How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost?

Last updated: June 20, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.

Pressure washing costs $200 to $600 for a typical job, averaging around $380, or roughly $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot depending on the surface. A concrete driveway is usually the cheapest surface to clean, while a full-house exterior wash or a roof needing gentle "soft washing" costs more.

The amount of built-up mold, algae, or grime and how accessible the area is also affect price — a second-story or multi-surface job takes longer than a simple ground-level driveway. The calculator below adjusts for your surface type and square footage.

Quick Answer

$380average cost

Typical range: $200 – $600

Low end

$125

High end

$900+

Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.

Pressure Washing Cost Calculator

Adjust the inputs below for an estimate tailored to your project.

Area to clean1,000 sq ft

Surface type

Buildup / accessibility

ZIP code (optional)

Optional upgrades

Apply protective sealant after cleaningGutter / fascia brighteningRust or oil stain treatment

Estimated Project Cost

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Typical estimate: —

This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific project details and local contractor pricing.

Cost Breakdown

How a typical project budget breaks down by category.

Category	Estimated Cost
Labor	$150 – $400
Equipment, fuel & water usage	$25 – $75
Cleaning solution / chemicals	$15 – $60
Travel & setup	$10 – $65

What Affects the Cost

Surface being cleaned

Delicate surfaces like wood decks and roof shingles require gentler "soft washing" techniques and specialized nozzles, which cost more than a straightforward concrete driveway blast.

Total square footage

Larger driveways, whole-house exteriors, or big patios take more time, water, and chemical usage to clean thoroughly.

Level of buildup

Heavy mold, algae, or years of accumulated grime take considerably longer to lift than routine dirt and dust.

Accessibility and height

Second-story siding, steep roofs, or areas requiring ladders or lifts add labor time and safety-equipment costs.

Specialty cleaning solutions

Mildew treatments, rust removers, and oil-stain degreasers add to the chemical cost beyond a standard detergent wash.

Add-on sealing

Applying a protective sealant to a deck, driveway, or paver patio after washing adds material and labor cost but extends how long the surface stays clean.

Cost by Area Cleaned

Area Cleaned	Typical Cost
500 sq ft	$100 – $300
1,000 sq ft	$200 – $600
2,000 sq ft	$400 – $1,200
3,000 sq ft	$600 – $1,800
5,000 sq ft	$1,000 – $3,000

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Doing it yourself

Renting a gas pressure washer costs $50-$100 a day (or $300-$600 to buy a decent consumer unit), which can pay for itself if you wash multiple surfaces at home, but incorrect pressure or technique can etch concrete, strip paint, or force water behind siding.

Hiring a professional

Professional washers use commercial-grade equipment, know the right pressure, nozzle, and chemical combination for each surface — especially soft-washing roofs and wood — and carry insurance in case of accidental damage.

Bottom line: DIY is reasonable for a single driveway or patio using a rented machine and some research on proper technique; leave roofs, second-story siding, and delicate wood surfaces to a pro to avoid costly damage.

Ways to Save

Bundle multiple surfaces (driveway, siding, and patio) into one visit to reduce the per-job travel and setup fee.
Schedule pressure washing in the spring or fall shoulder seasons when companies have more availability and sometimes lower rates.
Skip the sealant add-on if the surface was already sealed within the last 1-2 years.
Get at least two quotes, since price per square foot varies significantly between companies in the same area.
Handle light, ground-level surfaces like a driveway or walkway yourself with a rented washer, and hire a pro only for the roof or upper-story siding.
Ask about seasonal or multi-service discounts if you also need gutter cleaning or window washing done.

How We Estimated This Cost

We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.

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