You walk by your house every single day. But have you actually looked at it lately? I mean really looked? Because I’m gonna tell you something that might surprise you – your home is probably way dirtier than you think it is.
I’ve been running Prime Time Window & Gutter Cleaning since 1996, almost thirty years now. We’ve power washed over 100,000 properties across Chicago and the suburbs. And you know what? Every single homeowner is shocked when they see the transformation. “I didn’t realize it was that bad,” they say. Trust me, it’s always that bad.
So let’s talk about all the questions people ask me about power washing. The real stuff nobody else wants to tell you.
What Even Is Power Washing (And Why Should I Care)?
Look, power washing and pressure washing are basically the same thing. People use the terms interchangeably and honestly, it doesn’t really matter which one you say. What matters is that we’re talking about using high-pressure water to blast away dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and all the disgusting stuff that builds up on your house.
Your home sits outside 24/7, 365 days a year. In Chicago, that means dealing with harsh winters, humid summers, spring pollen, and everything in between. Rain splashes mud on your siding. Wind blows dirt into every corner. Algae starts growing in the shade. Birds leave their “presents” everywhere. It all builds up so gradually that you don’t even notice until one day you look at your neighbor’s house and realize yours looks kinda gross by comparison.
Professional residential power washing isn’t just about making things look pretty (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about protecting your investment. Mold and mildew can actually damage your siding over time. Dirt holds moisture against surfaces which leads to rot. Algae eats away at roofing materials. Regular cleaning prevents all that expensive damage.
Ready to see what your home actually looks like clean? Contact us today for a free estimate – we usually respond within an hour!
How Much Does Power Washing Cost? (The Real Numbers)
Alright, this is the question everyone wants answered first. How much is power washing gonna run me?
Here’s the truth: it depends. I know, I know, you hate that answer. But every house is different. A small ranch in Wheaton costs different than a big colonial in Highland Park.
For a typical single-family home in the Chicago area, pressure washing services usually cost between $200-$600. That’s for house washing services including siding, walkways, and driveway cleaning services. If you want additional services like deck cleaning and sealing or roof washing services, that adds to the price.
Here’s what affects the cost:
- Size of your house (obviously)
- How dirty it is (hasn’t been cleaned in 10 years? Yeah, that takes longer)
- What surfaces need cleaning (concrete is different than vinyl siding)
- How tall your house is (two-story homes need special equipment)
- What extras you want (gutter cleaning and brightening, fence power washing, etc.)
At Prime Time, we’ve been serving Chicagoland since 1996. We’re fully bonded and insured. That means you’re protected if anything goes wrong (which it won’t, but still). We offer free estimates always. No surprises, no hidden fees, no games.
Want to know exactly what it’ll cost for your property? We can give you a precise quote usually within the hour. And hey, check out our special offers – we run deals throughout the year that can save you serious money.
When’s The Best Time To Power Wash In Chicago?
People ask me this all the time. “When should I schedule my exterior cleaning services?”
The best answer? Spring and fall. Here’s why.
Spring is when all the winter gunk needs to come off. Salt residue from the roads, dirt that’s been caked on since November, pollen that starts showing up in April. Getting your house washed in April or May means you’re starting the warm season with a clean slate.
Fall is smart too. You’re removing all the summer buildup before winter hits. Plus, preparing your surfaces before the cold weather can actually help protect them during those brutal Chicago winters.
But honestly? We do power washing year-round here in Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, and all over the suburbs. As long as it’s above 40 degrees and not actively raining, we can clean. Some homeowners prefer summer when they’re planning parties or gatherings. Others want it done right before selling their house (smart move, by the way – clean houses sell faster and for more money).
The worst time? When there’s ice on the ground. Not just because it’s dangerous, but because the water can freeze and cause damage. Safety first, always.
Want to schedule your house washing at the perfect time? Reach out to our team and we’ll help you pick the best date for your property!
Soft Washing vs Pressure Washing: What’s The Difference?
Okay, so this is where it gets technical. But stay with me because this matters for your house.
Pressure washing uses, well, pressure. High-powered water that blasts dirt away. It works great for concrete cleaning and sealing, driveways, sidewalks, patios. Hard surfaces that can take a beating.
Soft washing is different. Lower pressure, but we use specialized cleaning solutions that do the heavy lifting. The chemicals break down mold, mildew, algae, and dirt. Then we rinse it away gently. This is what you want for vinyl siding, painted surfaces, roofs – anything that might get damaged by super high pressure.
At Prime Time Window & Gutter Cleaning, we use both methods depending on what your property needs. We’re not gonna blast your delicate wood siding with the same pressure we’d use on your concrete driveway. That’s amateur hour. We’ve been doing this for almost 30 years, we know what works where.
