding?
Not the way we do it. Vinyl and painted siding are soft-washed at low pressure so panels don't crack and water isn't forced behind the walls. Only hard surfaces like concrete get high pressure.
How often should I pressure wash my home?
About once a year for most homes, and every six to eight months in shaded, humid or tree-heavy spots where mold and algae grow faster.
Do I need to pressure wash before painting?
Yes. Paint and stain only bond to a clean, dry, dull surface. We wash first, then let the surface dry at least two days before any coating.
Do you bring the equipment?
Yes. We bring the pressure washer, nozzles, detergents and everything else.