How much does pressure washing cost?

The prices in the table and graphic above are national average pressure washing costs. Source: Thumbtack

Pressure washing companies typically determine the price based on the structure's size, dirtiness, and how long it takes to clean it. After reading this guide, you'll learn more about the standard pricing models and see how much it may cost to pressure wash your house, roof, driveway, and more.

• Common pricing models
• Pressure washing cost factors
• Power washing prices per square foot
• Cost to pressure wash a house
• Cost to pressure wash a driveway
• Cost to pressure wash a roof
• Cost to pressure wash a patio
• Cost to pressure wash sidewalks
• Pressure washing vs. power washing prices
• Pressure washing vs. soft washing prices
• Cost to DIY vs. hire a pro
• Why hiring a pro is worth the cost
• Tips for saving money
• Get free pressure washing price quotes near you
• FAQs

Pressure washing service providers use several pricing models to determine their service costs. Here are three common models:

1. Hourly rates. Some pressure washing companies may charge an hourly rate, while others prefer to offer project-based pricing. Hourly rates are typically best for smaller jobs or when the scope is uncertain.

According to Thumbtack data, the national average hourly pressure washing cost is $75-$80.

2. Cost per square foot. “When it comes to commercial pressure washing, typically pros will charge per square foot,” says Clayton Geisendorff, owner of Hill Country Pressure Wash in New Braunfels, Texas.

3. Project-based pricing. Conversely, project-based pricing is more common for larger projects, allowing for a fixed cost based on the job's size and complexity. 

“For residential jobs, pros usually charge a fixed price for flatwork such as a driveway, porch, sidewalk, roof, etc.” says Clayton. “If we are cleaning your house, depending on the size of the house and what needs to be done (remove mold, algae, calcium buildup, etc.), a pro usually charges a fixed ‘per wall’ price.” 

The national average costs mentioned earlier in this guide and from now on are fixed.

Pro tip: Talk to pressure washing companies near you to find out how they charge for their services. Because, “at the end of the day, each business may charge a little differently depending on their unique price structure,” says Clayton.

When a professional is pricing their pressure washing services, they will assess several factors. Understanding these key elements will help ensure you're getting a competitive price and help you budget for this project:

1. Project size. 

Pressure washing a roof often costs more than pressure washing smaller surfaces, such as a driveway, due the complexity, equipment, and safety risks involved.

The scope and intricacy of the project can influence how much you'll pay. Larger, more complex projects usually cost more due to the increased time and effort required.

"Most pros price their jobs based on the square feet most of the time and size of the structure," says Clay Smith, owner of C3 Wash Pros LLC in Greenville, South Carolina.

2. Project accessibility and landscaping. 

"If there are plants, [pros] have to be careful not to harm them with hoses, chemicals, etc." says Clay Smith. 

The presence of sensitive or inaccessible areas all affect pressure washing prices, too.

"Pros may also consider the difficulty of the landscape around the home when pricing projects," adds Clay. "An incline of the landscape may make the job more difficult and take longer to complete."

3. Types of materials and surfaces being cleaned. 

The types of materials and surfaces that need cleaning can also affect the pressure washing prices. Certain materials may require specialized cleaning techniques or equipment, possibly raising the overall cost.

For instance, Clay says cleaning "vinyl siding is easier with our process. Hardie board [James Hardie siding] or stained wood would be difficult."

4. Dirtiness and stains. 

A before-and-after photo of a patio/walkway that was pressure washed to remove dirt and grime. Photo credit: Hill Country Pressure Wash.

The presence of stains, algae, or other contaminants may necessitate additional treatment, impacting the costs. The harder it is to remove grime and stains, the longer it may take, which will increase costs. Also, the use of additional or special cleaners may be pricier.

“For example, removing an oil stain in your driveway will cost more than simply having your driveway pressure washed,” says Clayton Geisendorff. “The cleaners required to remove the oil stain can be costly.”

According to Clayton, chemical cleaners for oil also take a lot more time to work on a grease or oil stain compared to cleaners used to remove simple grime, mold, or algae. "It will always be more expensive to remove grease or oil," he says.

Important note: A pro may be able to remove small instances of mold and mildew on your home. However, if you have a severe mold problem on your home’s exterior, ask your pressure washing pro if they recommend contacting a mold remediation company.

5. Additional services provided. 

Some pressure washing companies offer more than just basic cleanings. If you require extra services like gutter cleaning or window washing, the professional will include it in your estimate.

The national average cost to pressure wash a house per square foot ranges from $0.08-$0.44 for homes ranging from less than 1,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet. How much you'll pay per square foot depends on where you live and your service provider's pricing model.

Here's a look at national average pressure prices by a property's total square footage:

Source: Thumbtack

On average, the cost to pressure wash a house is $422. National average prices range anywhere from $250-$500 or more, according to Thumbtack data.

Here's a look at how much pressure washing a house costs, on average, depending on how many stories it is:

• 1 story: $165-$375
• 2 stories: $225-$499
• 3 stories: $225-$525

Remember: These costs can fluctuate depending on the type of siding you have, the square footage, how dirty your house is, and more.

Your house's siding is one of many things you can pressure wash. Here's a rundown of the national average costs to pressure wash other areas and structures around your home, according to Thumbtack data:

On average, pressure washing a driveway costs $200-$475.

The average cost of pressure washing a roof ranges from $350-$800.