Professional power washing companies actually assess your surfaces first. Wood siding? Soft wash. Brick? Can handle more pressure. Asphalt roof? Definitely soft wash with special cleaners. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, using appropriate cleaning methods and eco-friendly solutions protects both your property and the environment.
Some places will try to use the same high-pressure approach on everything. That’s how you end up with damaged siding or stripped paint. Don’t let that happen to your house.
What Surfaces Can You Actually Power Wash?
Short answer? Almost everything on the outside of your house. Long answer? Let me break it down for you.
Siding cleaning services work on vinyl, aluminum, wood, fiber cement – basically any type of exterior wall. Each material needs a slightly different approach, but they all get incredibly dirty and they all benefit from regular cleaning.
Driveway cleaning services and concrete cleaning and sealing are some of our most popular requests. Driveways take a beating. Oil stains from cars, tire marks, dirt tracked in from the street. Power washing brings them back to looking almost new. We can even apply sealant afterward to protect them and make future cleaning easier.
Deck cleaning and sealing is huge. Wood decks especially need regular attention. Mold grows in the wood grain, dirt settles into every crack. We clean it all out, then seal it to protect the wood and bring back that rich color. Your deck will look brand new.
Patio pressure washing makes your outdoor living space actually usable again. Pavers, stamped concrete, natural stone – all of it gets grimy fast. Clean patios mean you’ll actually want to spend time outside.
Roof washing services require special care. We use soft washing techniques to remove the black streaks (that’s algae, by the way) without damaging your shingles. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, regular cleaning can extend your roof’s life by years.
Fence power washing transforms your yard. Whether it’s wood, vinyl, or chain link, fences get covered in dirt, mildew, and grime. A clean fence makes your whole property look better.
Gutter cleaning and brightening is something we specialize in. We don’t just clean out the inside (though we do that too). We restore the outside of your gutters to their original color. Those black streaks? Gone.
Need your specific surface cleaned? Contact our experienced team – we’ve handled it all in our nearly 30 years serving Chicago!
Can I Just Do It Myself With A Rented Machine?
Look, I’m not gonna lie to you. You could rent a power washer from Home Depot. Lots of people do. But here’s what they don’t tell you at the rental counter.
Those machines are powerful enough to cause serious damage if you don’t know what you’re doing. I’ve seen homeowners strip paint off their siding. Blast holes in wood. Damage roof shingles. Drive water up under siding causing mold problems that cost thousands to fix. One guy in Schaumburg spent a weekend power washing his house and ended up with $3,000 in repairs. He could’ve just hired us for $400.
Then there’s the safety issue. You’re climbing ladders while holding a powerful machine that kicks back. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports thousands of pressure washer injuries every year. Falls from ladders. Water injection injuries (yes, that’s a thing – the pressure is strong enough to literally inject water under your skin). It’s not worth the risk.
Plus, rental equipment is beat up. The nozzles are worn. The hoses leak. The pressure is inconsistent. Professional equipment is maintained properly and works the way it’s supposed to.
Here’s the real kicker: it takes us 2-4 hours to do what takes a homeowner an entire weekend. We know the right techniques. We have the right chemicals. We have equipment that reaches three stories safely. We’re insured if something goes wrong.
When you add up equipment rental, cleaning solutions, your entire weekend, and the risk of damage or injury, professional services just make sense. We’ve power washed over 100,000 homes. You’re getting that experience working for you.
How Often Should I Get My House Power Washed?
This depends on a bunch of factors, but most homes in the Chicago area benefit from power washing once a year. Some need it twice.
Here’s what makes you need more frequent cleaning:
- Trees near your house (pollen, sap, leaves, algae growth)
- North-facing walls that don’t get sun (mold loves shade)
- Busy roads nearby (dirt and pollution buildup)
- Sprinklers that hit your siding (creates perfect conditions for algae)
- Light colored siding (shows dirt faster than dark colors)
Homes in Naperville, Wheaton, Arlington Heights, and other suburbs with lots of mature trees usually need annual cleaning minimum. Properties near major roads or industrial areas might need it twice yearly.
Commercial properties are different. Commercial pressure washing usually happens more often – sometimes quarterly – because business appearance matters for customer perception. We handle both residential and commercial jobs.
The other thing? Regular cleaning is way easier than waiting five years. Dirt that sits for years gets harder to remove. Algae stains get stubborn. Mold digs in deeper. Annual cleaning means each session is quicker and your surfaces stay in better condition long-term.
Not sure what schedule makes sense for your property? Let us take a look and we’ll give you an honest recommendation based on your specific situation!
What About Mold And Mildew? Is That Dangerous?
