How Much Does Power Washing Cost? Here's What You Should Know
If you’ve ever Googled "How much does power washing cost?" — you’re not alone! It's one of the most common questions homeowners and property managers ask when considering cleaning their home exterior, driveway, roof, or even a commercial property like a parking garage.
The short answer is: it depends — but don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.
What Affects the Price of Power Washing?
At its core, power washing prices are typically based on square footage.
The bigger the area that needs to be cleaned, the higher the cost — but not all surfaces are priced equally. Here’s why:
Flat surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, patios, and parking garages are relatively easy and quick to clean. Surface cleaners allow us to move fast and use less cleaning solution (like bleach), which can keep costs lower.
Houses require a little more care — different sidings (vinyl, brick, wood) need different pressure settings and techniques like soft washing. Plus, multi-story homes often require ladders and safety equipment, which increases the difficulty (and therefore the price).
Roofs are a special case: they’re tricky, delicate, and often require specialized low-pressure washing and safe access methods. Because of the added complexity and risk, roofs typically cost more per square foot compared to flat surfaces.
Example:
We recently power washed a multi-level parking garage where the concrete floors had already been sealed. Thanks to the sealant, dirt and biological buildup (like mold and algae) came off much easier. That meant we used less product, cleaned more quickly, and could offer the customer a more affordable price than if the surface had been untreated.
Sealed surfaces often clean faster — and faster means savings for you!
Common Mistakes People Make When Thinking About Power Washing Costs
Now, let's clear up a few myths that could cost you more in the long run:
1. "I’ll Just Hire the Cheapest Guy With a Truck."
It’s tempting to hire someone offering a super low price. But here’s the thing: professional power washing isn’t just blasting water at a wall.
A true professional brings:
Commercial-grade equipment (more powerful and efficient than hardware store models)
Specialized knowledge (knowing when to use soft washing versus pressure washing)
The right cleaning solutions (safe for your surfaces, landscaping, and pets)
Insurance and licensing (you’re protected if something goes wrong)
Cut-rate operators might not carry insurance, might damage your property with too much pressure, or use cheap, harsh chemicals that can cause long-term damage. In the end, paying a little more for a reputable company often saves you thousands in repairs later.
2. "It Shouldn’t Cost More If You Use Bleach or Cleaner."
Many people assume that using cleaning solutions should make the job cheaper, but the reality is the opposite:
Using the right cleaners saves labor time but increases material costs. A balance between the two — efficient labor and safe, effective cleaning products — is what makes a professional power washing service both effective and worth the price.
3. "It’s Just Water and Pressure."
If it were that simple, everyone would do it! Proper power washing is about technique as much as it is about force.
Too much pressure can damage surfaces like wood, stucco, and asphalt shingles. Too little pressure won’t clean thoroughly. A professional knows how to calibrate pressure, temperature, cleaning solutions, and technique to safely and effectively clean each surface type.
So, What Should You Expect to Pay?
While every project is different, here are some general ballpark ranges:
Driveways and Sidewalks: $0.15–$0.25 per square foot
House Soft Washing: $0.30–$0.60 per square foot
Roof Soft Washing: $0.40–$0.75 per square foot
Commercial Properties (like parking garages): Custom pricing depending on sealing, access, and size
Keep in mind:
Factors like accessibility (are ladders or lifts needed?), level of dirt/mildew buildup, surface condition, and whether the area is sealed or untreated all play a big role in the final estimate.
Final Thoughts
When you invest in professional power washing, you’re not just paying for clean surfaces — you’re protecting your property’s value, appearance, and lifespan.
A reputable power washing company will deliver real results safely, efficiently, and with care, helping you avoid costly mistakes from DIY disasters or unqualified contractors.
If you're curious about what it would cost to clean your property, reach out to us for a free estimate — and make sure you ask the right questions to ensure you’re getting true value for your money!
