How Often Should I Pressure Wash My Home in Colorado?

A Local Guide for Aspen, Basalt, and the Roaring Fork Valley

If you live in Aspen, Basalt, or anywhere in the Roaring Fork Valley, you know your home gets exposed to more than just sunshine and bluebird skies.

Snow, salt, dust, sap, pollen, smoke, rain, and mud — it all piles up on your home’s exterior, eating away at your siding, walkways, and decks over time.

So the question is: How often should you pressure wash your home to protect it and keep it looking its best?

Let’s break it down.

🧼 Why Pressure Washing Frequency Matters in Colorado

Here at Aspen Pressure Washing, we’ve cleaned everything from century-old cabins in Woody Creek to high-end homes in Snowmass. And if there’s one truth, it’s this:

Colorado homes get dirtier, faster than you think — and pressure washing once every few years just doesn’t cut it.

Without routine cleaning, homeowners risk:

• Mold and mildew buildup (especially on north-facing walls)

• Surface damage from tree sap, bird droppings, and pollen

• Slippery walkways from algae and organic debris

• Premature wear on decks, sealant, and siding

  
  

  

  Pavre patio pressure washing

  
  

🔁 How Often Should You Pressure Wash Each Surface?

Here’s a Colorado-specific breakdown:

🏠 Home Siding (Wood, Stucco, Vinyl)

Recommended: Once per year✅ Especially important if your home gets lots of tree cover, shadows, or snow drift

🪵 Decks and Fences

Recommended: Every 12–18 months✅ Clean before staining or sealing for best results✅ Consider spring cleaning + late-summer staining/sealing combo

🚗 Driveways and Walkways

Recommended: Once per year, or as needed✅ Especially after winter due to salt, sand, and snow melt runoff✅ Add sealing every 2–3 years for extra protection Learn more about concrete sealing here

🌳 Roof and Gutters

We don’t clean roofs ourselves, but we’re happy to refer pros.✅ Gutter exteriors can be cleaned during a full house wash.

🏔️ Local Factors That Affect How Often You Need Cleaning

Colorado isn’t one-size-fits-all. Consider these regional differences:

• Aspen & Snowmass:

  Snow, wind, and shade can lead to mildew and salt buildup. Clean in spring.

  
  

• Basalt & Carbondale:

  Dust from nearby roads and runoff from spring rains. Clean spring or fall.

  
  

• Old Snowmass & El Jebel:

  Tree sap and heavy pollen = stickier mess. Twice a year may be smart.

  
  

• Homes near dirt roads or high traffic areas:

  You’ll likely need more frequent driveway and siding cleaning due to grime.

  
  

🧠 What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Homeowners often wait until things look dirty — but by then, damage may already be happening.Here’s what can result from too much delay:

• Mold permanently stains stucco and wood

• Paint breaks down faster

• Deck stains fade unevenly

• Algae grows slippery and hazardous

• More time + more chemicals = higher cleaning cost

Routine pressure washing is like brushing your teeth — a little maintenance prevents major repairs down the road.

📆 Your Ideal Home Pressure Washing Calendar

Season	Services to Consider
Spring	Full exterior house wash, driveway cleaning, prep for sealing
Late Summer	Deck/fence washing + sealing, patio cleaning
Fall	Final rinse of siding, remove leaves/algae from walkways

Pro Tip: Some of our homeowners in Aspen and Basalt opt for a twice-a-year plan — a quick rinse in the fall and a deep clean in the spring. Others stick to one thorough wash per year.

Either way, the key is consistency.

🧼 Should I Pressure Wash Myself or Hire a Pro?

DIY can be rewarding — but here’s what you need to weigh:

DIY	Professional
Lower cost	Commercial-grade equipment
Time intensive (4–8 hours)	Fast, efficient, insured
Must rent/buy gear	No damage risk to paint/surfaces
Hard to reach second stories	We handle it all safely

🧾 Thinking About a Seasonal Cleaning Plan?

You don’t have to think about scheduling every year.We offer recurring seasonal reminders and preferred booking for returning homeowners.

Some clients even bundle in:

• Concrete sealing

• Window washing

• Patio furniture rinsing

• Deck staining referrals

Want to explore a custom annual or twice-yearly plan? Request a Free Estimate and let’s chat options.

Final Thoughts: Small Effort, Big Results

A clean home is a protected home.In the Colorado climate, pressure washing once a year — or twice in dirt-heavy areas — keeps your property looking great and avoids bigger headaches.

Thanks for reading.If you’re unsure what your home needs, we’re happy to do a walk-through and offer personalized suggestions based on your location and surfaces.

📍 Serving Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, Snowmass, and nearby areas.

More Helpful Resources:

👉 Essentials of Single-Family Home Pressure Washing

👉 Should I Seal My Concrete After Pressure Washing?