Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing

Power washing adds the element of hot water instead of cold water, while pressure washing uses strong streams of high-pressure water to clean surfaces. Another cleaning technique that makes use of eco-friendly cleaning agents and water under low pressure is soft washing.

• Power washing, which removes dirt, salt, mold, grime, fungus, and mildew from exterior surfaces, makes use of hot water. In addition to removing grease and chewing gum stains from the driveway, it also costs $0.36 to $0.78 per square foot. With the water's high pressure and temperature, it can even kill weeds.
• In order to clean concrete surfaces like sidewalks, fences, decks, driveways, patios, and pathways, pressure washing uses high pressure. The longer pressure washing process costs $0.09 to $0.21 per square foot. It only cleans with extremely high water pressure.

Pricing for Pressure Washing

Depending on the size of the job, a professional pressure washing company will charge $51 to $161 per hour, or an average of $0.41 per square foot. Before giving you a price quote, professionals will come out to your job site to measure. Numerous factors, such as where you live, the size of the area, whether you require a particular cleaner, and whether you need your house, deck, driveway, roof, or other exterior surfaces pressure washed, among others, can affect the cost.

What Is the Price of Power Washing a House?

Pressure washing a home costs, on average, between $174 and $359, with the majority of homeowners spending $266. Pressure washing a one-story house runs about $1 per linear foot, while washing a two-story house will cost $3 per linear foot. Brick homes can be pressure washed for $0.16 to $0.41 per square foot. ft. Due to the need for more gentle cleaning, vinyl siding costs more than stucco siding.

Driveway Pressure Washing Cost

Pressure washing a driveway typically costs between $156 and $191, or between $0.26 and $0.36 per square foot. Depending on size, some businesses will charge a flat fee per driveway between $101 and $201. To remove accumulated mold and mildew, the driveway may occasionally need to be scrubbed by hand with a bleach solution, which can cost $0.41 to $1.26 per square foot.

A pressure washer will break if bleach is put in it. Although there are detergents and cleaning products safe for pressure washers, they might not be effective against mold. Expect to pay significantly less if your driveway or parking lot is brand-new and only requires spot removal of saw cuts and oil spills.

When I finish pressure washing my driveway, should I seal it?

In addition to assisting in protecting your driveway from the elements, machine leaks, and other spills, driveway sealer can also lengthen the lifespan of your driveway and improve the curb appeal of your house. Costs for driveway sealing range from $81 to $116 per 481 square feet. Professionals charge between $171 and $241 for sealcoating driveways that are 1,000 square feet or larger.

Price Of Power Washing A Deck

Power washing a deck can cost anywhere between $120 and $245 on average, with the majority of homeowners spending around $0.36 per square foot. Expect to pay between $0.51 and $1.60 per square foot to power wash, stain, and seal your deck. or $1 per square foot an average of ft. A lattice will cost $0.90 to $1 per square foot, while pressure washing stairs costs an additional $65 per staircase. ft. Pressure washing your deck's underside will cost $1.60 per square foot and will cost $2.60 to $3.60 per linear foot for the handrails. ft.

Prices for Pressure Washing Concrete

Concrete can be pressure washed for as little as $0.09 to $0.21 per square foot. From there, the price increases to $0.26 to $0.36 per square foot for greasy pavement that needs power washing (the addition of hot water) and a concrete detergent. The concrete detergent facilitates and speeds up the pressure washing process by dissolving the oil, grease, and dirt. Because cleaning concrete curbs with a turbo nozzle requires more precise work, it costs $0.26 to $0.61 per linear foot.

Cost of Power Washing a Concrete Patio

Depending on its size, power washing a concrete patio can cost between $120 and $245. To avoid the detergent soaking into the stone when cleaning patios, soak the entire patio in water first. A fresh coat of sealer is frequently offered as part of a package deal by the same company that washes your deck.

Roof Power Washing Cost

A professional roof power wash typically costs $251 to $601 and takes three hours. Depending on the cleaning method, the price per square foot for roof washing ranges from $0.16 to $0.71. Your roof's pitch will also have an impact on the price; a steep pitch may increase it by an additional $0.11 per square foot. For roof cleaning, many businesses charge a minimum of $151.

