How much does pressure washing cost?
Pressure washing often costs $170 - $310 for common residential jobs. Many contractors price by surface: house washing may run $170 - $360, driveway cleaning $100 - $260, and deck washing $120 - $240 before staining or sealing.
The important question is not just price. The contractor needs to choose the right method for the surface. High pressure can damage siding, wood, shingles, mortar, and painted surfaces when soft washing or lower pressure is the safer approach.
Pressure washing cost by project
House washing
$170 - $360How to tellSiding has algae, mildew, dirt, oxidation, or pre-paint grime
The fixSoft wash or low-pressure wash with plant protection and controlled rinse
Driveway or walkway cleaning
$100 - $260How to tellConcrete or asphalt has tire marks, mildew, oil stains, or slippery algae
The fixSurface cleaner, detergent when needed, and careful runoff control
Deck or fence cleaning
$120 - $300+How to tellWood or composite has algae, dirt, or old stain prep needs
The fixLower pressure, wood-safe cleaner, and optional stain/seal follow-up
Concrete patio or pool deck
$120 - $300+How to tellPatio, pavers, or pool surround is dirty, slippery, or stained
The fixWash, treat stains, and discuss sealing if the surface is porous
Heavy staining, access, or bundled exterior work
$300 - $800+How to tellTwo-story access, steep grade, heavy mold, rust, oil, or multiple surfaces
The fixAdd specialty cleaners, ladder/safety time, or bundled scope
Before booking pressure washing
- Identify each surface separately: vinyl siding, painted siding, brick, concrete, wood deck, composite deck, fence, roof, or pavers.
- Ask whether the job will use pressure washing, power washing, or soft washing. The method should change by material.
- Move cars, furniture, planters, doormats, and loose items away from the work area.
- Ask how plants, outlets, cameras, door gaps, and runoff will be protected.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a pressure washing, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- The surface is above one story or requires ladder work
- You are cleaning siding, stucco, wood, roof material, or painted surfaces that can be damaged by high pressure
- You need oil, rust, efflorescence, mold, or heavy algae treated
- You are prepping for exterior painting, deck staining, or a home sale
- Water runoff could reach a neighbor, street drain, pool, basement entry, or landscaping
Repair or replace?
Pressure washing is maintenance, not a repair. It can make exterior surfaces look better and prevent algae or slippery buildup, but it will not fix rotted wood, failing paint, loose siding, cracked concrete, bad drainage, or deteriorated sealant. If washing exposes damage, separate the cleaning quote from the repair quote so you know what each decision costs.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the pressure washing checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
What is the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?
Pressure washing relies on water pressure to clean hard surfaces. Soft washing uses lower pressure plus cleaning solution, which is safer for siding, roofs, painted surfaces, and some wood. Ask the contractor which method they plan to use and why.
Can pressure washing damage siding?
Yes. Too much pressure can force water behind siding, strip paint, scar wood, damage mortar, or leave wand marks. For many house-washing jobs, soft washing is the safer default.
Should I pressure wash before painting?
Often yes, but the surface must dry fully before painting and loose paint still needs scraping or sanding. Ask your painter whether they include washing or want a separate pressure-washing company to handle prep.