That green-black film creeping across your driveway isn’t dirt — it’s alive. Florida’s humidity grows algae, mildew, and mold on any outdoor surface that holds a little moisture, which is why a pressure wash here isn’t vanity; it’s maintenance with a before/after photo you’ll want to frame.
What does pressure washing cost?
Pressure washing starts at $159 flat in the Orlando area, scoped by surface: driveway, front walk and entry, lanai, pool deck, fence runs. You pick the targets, the price is agreed upfront, and the transformation is genuinely absurd — driveways come back two shades lighter than anyone remembered buying.
What is Florida grime, exactly?
Mostly algae (the green film), mildew (the black speckle), and in shady damp corners, mold. They root into porous surfaces — concrete, pavers, stucco — which is why the hose alone changes nothing and why waiting years makes removal harder. Beyond looks, wet algae on a walkway or pool deck is legitimately slippery; guests and grandparents will not review it well.
Where does high pressure do damage?
- Pavers: full blast etches the surface and blows out joint sand — controlled pressure and re-sanding is the way.
- Wood decks and fences: aggressive tips carve furry gouges you can’t unsee.
- Screen enclosures: panels want gentle washing, not 3,000 PSI enthusiasm.
- Stucco and siding: too much pressure forces water where water must not go — soft-wash chemistry beats brute force here.
Matching the method to the surface is most of the skill. It’s also why the DIY rental unit either disappoints (too gentle) or redecorates (too much).
When should it be done?
Annually for most homes; twice for shaded lots. Two smart timings: before hurricane season — clean, inspected surfaces make the post-storm check and any insurance photos clearer — and before listing or hosting, because curb appeal is the cheapest staging there is.
The bottom line
From $159 flat, surfaces chosen by you, damage-free by method. Pair it with gutter cleaning (from $129) and the exterior punch list in one visit, and the outside of the house stops being the thing you apologize for.