Depending on the type of roofing you have, moss and lichen can frequently be found growing on roofs. Contractors who pressure wash roofs run a higher risk of injury, and moss and algae can be very slippery, so additional safety measures must be put in place before work is started. Roofs that can only be cleaned with low pressure will benefit from the use of biodegradable detergent, which will help to break up some of the buildup.

Additional Power Washing Prices

Cost of Fence Pressure Cleaning

Pressure washing a fence typically costs between $156 and $291 for a 6-foot-tall, 101-foot-long privacy fence, or between $0.32 and $0.49 per square foot. After power washing your fence, you might want to consider staining it for an extra $0.88 to $1.86 per square foot, or an extra $390 to $924.

Gutter Power Washing

Power washing gutters typically costs $56 to $161, or $0.51 to $1.26 per linear foot. To ensure a smooth process, experts will employ a zero-degree nozzle with an extension wand. You can also have ice power washed away during the winter for about twice as much.

Prices for Commercial Pressure Washing

You can anticipate paying between $66 and $96 for a one-person crew to wash fleet trucks or between $76 and $146 for a two-person crew to quickly clean heavy equipment. This amount or less will be spent on typical laundry. Cars will cost about $1.26 to pressure wash each.

Learn How To Power Wash A House

If you have the right tools, you can power wash your own home. Check out the prices below to buy or rent the one you want.

Step 1

Prepare the surface before you begin cleaning. Caulk any cracks if there are any. Prepare the area around the house after removing any mold with a cleaning solution or bleach/water solution. Place potted plants, patio furniture, and other items far from the house. Cover all wiring and outlets. Use the proper safety gear, such as long sleeves, long pants, boots, gloves, and goggles.

Step 2

Check the pressure in a hidden corner of your house to make sure it isn't too strong before you start blasting away. Spray the soap on once you've reached the ideal pressure, then rinse it off. Spray continuously in a 45-degree angle back and forth. Water shouldn't get behind the siding.

Step 3

Section off your work. Wash with soap, then rinse. If you soap the entire house before beginning to rinse, it might dry and leave streaks. If your house is painted, you should only clean it—never scrape it off. Use the stronger setting if you do want to remove the paint (to repaint). Let it dry, then reposition the patio furniture, arrange the potted plants, and take pleasure in your freshly cleaned home.

Gas vs. Electric Power Washers

A pressure washer can be either gas or electric. For the task at hand, pick a PSI from the list below.

• Ideal for washing cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, outdoor patio furniture, and other light jobs. Light Duty - up to 1900 PSI.
• Ideal for removing and cleaning dirt or mold from the siding, fences, decks, and patios of your home is the medium duty, 2000 to 2800 PSI model.
• Heavy Duty - More than 2800 PSI - Perfect for removing stains from driveways or sidewalks, cleaning the exterior of second stories, and priming surfaces for painting.

Hazards of Power Washing

Although a pressure washer is a fantastic tool with many applications, it can be dangerous if used improperly. According to estimates, 6,059 people visited the emergency room in 2014 due to injuries caused by power/pressure washers. A pressure washer can produce water at 1500–4000 lbs of pressure, compared to a garden hose's 50 psi. PSI—a significant difference. Even though you can buy a power washer at your neighborhood home improvement store, it might be a better idea to hire a qualified expert.

A power washer should always be used with caution. Long sleeves, long pants, boots (never flip-flops), and goggles are all examples of protective clothing. Ensure that kids are playing elsewhere. Second, using the incorrect nozzle or applying too much pressure can harm some surfaces. When cleaning vinyl siding, use a high-volume, soft-wash setting. To ensure safe washer use, always double-check the settings.

Recommendations for Power or Pressure Washing Services

If you're willing to put in a little time, you can find a good, trustworthy pressure washing company. Call the references that a company has provided you with for a few minutes. To find out if there have been any complaints made against the company, contact the Better Business Bureau.

• Get three to five quotes from nearby businesses.
• The contractor needs to be licensed, bonded and insured.
• A professional organization like the Pressure Washing Resource Association is one that you should inquire if the contractor is a member of.
• Inquire about how they adhere to EPA regulations and water runoff.
• Find out if they use your water or their own by asking.
• Learn what cleaning supplies they employ. Some people should not be around kids or animals.