Pressure Washing Estimate Calculator
Get accurate pressure washing cost estimates based on square footage, service type, and stain level. Professional pricing for house exteriors, driveways, decks, and commercial properties.
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How the Pressure Washing Cost Calculator Works
Our calculator uses industry-standard pricing formulas to estimate pressure washing costs based on surface area, service type, and stain severity. Prices are based on national averages from professional pressure washing companies.
💰 Pricing Formula
Example: 2,000 sq ft house with medium stains: 2,000 × $0.45 × 1.2 = $1,080 base cost. Add stain removal ($75) + two-story work ($125) = $1,280 total.
📊 Average Costs by Project Size
| Surface Type | Typical Size | Cost Range | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small House (1-story) | 1,500 sq ft | $525-$825 | 2-3 hours |
| Medium House (2-story) | 2,500 sq ft | $875-$1,375 | 3-5 hours |
| Large House (2-story) | 3,500 sq ft | $1,225-$1,925 | 5-7 hours |
| Single-car Driveway | 400 sq ft | $160-$240 | 1-2 hours |
| Double-car Driveway | 800 sq ft | $320-$480 | 2-3 hours |
| Small Deck/Patio | 300 sq ft | $135-$195 | 1-2 hours |
| Large Deck/Patio | 600 sq ft | $270-$390 | 2-4 hours |
💡Cost-Saving Tips
- • Schedule during off-season (fall/winter) for 10-20% discounts
- • Bundle multiple services (house + driveway) for better rates
- • Clean regularly (annually) to avoid heavy stain surcharges
- • Clear area beforehand to reduce labor time
- • Get 3+ quotes to compare pricing
- • DIY rent equipment ($40-$100/day vs $300-$800 professional)
- • Join neighborhood groups for bulk service discounts
⚠️When to Hire Professionals
- • Two-story homes (safety risk for DIY)
- • Delicate surfaces (wood siding, soft brick)
- • Heavy mold or mildew requiring chemical treatment
- • Commercial properties (insurance requirements)
- • Roof cleaning (risk of damage/injury)
- • Oil stain removal (requires special equipment)
- • When you lack proper equipment or experience
Pressure Washing Cost FAQs
How much does pressure washing cost?
Pressure washing costs typically range from $0.35-$0.75 per square foot, depending on the surface type and stain level. National average for residential pressure washing is $0.45/sq ft. A 2,000 sq ft house exterior costs $700-$1,100. Driveways are $0.40-$0.60/sq ft ($320-$600 for standard two-car driveway). Decks and patios run $0.45-$0.65/sq ft ($180-$390 for typical 400-600 sq ft area).
How much does it cost to pressure wash a house?
House pressure washing costs $0.35-$0.55 per square foot of exterior surface area, averaging $500-$1,500 for most homes. A typical 1,500 sq ft single-story house costs $525-$825. A 2,500 sq ft two-story house costs $875-$1,375. Large 3,500 sq ft homes cost $1,225-$1,925. Additional costs: two-story work (+$125), stain removal (+$75-$150), gutter cleaning (+$100-$200).
What is the average cost per square foot for pressure washing?
The average cost is $0.42-$0.52 per square foot for basic residential pressure washing services. This includes labor, equipment, water, and basic cleaning solutions. Pricing varies by region: urban areas ($0.50-$0.75/sq ft) cost more than rural areas ($0.35-$0.50/sq ft). Commercial properties average $0.55-$0.80/sq ft due to size and complexity. Minimum service charges ($150-$300) apply for small jobs under 500 sq ft.
How much does it cost to pressure wash a driveway?
Driveway pressure washing costs $0.40-$0.60 per square foot, averaging $0.50/sq ft. A standard single-car driveway (10×20 ft = 400 sq ft) costs $160-$240. Double-car driveway (20×20 ft = 800 sq ft) costs $320-$480. Large driveways (1,000+ sq ft) cost $400-$750. Oil stain removal adds $50-$150. Sealing after cleaning adds $0.15-$0.25/sq ft ($120-$200 for standard driveway).
How much does it cost to pressure wash a deck?
Deck pressure washing costs $0.45-$0.65 per square foot, with most homeowners paying $0.55/sq ft. A small 200 sq ft deck costs $90-$130. Standard 400 sq ft deck costs $180-$260. Large 600 sq ft deck costs $270-$390. Wood decks require lower pressure and cost 10-15% more due to delicate cleaning requirements. Deck staining/sealing after washing adds $1-$3/sq ft ($400-$1,800 for typical deck).
What factors affect pressure washing costs?
Major cost factors include: square footage (larger areas get volume discounts), surface type (delicate surfaces cost more), stain severity (heavy mold/mildew +20-40%), job complexity (two-story homes, tight spaces), equipment needed (hot water units cost more), location (urban areas 30-50% higher), season (off-season saves 10-20%), and accessibility (difficult access adds 15-25%). Labor costs vary by region from $40-$100/hour.
