Pressure Washing Your Florida Home: Complete Guide

If you have lived in Florida for even one rainy season, you have seen the transformation. Your bright, clean driveway gradually turns gray-green with algae. Black streaks appear on your roof. The lanai screens get hazy with mildew. Within a year, surfaces that once looked pristine start looking neglected.

Pressure washing is the fastest, most effective way to restore your Florida home’s exterior. But it is not as simple as renting a machine and blasting everything at full power. Using the wrong pressure or technique can damage stucco, etch concrete, destroy screens, and even void paint warranties. Here is how to do it right.

Why Florida Homes Need More Frequent Pressure Washing

The combination of heat, humidity, frequent rain, and organic matter creates perfect conditions for biological growth on every exterior surface. Algae, mold, mildew, and even lichens colonize driveways, sidewalks, siding, fences, pool decks, and roofs. In the Tampa Bay area, most homes need pressure washing at least once a year — some high-shade or high-moisture areas may need it twice.

Beyond aesthetics, this biological growth causes real damage. Algae holds moisture against surfaces, accelerating deterioration. Mold and mildew can migrate into porous materials like stucco and wood. On roofs, algae literally feeds on limestone filler in asphalt shingles, shortening their lifespan. Regular cleaning prevents this damage from accumulating.

Surface-by-Surface Guide

Concrete Driveways and Sidewalks

Concrete is the most forgiving surface for pressure washing. Use 2,500 to 3,000 PSI with a 25-degree or surface-cleaner attachment for even results. Apply a concrete-safe degreaser or sodium hypochlorite solution first, allow it to dwell for 5 to 10 minutes, then pressure wash in overlapping passes. Keep the nozzle 6 to 12 inches from the surface and maintain consistent distance to avoid striping.

Stucco and Painted Siding

Stucco is the dominant exterior finish on Hillsborough County homes, and it requires a gentler approach. Use 1,000 to 1,500 PSI maximum with a 40-degree nozzle or, better yet, soft washing. Soft washing uses low pressure (comparable to a garden hose) combined with specialized cleaning solutions that kill mold and algae at the root. High pressure on stucco will erode the finish, force water behind the wall, and create more problems than it solves.

Pool Decks and Pavers

Pool decks see constant moisture and are magnets for algae, making them slippery and dangerous. Use 2,000 to 2,500 PSI for concrete pool decks. For pavers, reduce pressure to 1,500 to 2,000 PSI and avoid directing the stream directly into the joints — high pressure can blast out the polymeric sand that holds pavers in place. After washing pavers, you may need to re-sand the joints.

Screen Enclosures

Screen enclosures require extremely low pressure — 500 to 800 PSI at most, or simply a garden hose with a cleaning solution. High pressure will tear screens instantly. Work from top to bottom, rinse thoroughly, and clean the aluminum frame with a soft brush for stubborn oxidation. If your screens already have tears, consider getting them repaired first — our screen enclosure repair guide covers what to look for.

Fences

Wood fences can be pressure washed at 1,200 to 1,500 PSI using a 40-degree nozzle. Work with the wood grain, not against it, and maintain consistent distance. After washing, allow the fence to dry completely (3 to 5 days) before applying stain or sealant. Vinyl fences can handle slightly higher pressure. For more on fence care, read our fence maintenance guide.

Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing

Soft washing has become the preferred method for many Florida exterior surfaces. Instead of relying on high-pressure water to strip away growth, soft washing uses specialized biodegradable cleaning solutions applied at low pressure. The chemicals do the heavy lifting — killing mold, mildew, and algae at the cellular level — while the low pressure rinse is safe for delicate surfaces.

Soft washing is ideal for stucco, painted surfaces, roofs, screen enclosures, and wood. Traditional pressure washing remains the better choice for concrete, brick, and heavily soiled hard surfaces. Many professional services, including our outdoor services, use both methods depending on the surface being cleaned.

Common Pressure Washing Mistakes

• Using too much pressure on stucco: This is the single most common mistake. Even 2,000 PSI can damage stucco finishes and force water behind your walls.
• Washing from bottom to top: Always work from top to bottom so dirty runoff does not streak clean areas below.
• Skipping cleaning solutions: Water alone does not kill biological growth. Without a proper cleaning agent, algae and mold return within weeks because the roots are still alive.
• Getting too close to the surface: Maintaining 6 to 12 inches of distance prevents gouging concrete and damaging softer materials.
• Neglecting to protect plants: Wet down landscaping before and after washing to dilute any chemical runoff. Cover delicate plants if using stronger cleaning solutions.

How Often to Pressure Wash in Florida

As a general rule for the Tampa Bay area:

• Driveways and sidewalks: Once per year, ideally in spring before the heavy rainy season
• Exterior walls and stucco: Once per year, using soft wash method
• Pool decks: Once or twice per year depending on shade exposure
• Screen enclosures: Once per year, more often in heavily treed areas
• Roofs: Every 2 to 3 years, using soft wash only (never high pressure on roofing)

Regular pressure washing is a key component of seasonal home maintenance and significantly extends the life of your exterior surfaces. It also makes a dramatic difference in curb appeal — read our piece on what to fix before listing your home if you are preparing to sell.

Frequently Asked Questions