Pressure Washing Trends in 2026
What's changing in pressure washing this year
Ten years ago, pressure washing meant one thing. Crank up the PSI, point the wand, and blast. A lot of guys still work that way, because it still works. But the trade has shifted a lot, and 2026 has been a year where you can really feel it.
We run crews every day of the season, so we see these changes up close. Some are good news for homeowners. A couple are things you'll want to watch out for before you hire someone. Here's what we're seeing for the trends in pressure washing in 2026.
5 pressure washing trends we're seeing in 2026
1. Soft washing is taking over roofs
This is the big one. More homeowners looking for a roof wash are asking for soft washing by name, and for good reason. Instead of high pressure, a soft wash uses low pressure and a cleaning solution that kills the mold, algae, and mildew at the root.
It matters on roofs. The major shingle makers, including GAF and Owens Corning, warn against pressure washing asphalt shingles because it can strip the granules that protect them from UV. Blast a roof, and you can take years off its life and void the warranty. A proper soft wash can also last longer, potentially several years on a roof instead of one or two.
On siding and concrete, this makes less of a difference. Both soft washing and traditional pressure washing are appropriate when done right. They both have risks- soft washing can cause a lot of damage if chemicals are used incorrectly or diluted poorly. Pressure washing can cause physical damage if the operator gets too close to a soft surface with too high a PSI.
Soft washing also has some major environmental concerns. Most soft washing involves using large amounts of sodium hypochlorite- an algaecide and fungicide. If runoff water is not properly handled (which it is not in many circumstances), this gets into lakes, streams, and the ocean. Pressure washing still often uses sodium hypochlorite, but much smaller quantities, so it can have a lower environmental impact.
Ultimately, any professional will be able to appropriately clean siding or concrete with either method.
2. Insurance companies are watching your roof
This one surprises people. Insurers in states like California and Florida now scan homes with drone and satellite images. If they spot moss or algae streaks, the homeowner gets a letter: clean it within 30 to 60 days or risk losing the policy.
It hasn't hit Wisconsin in a big way yet. But insurance trends tend to spread, so if you've got dark streaks on your shingles, it's worth getting ahead of it.
3. Battery-powered equipment is catching up
Battery pressure washers made up about 13% of equipment demand in 2025, and they're the fastest-growing type out there, at close to 13% a year. They're quieter and have no exhaust, which is great on small jobs and in tight neighborhoods.
That said, gas machines still do the heavy lifting on professional jobs. Big decks, long driveways, and commercial work need more power than batteries can give right now.
4. Water rules are getting tighter
The runoff from a pressure washing job isn't just water. It carries soap, oil, dirt, and whatever else came off the surface. For soft washing businesses, this is even more extreme. Many soft washing businesses use large amounts of chemicals to clean due to insufficient pressure. Under the Clean Water Act, letting that run into a storm drain can bring fines of up to $25,000 a day.
That's pushing more pros toward biodegradable cleaners and water recovery systems, especially on commercial jobs. Property managers are starting to ask about it before they sign. At EcoWash, we hope this trend continues to protect our waterways.
5. The field is more crowded than ever
It's cheap to buy a pressure washer and start a business, and a lot of people have. The number of pressure washing companies has grown almost 6% a year, while total industry revenue has barely moved. More competition is fine. The problem is that plenty of new outfits don't carry insurance or know how to clean safely.
If you get multiple quotes and one comes in much lower than the established businesses, ask some questions first.
What this means if you're hiring someone
Short version: more pressure isn't necessarily better, and soft washing is not always the right answer. The right method for the surface is what protects your home. Before you hire anyone, ask three things:
Do you soft wash roofs and siding, or pressure wash everything?
Can you show me proof of insurance?
If you soft wash, where does the runoff go?
At EcoWash, our crews pressure wash and stain decks and fences across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa. We match the method to the surface, carry full insurance, and use cleaners that are safe for your lawn and landscaping. Get a free estimate from EcoWash, and we'll tell you exactly what your home needs.
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