Pressure Washing Cost and Tips: Residential & Commercial
Pressure Washing versus Power Washing
When determining whether to do power or pressure washing, understand they are two very different practices. If you do the wrong one, you could end up damaging your siding, deck, patio or driveway. Here are a couple differences:
Temperature: Power washing is hot water, which allows it to get rid of stains and particularly difficult items like dirt, grime, mold, fungus and so on.
Force of the water: Pressure washing uses the high velocity to get off dirt, dust and other items from houses, siding, decks, patio and driveways. It is especially common for masonry, because concrete, cinder block and brick tends to build up dust, dirt and grime and will need regular cleaning every year.
Pressure Washing Costs & Considerations
Pressure washers can be bought or rented and used to clean just about anything outside. They work by pressurizing water from a garden hose to 1,000 lbs. and forcing it out a spray wand. Homeowners can get an electric or gas pressure washer for occasional use and set it at 1,300 to 2,400 psi for best results. If you decide to hire a professional, these are the estimated rates you can expect to pay:
Area to Wash Low High
House, Siding $100 $300
Driveway $80 $200
Deck or Patio $250 $500
Should You Use an Electric or Gas Washer?
Electric Pressure Washers
Electric washers have a range of 1,300 to 1,400 psi and are best for washing cars, grills and garage floors. They can cost around $90 to $200 depending on the pressure you need. They are quiet and portable so you can quickly clean your driveways and decks. Homeowners will have to plug them in to run them, and they require a 120-140V GFCI outlet.
Gas-Powered Pressure Washers
In contrast, gas washers can deliver more than 3,000 psi and are good for cleaning siding, decks and concrete. They can be rented and bought and have accessories added onto them like chemical injectors and longer spray wands. It’s estimated they cost anywhere from $300 to $800.”
How Much Does it Cost to Pressure Wash a House
Average estimates: $250 to $750+
Unless your house is very small, an electric washer will not be able to clean your house or siding. You will have to rent or buy a gas-powered washer, which may or may not be able to handle what’s on your siding. Problems like mildew, mold, fungus and algae, for example, cannot always be treated because it’s cold water. Often you will have to hand treat the area with a chemical solution and then wash it. If it’s just dust or dirt that needs to come off the house or siding, you should be able to wash it. It is good for removing residue when you want to paint a house or prepare it for a showing. It is effective on wood, granite, asphalt, bricks and aluminum. It will not work, and possibly harm, hardie board and vinyl. Those types of siding will need to be hand-treated with a garden hose and soap.
Average Prices for Pressure Washing Driveways
Average estimates: $80 to $250
Concrete, paver, bricks, tiles and asphalt can be cleaned quickly with a pressure washer. The high pressure will speed up the process, as long as you use a washer that has a PSI of at least 3,000. This means you should be using a gas washer and not an electric one. Do not use a pressure washer on a gravel driveway as it blow rocks away. These will also not be effective in removing stains, so be sure you use a power washer when trying to remove those made from oil or other car deposits.
How Much Does it Cost to Pressure Wash a Deck or Patio?
Average estimates: $250 to $550
Pressure washing is a great practice to perform on your patio or deck during the spring to get rid of all those leaves and dirt buildup. It’s a quick cleaning machine that saves on you having to get out the broom and spend hours outside. You can also get rid of all of that buildup without chemicals, which saves the environment and keeps any plants you might have on the deck or patio from getting sprayed with chemicals. You can use an electric washer to clean your deck or patio, which means spending less money than you would on a gas washer. Plus the low PSI of 1,500 to 2,000 will avoid your deck being etched into while still getting the dirt and grime off. Also electric washers have a chamber for you to add soap detergent, so you can put in some natural, non-toxic cleaning solution if your patio or deck needs some extra “oomph” to get clean.
Power Washing Costs & Considerations
In many situations power washing is the only way to get rid of the dirt and grime on your siding, decks and driveways. There are four pieces to this practice you should understand: adding a solution, heat, water flow and pressure. Also you don’t always have to add a cleaning solution, which can cut down on the chemicals you might get onto your landscape or home.
Cost Considerations
The price of power washing is less expensive than many other improvements you could make to the home. If this is an improvement you do before a sale, make sure you do it far ahead of the showings. If you choose to DIY, be sure you consult with a professional about how to properly operate the machine and know which additional tools to purchase.
Area to Wash Low High
House, Siding $220 $380
Driveway $130 $220
Deck or Patio $250 $420
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