Isn’t it great how a pressure wash can revitalize the appearance of your home? You’ll see years of dirt disappear before your eyes, and in much less time than scrubbing by hand.
If you have a 2000 square foot (1.86 a) house and wonder how much time you’ll need, we’re here to help you plan this maintenance project. Let’s talk about what affects cleaning time and what you can really expect.
Estimated Times For a 2000 Square Foot (1.86 a) House
You’ll be happy to know that most professionals can finish cleaning a 2000 square foot house in about 2–4 hours. This assumes your house has a normal buildup of dirt and no hard-to-reach areas. The washing itself might only take 1–2 hours, with the rest of the time spent on preparation and cleanup.
It will take you an extra hour or two if you do it yourself. If it’s your first time using a pressure washer, it’ll take some time to get comfortable with the equipment and develop your technique. At first, the learning curve may be partially difficult; however, you will eventually adapt.
Keep in mind, we’re only talking about exterior walls. But if you have a deck, driveway, or walkways you also want to clean, remember to set aside extra time for those areas.
Factors Affecting Cleaning Duration
Your house’s age and condition will really influence how long the job takes. If your house is old or hasn’t had a good cleaning in years, you might need 30-50% more time to remove those stubborn stains. Some areas might need several passes or pre-treatment to look fresh again.
Your house style also matters. Do you have many decorative details, multiple floors, or complicated corners? These take more time to clean properly. Those beautiful Victorian houses with all their elaborate trim could take twice as long as a ranch-style house of the same size.
And please keep in mind the weather! Windy days can make controlling the water difficult, while hot, sunny days can dry your cleaning solutions too quickly. Pick a day with cloudy skies and mild temperatures if you can.
Tools And Pressure-related Factors
How fast you finish depends greatly on the pressure washer you select. A powerful 3000+ PSI gas model will clean much faster than a 1500 PSI electric one. Professional equipment could save you almost half the time compared to basic consumer models.
Your choice of nozzles and technique is also important when cleaning your house. Wide-angle nozzles cover more surface area but don’t clean as deeply, while narrow tips give you serious cleaning power but cover less area. It will be much easier to clean once you know when to use each type.
Utilizing the appropriate pressure for each surface is essential for maintaining both speed and precision. Delicate wood siding needs lower pressure (1200-1500 PSI), which might take longer but won’t damage your house. Vinyl and brick can handle higher pressures (2000-3000 PSI), so you can move a bit faster there.
Preparation And Post-cleaning Considerations
Taking time to prepare properly will actually save you time overall. Spending 30–45 minutes covering plants, outdoor fixtures, and electrical outlets will prevent headaches later. Moving furniture and other obstacles beforehand helps you work without interruptions.
Applying the appropriate cleaning solutions to surfaces before pressure washing can yield substantial results. Applying some detergent and letting it sit for 10–15 minutes to loosen tough dirt could reduce your cleaning time by up to 30% in filthy areas.
Don’t forget to finish the cleaning job properly. Cleaning your equipment, putting furniture back, and checking for spots or damage adds another 30–60 minutes. These final touches ensure your hard work results in a professional-looking finish that will last longer.