Yeah, it actually can be. Mold growing on your siding or deck isn’t just ugly – it’s a health concern. Mold spores can trigger allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The black or green streaks you see on your siding? That’s algae and mold. The stuff growing on your deck? Mildew. All of it spreads if you don’t deal with it.
Here’s the thing about Chicago weather: we have the perfect conditions for mold growth. Humid summers, wet springs, areas that stay shaded. Mold loves it here. Your house is basically a mold buffet if you’re not keeping it clean.
Power washing removes the mold and mildew completely. But more than that, we treat surfaces with solutions that kill the spores and help prevent regrowth. Just hosing it off isn’t enough – you need the right cleaners to actually solve the problem.
Some people try using bleach. Don’t. Bleach can damage your siding, kill your landscaping, and doesn’t actually address the root cause. We use professional-grade cleaners that are tough on mold but safe for your property and the environment.
Does Power Washing Use A Lot Of Water?
Surprisingly, no. Professional equipment is actually more water-efficient than you’d think.
We use high pressure, which means less water to get the same cleaning power. It’s more about the force than the volume. A typical house wash uses maybe 300-500 gallons of water. Compare that to the 80-100 gallons your average person uses taking showers for a week. Not as much as you’d expect, right?
The Environmental Protection Agency has guidelines for water-efficient cleaning, and professional power washing companies follow those standards. We’re not out here wasting resources.
Plus, we’re not just spraying water everywhere. We target specific areas, use the right amount of pressure for each surface, and don’t over-rinse. Experience means efficiency.
What About My Plants And Landscaping?
Good question. This is something that separates professional services from amateurs.
Before we start any job, we protect your landscaping. We pre-wet plants, cover delicate flowers, and rinse everything thoroughly after we’re done. The cleaning solutions we use break down quickly and don’t harm plants when used correctly.
In almost 30 years and over 100,000 properties serviced, we’ve never killed anyone’s landscaping. Because we know what we’re doing and we take precautions.
Compare that to DIY jobs where people use harsh chemicals without thinking about runoff. Or point high-pressure water directly at flower beds and blast everything away. Professional pressure washing services mean your property is treated with care.
Can Power Washing Remove Graffiti?
Yes! Graffiti removal services are actually one of the specialized things we offer. Commercial properties especially deal with this.
The key is acting fast. Fresh graffiti comes off easier than stuff that’s been sitting for months. We use a combination of pressure, specialized solvents, and technique to remove paint without damaging the underlying surface.
We’ve done graffiti removal on brick, concrete, stucco, and metal. Each surface needs a different approach, but we can handle them all. Commercial property owners in Chicago deal with this unfortunately often, and we’re on call to help.
Got graffiti ruining your property’s appearance? Reach out to us immediately – the sooner we treat it, the better the results!
What’s This Fleet Washing Thing I Keep Hearing About?
Fleet washing services are for businesses with multiple vehicles. Delivery trucks, work vans, service vehicles – any company with a fleet needs them looking professional.
We handle fleet washing for businesses throughout the Chicago area. We come to you, we work around your schedule (often early morning or evening so we don’t interrupt business hours), and we make sure every vehicle looks sharp.
Clean vehicles matter more than people realize. Studies show customers trust companies more when their vehicles are clean and well-maintained. Plus, regular washing protects the paint and extends the life of your fleet.
Will Power Washing Strip My Paint Or Damage My Siding?
Not if it’s done correctly. This is exactly why you hire professionals.
The wrong pressure on the wrong surface? Yeah, that causes damage. I’ve seen DIY disasters where people stripped paint, gouged wood, cracked vinyl, or damaged window seals. All preventable with proper technique.
We adjust pressure based on what we’re cleaning. Concrete can handle 3000+ PSI. Vinyl siding needs more like 1500 PSI. Wood siding might only handle 500-1200 PSI depending on its condition. Painted surfaces get even lower pressure with chemical cleaners doing most of the work.
We also know how to hold the wand at the right angle, the right distance from the surface, moving at the right speed. These details matter. They’re the difference between a clean house and a damaged house.
Prime Time Window & Gutter Cleaning is fully bonded and insured. We carry liability insurance and workers comp. You’re protected if anything goes wrong. But in 29 years of business and over 100,000 properties serviced, we know how to do this without causing damage.
Can You Power Wash In Winter?
We get this question a lot. Short answer: yes, as long as temperatures are above 40 degrees and there’s no ice.
Power washing in winter isn’t ideal, but sometimes it’s necessary. Maybe you’re selling your house and need it looking good for photos. Maybe you have a commercial property that needs cleaning before a big inspection. We can make it work.
The water doesn’t freeze instantly. We work in sections, and we don’t leave standing water that could ice over. We’re careful about walkways and stairs. Safety is always the priority.