Pressure washing a patio costs $200-$480, on average.

 The average cost of pressure washing a sidewalk ranges from $200-$500.

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Some companies consider “pressure washing” and “power washing” as the same service and use the terms interchangeably. But some define them as two different services — and they may charge more for power washing. 

“The main difference is that a power washing machine allows the temperature to be heated up to remove super tough stains such as grease and oil,” says Clayton Geisendorff. 

These machines cost “substantially more and require more training due to the inherent safety risks from hot water and a high temperature,” he adds. “Therefore, a power washing service is typically going to cost more than a pressure washing service."

However, power washing may not be necessary (or safe) for every project. Clayton explains there’s a “risk of damaging the surface from the hot water” so it’s not always an appropriate option.

Some projects call for pressure washing — using high pressure to blast away dirt and grime — but others require a gentler touch. That softer touch is called “soft washing.”

“While pressure washing may be too powerful for some surfaces, such as painted siding, soft washing is reserved primarily for safely cleaning vertical surfaces,” says Clayton. This method can safely and effectively get rid of dust, algae, calcium buildup, and more. However, soft washing prices can be higher than pressure washing costs.

“Soft washing, in general, costs more than pressure washing due to the specialized soft wash machine and the cleaning solutions that are required to safely and effectively remove stubborn contaminants,” says Clayton.

Pressure washing can be a DIY-friendly task. However, there are costs to consider before you go down this route:

• Cost of your time. “DIY jobs tend to take 10 times as long vs. hiring a pro with professional equipment and training,” says Shawn Myers, owner of Skilled Pugs Pressure Wash & Gutter Cleaning in Cartersville, Georgia.
• Cost to buy a pressure washer at a home improvement store. According to Consumer Reports, a gas pressure costs $250-$600, an electric pressure washer runs for $100-$380, and a battery-powered pressure washer costs $150-$550.
• Cost to rent a pressure washer. Consumer Reports also estimates that renting a pressure washer costs $40-$100 daily.
• Cost of pressure washing chemicals. You'll also need to account for the cleaning solution used for power washing. Plan to buy detergents, cleaning agents, and/or degreasers. However, keep in mind that some cleaners may not be available in stores.

A before-and-after photo of a house's siding that was pressure washed to remove dirt and organic material. Photo credit: Skilled Pugs Pressure Wash & Gutter Cleaning

Although it may be cheaper to pressure wash your house by yourself, DIY is not always the smartest choice.

Here are a few key reasons to hire a pro for this project:

• You can damage your home or structure. If you don't power wash your home correctly, "you could damage your home and create oxidation to your siding," says Clay Smith. For example, you need to avoid using too much water pressure on softer surfaces.
• Pros have access to the best chemicals. Some pressure washing companies use sodium hypochlorite. This "is a much stronger chemical than you can buy in a normal store," says Clay.
• You may accidentally use the wrong chemicals. You can't always use the same chemicals on wood, vinyl, concrete, asphalt, and more. For example, using undiluted chlorine bleach can degrade vinyl siding.
• A pro can help prevent water intrusion. “Not using the proper amount of pressure on your home could potentially cause electrical fires around exterior lighting and electrical sockets,” says Shawn. “Having the proper training and equipment prevents this from happening.”
• You can injure yourself if you don't know how to use a pressure washer correctly. There have been cases of minor superficial wounds, infections, and (in severe cases) amputations.
• A pro can help boost your home's curb appeal. If you plan to sell your home, it's important to ensure its exterior looks its absolute best. The cleaner your home's exterior, the fresher it looks, and the more appealing it is.

If you're on a tight budget, try using these strategies to save money:

1. Look for seasonal discounts and promotions. Pressure washing service providers in your area may offer seasonal discounts and promotions. These discounts can help you save money, especially if you plan your cleaning projects accordingly.

Search for special offers during slower seasons, such as winter or early spring. During these times, pressure washing companies may be seeking to fill their schedules.

2. Ask about recurring maintenance plans. Some pressure washing companies near you may offer recurring maintenance plans for added value. They may include regular maintenance visits to keep your property looking its best all year round. 

“Regular maintenance will help prevent costly damages and repairs, which happen if the exterior of your house goes too long without being cleaned and maintained,” says Clayton Geisendorff. 

If you have ongoing pressure washing needs, a maintenance plan may be a cost-effective choice.

3. Ask about package deals and cleaning multiple services at once. “Typically, a professional will charge a lower price point to clean multiple surfaces during a single trip to your property vs. spreading out the job over multiple trips to your home,” says Clayton. 

Find out if there are any pros near you who offer packages where you can bundle multiple services together at a discounted rate.

These plans can include multiple services bundled together at a discounted rate. 

Before you hire a professional to pressure wash your home, do the following:

• Do your research. Look at the professional's profile, photos of previous work, and online reviews. Find someone who you believe is reputable, competent, and trustworthy. 
• Check their credentials. States often require any business to obtain an occupational license. Some may even require a special permit for pressure washing. For more tips on how to hire a professional, visit Thumbtack's Safety page.
• Get a few quotes. Compare prices from a few pros to ensure you're getting a fair and competitive price for your project.

Pro tip: Ask the pros to include any minimum fees they may charge.

Start your search for the best pressure washing service on Thumbtack. Browse through the top-rated pros near you, read their customer reviews, and request price quotes today.