Should You Power Wash Your House or a Painter?

You’ve probably noticed your home’s exterior starting to look a little tired. Maybe the siding looks dirty, the trim seems a little dingy, or there’s some cobwebs in the corner. Whether you're planning to repaint or just want to get rid of the grime, you’re probably asking the same question many Omaha homeowners do: Should I power wash my house myself or let a painter handle it?

It seems like a simple task; how hard can it be to spray water on a house? But the answer isn’t always obvious, and skipping or mishandling this step can quietly affect an otherwise great paint job. You might end up with peeling paint, trapped mildew, or water damage you didn’t expect.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been painting homes in Omaha since 1996. That means we’ve prepped thousands of exteriors and have seen firsthand what happens when a home isn’t cleaned properly before painting. We use high-quality paints and stains, but no product can make up for poor prep.

That’s why we take every step seriously, including power washing. We’re not sharing this article to sell anything. We just want you to know what to expect when you're hiring someone to paint your home, and how to make sure you’re getting the kind of job that will last.

This article will answer whether you should do the power washing yourself or let your painter do it. You’ll learn why it matters so much, what can go wrong if it's skipped, and how it affects the final result of your painting project. You’ll also walk away with tips on how to ask the right questions before hiring anyone.

Why Power Washing Matters More Than You Might Think

Before paint can do its job, the surface needs to be clean. Not just “looks clean,” but actually clean. That means free from dirt, mold, mildew, loose paint, and even chalky residue left by old coatings.

Here’s why it’s so important:

• Paint sticks to what it touches. If that’s a layer of dust, mildew, or failing old paint, the new paint won’t last. It may peel or bubble, sometimes within months.
• Moisture problems can get trapped underneath. Without cleaning, mold and algae can grow under the paint film. Once sealed in, they keep spreading.
• You can’t see the real condition of the surface. Dirt can hide cracks, peeling areas, or soft wood that needs repair. Cleaning reveals what’s really going on.
• It gives your painter a better canvas. Think of it like washing a wall before applying wallpaper—it doesn’t take long, but it makes a huge difference in the final look and longevity.

Even if you’re using the highest quality paints available, like Benjamin Moore’s Aura, this product needs a clean, dry, stable surface to perform the way it’s designed to.

Learn about the full process of prepping a house for exterior painting.

Should a Painter Power Wash Before Painting?

Yes. If you're hiring a professional painter for your home's exterior, power washing should be part of their prep process. Not optional. Not something you have to do in advance.

Professional painters understand how different surfaces respond to water pressure, which areas are most prone to buildup, and how long to let the home dry afterward. For instance, at Brush & Roll Painting, we power wash homes 1–3 days before any exterior paint is applied, depending on what day the project begins and the weather. 

If a painter tells you to handle the washing yourself, or skips the topic altogether, that’s a red flag. It may signal that they’re cutting corners on other steps, too.

What Does Painter-Led Power Washing Include?

Here’s what a good painting company will usually include in their power washing step before painting:

• Cleaning dirt, mildew, algae, and chalky residue off all paintable surfaces
• Using the appropriate pressure setting for your specific surface type
• Allowing 1–2 days of dry time before moving on to scraping and sanding
• Keeping water away from windows, doors, soffits, and ventilation areas
• Using appropriate detergents or mildew treatments when necessary

Power Washing Options in Omaha, NE

If you’re just doing some spring or fall cleaning and want your home to look fresh again, power washing can still help. Your home should be getting power washed 1-2 times per year. Before and after winter are usually good times to give it a good rinse.

1. DIY Power Washing for Maintenance

Plenty of Omaha homeowners handle their own light pressure washing for general maintenance. If you don’t own a power washer but still want to do the project yourself, you can rent a power washer at local hardware stores like Menards and Home Depot.

 If you go this route, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Use lower pressure for older siding and wood. Too much can gouge the surface.
• Avoid spraying directly into seams, soffits, or under the siding. You could cause moisture buildup where it doesn't belong.
• Skip ladders if you’re using a power washer. It’s dangerous and unnecessary. Use extension wands instead.
• Don’t use bleach unless you know what you're doing. It can damage landscaping and run off into drains.

This method is great for cleaning off surface dust, mildew, and cobwebs. But it’s not a substitute for painter-led prep when you’re getting ready for a new coat.

2. Hiring a Power Washing Company

You can also hire a professional cleaning company to do the washing if you’re not ready to paint yet. This is a smart choice if:

• You want the outside of your home to look fresh before hosting an event or selling your house.
• Your siding has noticeable green or black mildew spots.
• You’d rather avoid handling the equipment or the risk of damage.
  
  

At Brush & Roll Painting, we offer power washing homes as a separate service because we know the maintenance of keeping the exterior of your house clean can be overwhelming. We also know, the more the exterior of your home is clean, the better condition your paint is in.

If you’ve had your home painted by us, it’s a great time for us to check in to see how the paint and caulk are holding up.

Why Skipping or Rushing Power Washing Causes Problems

It’s tempting to think power washing is optional—especially if your home doesn’t look dirty. But problems show up quickly when this step is skipped or done too fast:

• Blistering and bubbling start when paint traps moisture or can’t bond to the surface.
• Peeling happens when the new layer lifts off old, uncleaned coatings.
• Stains bleed through if mold, algae, or dirt are left under the paint.
• Warranty issues can pop up if the surface wasn’t cleaned properly first.

A good painter will know this and won’t take shortcuts with cleaning.

How to Talk With a Painter About Power Washing

When getting estimates, don’t be afraid to ask:

• Is power washing included in your quote?
• What do you use to clean the surfaces?
• How long will the house dry before painting begins?
• Do you inspect for damaged areas after washing?
  
  

These questions will give you peace of mind and help you spot the pros who take your project seriously.

What Surfaces on My Home Need Washing Before Painting?

If you’re wondering which parts of your home need to be cleaned before painting, here’s a quick list:

• Siding (wood, vinyl, fiber cement, or aluminum)
• Trim boards, soffits, fascia
• Front porch railings and columns
• Garage doors and shutters
• Deck posts or privacy fences are being painted or stained

If paint is going on it, it needs to be cleaned first. Even if it “looks fine,” there’s likely residue that could cause failure down the road.

Exterior Painting in Omaha, NE

Power washing is more than just blasting off dirt, it’s a key part of making sure your new paint sticks, lasts, and protects your home. Whether you’re hiring a pro or painting yourself, how you prep will decide how long your paint holds up through Omaha’s hot summers, cold winters, and everything in between.

If you’re getting ready for a painting project, power washing should be done by the painter. That way, it’s timed and handled correctly and gives your paint the longest lifespan possible.

If you’re just refreshing your siding with no immediate plans to paint, power washing is something you can either DIY or hire out. Just be cautious and make sure whoever does it knows how to handle the specific materials your home is made of.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve spent decades helping Omaha homeowners get the kind of paint jobs that don’t just look good on day one, but still look great years later. We handle every step, from washing and scraping to priming and painting, so you don’t have to wonder what was skipped.

Let’s make sure your paint job starts right, clean, dry, and ready to last. Click below to get a quote.

Before you move forward with your exterior painting project, make sure you have a clear roadmap. Click the button below to get our free Exterior Painting Project Checklist. It’ll help you know what should happen at every step, whether you’re hiring a painter or doing the work yourself.