Pressure Washing Cost by Surface
| Surface | Typical Cost |
|---|
| House exterior (1,500–2,500 sq ft) | $175–$450 |
| House exterior (2,500–4,000 sq ft) | $300–$600 |
| Concrete driveway | $100–$300 |
| Sidewalk/walkways | $50–$150 |
| Deck or patio (wood) | $150–$350 |
| Deck or patio (concrete/pavers) | $100–$250 |
| Fence | $100–$300 |
| Roof soft wash | $250–$600 |
| Garage floor | $75–$175 |
Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing
This distinction matters — using the wrong technique can damage your home.
Pressure washing (high PSI): Best for hard surfaces like concrete, brick, and stone. Uses 1,500–3,500+ PSI of water pressure to blast away grime.
Soft washing (low pressure + cleaning solution): Required for painted siding, wood, stucco, and roofs. Uses lower pressure (under 500 PSI) combined with detergents to clean without damaging surfaces.
A legitimate contractor uses the right method for each surface. Be wary of anyone who uses the same high-pressure setting on your painted wood siding as they use on your concrete driveway — this strips paint and damages wood fibers.
What Factors Affect the Price?
Surface Size and Complexity
More square footage = higher cost. Complex shapes, multiple stories, and obstacles (landscaping, furniture) all add time.
Surface Condition
Years of algae, oil stains, and built-up grime take more passes and stronger detergents. Moderately dirty surfaces may cost 20–40% more than lightly dirty ones.
Detergents and Treatments
Basic pressure washing uses water only. Algae-killing, mildew-treating, or sealer-prep washes add $0.05–$0.15 per sq ft in chemical costs.
Geographic Location
Labor rates vary significantly. Expect to pay more in high cost-of-living cities.
What Pressure Washing Won't Fix
- Deep set oil stains in concrete (require degreasers and sometimes grinding)
- Mold that has penetrated below the surface
- Rust stains (require oxalic acid treatment)
- Paint that's already peeling
Before You Hire: Key Questions
- What PSI do you use on siding/wood vs. concrete? — If the answer is the same for both, that's a red flag
- Do you pre-treat with detergent? — For algae, mildew, and organic stains, pre-treatment is necessary
- Are you licensed and insured? — High-pressure water around windows, foundations, and utilities creates liability
- Is deck cleaning included in wood sealing prep? — If you're sealing a deck, cleaning must come first; many contractors bundle this
Get pressure washing estimates for your area →