House washing is the single most-requested service we do in Indianapolis, and it's also the one with the widest price range — because "house washing" covers everything from a 1,400 sq ft ranch in Beech Grove to a 4,000 sq ft two-story in Carmel with three stories of stone accents. Here's how to estimate where your home falls.
Price by Home Size
- Under 1,800 sq ft: $200–$300
- 1,800–2,800 sq ft: $250–$450
- 2,800–4,000 sq ft: $400–$650
- 4,000+ sq ft or multi-story with complex rooflines: $600+
These figures assume soft washing on a home in reasonably normal condition — built-up algae, heavy shade, or a home that's never been washed can push the estimate toward the higher end of its bracket.
Siding Material Changes the Approach
Vinyl siding is the most common material we clean in the Indianapolis area and it holds up well to soft washing. Brick and stucco can typically handle slightly more pressure but still benefit from a lower-pressure, detergent-based approach to avoid driving water behind mortar joints or stucco seams. Painted wood siding is the most delicate and gets the gentlest treatment of all — aggressive pressure can strip paint and force water under boards.
Why Soft Washing Costs More Than a Garden-Hose Spray
Soft washing uses low pressure combined with a cleaning solution formulated to kill algae, mold, and mildew at the root — not just blast the visible growth off the surface. That's why a professionally soft-washed home stays cleaner longer than a DIY pressure blast: the treatment addresses the organic growth itself, not just its symptoms. See pressure washing vs. soft washing for the full technical difference.
Ready to book, or just want a straight answer on pricing for your property?
Two-Story Homes and Access
Homes with a second story, especially with limited side-yard access for hoses and equipment, typically run 20–35% higher than a comparable single-story home. If your property has a fenced backyard, a pool, or tight side-yard clearance, mention it when requesting a quote — it affects both time on-site and equipment setup.
How Often You'll Need It
Most Indianapolis homes need a full house wash once a year to stay ahead of algae and mildew growth, which our humid summers make almost unavoidable on shaded, north-facing walls. Homes near mature trees or with heavy shade sometimes benefit from washing every 8–10 months. We see this most in older, tree-lined neighborhoods around Fishers and similar established suburbs.
Getting a Real Number
Because siding material, home size, and access all move the price independently, the only way to get an accurate number is a quick look at the property — in person or from a couple of photos. We provide free estimates with no pressure to book.