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How much does pressure washing cost in 2024?

The average price of pressure washing is
$0.40 to $0.80 per square foot

depending on what you're washing and the material it's made from.

Looking for a deep clean like no other? Read our handy guide to find out how much your pressing washing team will charge for their services.

Looking to spruce up your living or commercial space with a good pressure washing session? Whether it's your home's siding or your business's exterior, getting those surfaces gleaming can make a world of difference. Get a handle on your budget with this comprehensive pressure washing price guide, which is designed to help you understand the costs associated with pressure washing services and avoid expensive mistakes.

And when you're ready to get started, find a professional power washer on Bark and get free quotes from local services.

What is pressure washing?

pressure wash

As the name suggests, pressure washing involves using water that is delivered at high pressure, so that the force is enough to lift the dirt off. Pressure washing is suitable for a variety of surfaces including driveways, garage floors, concrete patios, tiled patios, fencing, decking, outdoor furniture, grills, boats, vehicles, trailers, and more. In fact, it's a great way to

Pressure washing is carried out using specialist equipment that is connected to your water supply. Using concentrated movements, pressure washing will instantly remove all of the debris from the surface, leaving it looking as good as new.

Should you pay for a power washing professional?

When it comes to power washing, it's usually a good idea for pay a professional due to safety risks and the possibility of property damage.

Many people who opt for DIY pressure washing can accidentally damage their property's surfaces due to a lack of experience and knowledge. Despite its effectiveness, pressure washing exerts a significant force that can harm delicate materials like wood, stucco, and even certain types of siding. Without the proper expertise and equipment, DIY pressure washing attempts can result in costly damage, including etching, chipping, or water intrusion.

According to the CDC, risks associated with pressure washing include serious wounds from the strong spray, which may initially appear minor but can lead to infection, disability, or even amputation if left untreated. These risks underscore the importance of hiring trained professionals for pressure washing tasks to ensure safety and prevent property damage.

How is it different to 'power washing'?

pressure wash

The terms power washing and pressure washing are commonly interchanged, yet they entail distinct processes. While both employ high-pressure water, power washing utilizes heated water, unlike pressure washing. Despite this diffeence, the cost of power washing a deck typically aligns with that of pressure washing.

Power washing offers rapid and efficient cleaning, even for heavily soiled surfaces, though it may pose risks to certain materials, such as deteriorated wood. Additionally, the use of detergent in power washing can potentially harm surrounding plant life. Conversely, pressure washing, without heated water, may struggle with stubborn mold and mildew but is favored for delicate surfaces like fragile wood due to its reliance solely on high-pressure water, minimizing the risk of damage compared to power washing.

How much does pressure washing cost on average? 

The cost of pressure washing ranges between $0.40 to $0.80 per square foot. To price your job up, your contractor will ask you for the measurements of the area that needs pressure washing. Or, they may give you a fixed fee for items such as fencing, boats, furniture, etc. 

It’s good to note that a minimum charge usually applies for smaller jobs. This usually averages at around $50, though maybe slightly higher or lower depending on the going rate in your area.

Pressure Washing cost
Average cost (per sq ft) $0.60
Minimum cost (per sq ft) $0.40
Maximum cost (per sq ft) $0.40

Pressure washing by item

One of the most common jobs is driveway cleaning. The cost averages between $155 and $384 for extremely large driveways. The good news is that this service doesn’t have to be done too regularly, and will make your driveway look as good as new, which is far cheaper than replacing it.

On the cheaper end of the scale, you can have your gutter pressure washed for as little as $75. This will safely remove all of the grease, leaving it hygienically clean. 

Pressure Cleaning cost
Type of cleaningHighest average priceLowest average price
Decking$200$119
Driveway$384$155
Fence$220$147
Graffiti$200$100
Gutter$145$75
House exterior$450$300

Let's take a deeper look at pressure washing your house, decking, and driveway

How much does it cost to pressure wash a house?

pressure wash

The total cost of pressure washing depends on factors like job size, home condition, location, and service provider. Many professionals will charge based on the size of your home. Expect to pay between $350 and $1,500 for a two-storey home.

Check with your professional if pressure washing is right for your home, as different house materials require specific cleaning methods. There's a lot of detail here, so to find out how much it's likely to cost, check out our price guide for pressure washing the exterior of your home.

How much does it cost to pressure wash a driveway?

pressure wash

The cost of pressure washing a driveway can vary significantly, typically ranging from $155 to $384. Several factors come into play when determining the final price, including the size and material of your driveway. Understanding these factors is crucial for budgeting effectively and enhancing your home's curb appeal.

Driveway size stands out as the primary determinant of cost. Many professionals base their pricing on the square footage of the area to be pressure washed. Consequently, larger driveways incur higher costs due to the increased surface area requiring cleaning.

Moreover, the material of your driveway influences the overall expense. Concrete and asphalt driveways, with their relatively smooth surfaces, are easier and cheaper to clean compared to gravel or paver driveways. The latter types present challenges as dirt and grime can become embedded between the stones, necessitating more effort and time to clean effectively.

Furthermore, if your driveway exhibits severe damage or deep cracks, it may require repair before pressure washing to prevent exacerbating the issues. Attempting to pressure wash damaged areas could potentially cause further harm.

Additionally, the presence of stains, mold, or weeds on your driveway may necessitate additional cleaning measures beyond pressure washing alone. This could involve investing in specialized cleaning solutions and treatments for mold and weed removal, adding to the overall cost of the service.