That said, spring and fall are definitely better. The water dries faster, the weather is more predictable, and there’s less risk of freezing overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Washing in Chicago
How long does power washing take?
For a typical house in Bolingbrook or Elmhurst, we’re usually done in 2-4 hours. This includes setup, washing, and cleanup. Larger homes or properties that haven’t been cleaned in years might take longer. Commercial jobs vary widely depending on size.
Do I need to be home during the power washing?
Nope! Many customers give us access and go about their day. We just need water access and clear space to work. For commercial jobs, we often work early morning or evening when you’re closed. We’ll take before and after photos so you can see the transformation.
Will power washing remove rust stains from my concrete?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Fresh rust stains usually come out. Old, deep rust stains might need special treatment or might be permanent. We can assess your specific situation and give you honest expectations. We’ve dealt with concrete issues on properties from Crystal Lake to Orland Park.
How often do commercial properties need pressure washing?
Most commercial properties benefit from quarterly cleaning – that’s four times a year. High-traffic areas might need monthly attention. We can set up a regular schedule that keeps your business looking professional year-round. We service commercial properties throughout Chicagoland including Joliet and Evanston.
Can power washing remove oil stains from my driveway?
Yes! Oil stains are one of the most common things we remove from driveways. We use special degreasers combined with high pressure to break down and remove the oil. Fresh stains come out easier than old ones, but we’ve removed stains that have been there for years. Regular driveway cleaning services prevent them from building up in the first place.
Why Choose Prime Time Window & Gutter Cleaning?
Look, there are plenty of power washing companies out there. Some guy with a pressure washer shows up on Craigslist every week. So why choose us?
Experience matters. We’ve been doing this since 1996. That’s almost 30 years of learning what works, what doesn’t, and how to handle every situation that comes up. We’ve pressure washed over 100,000 homes and businesses. Everything from small ranches in Des Plaines to large estates in Lake Forest.
We’re fully bonded and insured. That protects you. If something goes wrong (which it won’t), you’re covered. Many fly-by-night operators have no insurance. That risk falls on you if they damage your property or get injured.
We use professional equipment maintained properly. Not beat-up rentals. Not consumer-grade stuff from hardware stores. Professional power washers designed for this work.
Our team knows what they’re doing. We train every crew member on proper techniques, safety protocols, and customer service. You’re not getting someone’s cousin who borrowed a pressure washer last weekend.
We stand behind our work. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll make it right. Simple as that. Customer satisfaction is how we’ve stayed in business for nearly three decades.
We service the entire Chicago area including Naperville, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Hoffman Estates, Downers Grove, and everywhere in between. We know Chicago properties. We understand what our weather does to homes and buildings.
We’re not just about pressure washing either. We also handle window washing and gutter cleaning. That means one company can handle all your exterior cleaning needs. One call, one company, one bill. Simple.
Ready to see your property actually clean for the first time in years? Contact Prime Time Window & Gutter Cleaning today for your free estimate. We’ll respond within the hour and get you scheduled fast!
The Bottom Line On Power Washing
Your house is probably dirtier than you think. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s true. Dirt builds up so gradually that you stop noticing it. Then one day you drive by after we’ve cleaned your neighbor’s house and you realize – wow, my house looks really dingy.
Professional power washing isn’t just cosmetic. It protects your investment, prevents damage, removes health hazards like mold, and makes your property look great. Whether you need residential power washing, commercial pressure washing, or specialized services like deck cleaning and sealing or roof washing, getting it done right matters.
Don’t risk your property with DIY experiments or fly-by-night operators. We’ve been serving Chicago and the suburbs since 1996. We’re bonded, insured, experienced, and we stand behind our work.
How much does power washing cost? Less than you think, especially when you consider what you’re getting. Free estimates mean you know exactly what you’re paying before we start. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Your home deserves to look its best. After almost 30 years in this business, I can tell you that there’s nothing quite like the transformation when we finish a power washing job. Homeowners always stand back, look at their house, and say “I forgot it could look this good.”
Don’t wait until your house is covered in black streaks and your deck is green with mold. Regular maintenance is easier and more affordable than fixing years of neglect.
Get in touch with us now and let’s get your property looking the way it should. We’ve got the experience, equipment, and expertise to make it happen. Prime Time Window & Gutter Cleaning – serving Chicagoland since 1996!
Prime Time Window & Gutter Cleaning has been providing professional exterior cleaning services including power washing, window washing, and gutter cleaning throughout the Chicago area since 1996. As one of the top-rated exterior cleaning companies in Chicagoland with over 100,000 properties serviced, we’re fully bonded, insured, and committed to customer satisfaction. Contact us today to experience the Prime Time difference!