Is pressure washing worth the cost?
Yes, pressure washing provides excellent ROI by increasing curb appeal (4-7% property value increase), preventing costly repairs (mold removal can cost $2,000-$6,000 if left untreated), extending surface lifespan (siding lasts 5-10 years longer with regular cleaning), and improving health (removes allergens and mold). Average cost of $500-$800 for full house cleaning pays for itself in prevented damage and increased resale value.
What is included in pressure washing services?
Basic service includes: pre-treatment assessment, surface-appropriate pressure settings (500-4,000 PSI), eco-friendly cleaning solutions, thorough surface cleaning, window/plant protection, and cleanup/disposal of debris. Additional services available: mold/mildew treatment, stain removal, gutter cleaning, surface sealing, deck restoration, and roof cleaning. Most companies provide before/after photos and satisfaction guarantees.
How often should you pressure wash your house?
Most homes should be pressure washed every 1-2 years to maintain appearance and prevent damage. Coastal areas (salt spray) need annual cleaning. Heavily polluted urban areas benefit from annual washing. Humid climates prone to mold/mildew need cleaning every 12-18 months. Dry climates can extend to 2-3 years. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that requires expensive deep cleaning ($1,000+).
Can I pressure wash my house myself?
Yes, DIY pressure washing is possible but requires proper equipment and technique. Rental costs: $40-$100/day for residential-grade washer (2,000-3,000 PSI). Purchase costs: $150-$600 for entry-level consumer models, $600-$1,500 for quality units. Risks include: surface damage from excessive pressure, personal injury (35,000 ER visits/year), water intrusion behind siding, and voiding warranties. Single-story homes are safe for DIY; hire professionals for two-story homes and delicate surfaces.
How long does pressure washing take?
Timing varies by project size and complexity. Small single-story house (1,500 sq ft): 2-3 hours. Medium two-story house (2,500 sq ft): 3-5 hours. Large house (3,500+ sq ft): 5-7 hours. Single-car driveway: 1-2 hours. Double-car driveway: 2-3 hours. Standard deck: 2-4 hours. Add 30-50% time for heavy stain removal or mold treatment. Professional crews with multiple workers can cut time by 30-40%.
What PSI do I need for pressure washing?
PSI requirements vary by surface: Vinyl siding (1,300-1,600 PSI), wood siding (500-1,200 PSI), brick/stone (2,500-3,000 PSI), concrete driveways (3,000-4,000 PSI), wood decks (500-1,500 PSI), cars/boats (1,200-1,900 PSI). Using excessive PSI causes damage: gouged wood, cracked siding, stripped paint, water intrusion. Professional equipment offers adjustable pressure and multiple nozzle tips for surface-specific cleaning.
Should I pressure wash before painting?
Yes, pressure washing before painting is essential for proper adhesion. Clean surfaces 1-2 weeks before painting to allow full drying. Pressure washing removes dirt, mildew, loose paint, and chalking that prevent paint bonding. Cost: $0.30-$0.50/sq ft for pre-paint washing. Proper cleaning extends paint life from 5-7 years to 7-10 years. Painters often charge $200-$500 for cleaning included in paint estimates, but dedicated pressure washing companies do more thorough jobs.
What's the difference between pressure washing and power washing?
Pressure washing uses cold or room-temperature water at high pressure (1,500-4,000 PSI) to remove dirt and grime. Power washing uses heated water (140-200°F) at high pressure to remove stubborn stains, grease, and mold more effectively. Power washing costs 10-20% more ($0.55-$0.75/sq ft vs $0.45-$0.55/sq ft for pressure washing). Hot water is better for oil stains, grease, commercial kitchens, and heavy mold. Most residential jobs only need cold water pressure washing.
Do pressure washing companies provide their own water?
Most pressure washing companies use your water supply (outdoor spigot) at no charge, using 2-5 gallons per minute (typical house uses 300-800 gallons costing $3-$8 in water fees). Some companies bring water tanks for properties without access, adding $50-$150 to costs. Well water is acceptable but may require filtration for commercial equipment. Companies provide all cleaning solutions, equipment, and labor. Confirm water source access when scheduling to avoid surprise fees.
Are pressure washing chemicals safe?
Professional pressure washing companies use biodegradable, eco-friendly cleaning solutions safe for plants, pets, and humans when properly diluted. Common chemicals: sodium hypochlorite (bleach diluted to 1-3%), sodium hydroxide (for grease), and surfactants (for dirt adhesion). Phosphate-free detergents protect waterways. Reputable companies avoid harsh acids and toxic chemicals. Always ask about chemical safety and request Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any concerns. Rinse plants after cleaning as precaution.