Here are some local professionals who can clean your driveway for you.

How much does it cost to pressure wash a deck?

power wash

If you’re hiring someone to pressure wash your deck, expect to pay an average of $119 to $200.

Pressure washing a deck involves utilizing a forceful stream of water to dislodge and eliminate dirt, grease, mold buildup, and grime from the surface, thoroughly refreshing its appearance and preparing it for potential staining or painting. This process also contributes to extending the deck's lifespan by eliminating bio-contaminants that can degrade the wood fibers.

The average cost of deck pressure washing can vary depending on the decking material. Materials such as wood and composite typically demand more time and attention compared to aluminum. Aluminum decking, being able to withstand vigorous cleaning, requires less time as it allows for vigorous scrubbing and a heavy stream of water, resulting in lower cleaning costs.

However, wood decking, with its porous surface, is vulnerable to damage from high-pressure water, especially considering that it is often painted or stained, which can begin to peel over time. In some cases, pressure washing is employed to remove old paint before applying a fresh coat. It's crucial to exercise caution when pressure washing wood decking to prevent damage.

When pressure washing a deck, it's essential to operate the pressure washer at the lowest possible setting, typically around 1,500 pounds per square inch (PSI), to avoid causing harm. Composite decking, while generally resilient to weathering and responsive to pressure washing, cannot withstand sustained high pressure and should also be cleaned at low pressure.

Due to the meticulous approach required to safely clean composite decking, the cost of power washing it tends to be higher compared to other materials. This is because it involves gentle scrubbing and the use of a low-pressure water stream to clean the surface effectively.

Before pressure washing a composite deck, it's advisable to check the manufacturer's warranty, as some warranties may be voided if pressure washing is utilized. This precaution underscores the importance of understanding the specific requirements and limitations associated with the decking material to avoid any potential issues.

The financial benefits of pressure washing

pressure wash

Not only does pressure-washing make your home look great, but it also helps protect your investment. Regular cleaning can prevent decay and prolong the life of your siding, driveway, and decks. Plus, it contributes to a healthier environment by removing potentially harmful contaminants. Think about the cost of replacing a rotten deck by hiring a deck builder versus maintaining it - the saving it huge!

Ways to pay

Your pressure washing professional may charge in different ways depending on what you need. Think about which one suits you best, and use this as one of the factors in choosing your expert.

Hourly rates for pressure washing

Rates can vary based on several factors, but for professional pressure washing, expect an hourly rate ranging from $50 to $160.

Daily pressure washing rates

Need a full day's work? Daily rates might range from $300 to $600, again depending on various factors like the company’s pricing structure.

Project rates for pressure washing

For specific projects, professionals may quote a flat rate of $100 to $800, reflecting the scope and size of the work needed.

What changes the price of pressure washing? 

pressure wash

The cost of pressure washing varies depending on several factors, including: 

  • Type of item

  • Size of area

  • Type of pressure

  • Time

  • Location

Size of area

If you are not looking to have a specific item pressure washed (such as a car, boat, grill, etc) then the area size is going to be the biggest aspect affecting the total cost. 

Your contractor will need to know the measurement of the area, which they will normally come out and estimate for you. The area size will be multiplied by the cost per square foot, which will give you the total cost before any add-on services, if applicable. 

Type of pressure

Pressure washing can also include soft pressure washing (also known as power washing), which is used on surfaces that are not suitable for more intense pressure, such as wood, metal, and asphalt. 

There may be a price variation between pressure washing and soft washing, with soft washing being slightly cheaper. However, soft washing isn’t suitable for driveway cleaning or any other brick or concrete surface. It’s also not suitable for gum removal. Therefore, the initial reduced cost will not offer value for money, unless the right cleaning approach is used.

Time

Time can be a factor that affects the price for more detail orientated jobs such as gutter cleaning, especially if your gutters are heavily blocked. Or, if any of your materials also require repair work in addition to cleaning.

The average pressure washing job takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the scope of the job. 

pressure wash

Location

Pressure washing companies have different operational costs, depending on where they are based. The level of competition in your area may also affect the cost, with remote areas seeing higher prices than more competitive areas with lots of pressure washing companies.

The average driveway size in the USA is 480 square feet. Based on the $0.40 to $0.80 per square foot pressure washing charge, this would mean Wisconsin is the cheapest place, at $192.

The most expensive area is California at $384, which has higher prices generally across any service you wish to hire here.

Pressure Washing Costs in the US
LocationAverage pressure washing cost
California$384
Texas$288
New York$366
Wisconsin$192
Colorado$240

The true cost will depend on the type of item you are having pressure washed, as well as the size of the area. As an example, items such as boats or cars will usually be priced as a fixed fee, rather than according to area size as is the case with driveways. 

Discretionary costs may also be added where additional services are required, or if your driveway doesn’t mean the minimum size requirements.

Is it worth getting pressure washing?

When your home or property is looking dirty, it’s not a pretty sight. The magic of pressure washing is it involves very little effort yet produces superior results. Plus, the majority of regular cleaning products aren’t suitable for cleaning outdoor materials anyway, especially driveways. On the other hand, pressure washing literally removes all of the hassle and fuss, while giving you the best possible finish. So yes, it’s definitely worth it!

Find the best professional for the job on Bark today. 

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