How Much Does It Cost To Power Wash a House?

Cost to power wash house

While the cost to power wash a house can fluctuate from coast to coast, a small home will typically cost around $100 to power wash, while larger homes can run closer to $380 or more. The area you’re power washing also affects the price. For instance, if you’re looking to have your driveways power washed, it averages between $50 to $200. For a deck or patio, you can expect to pay between $250 to $500. A good rule of thumb when budgeting is to plan to spend about $2 per square foot to power wash a deck, driveway, or home’s exterior. Keep in mind rates can vary depending on the season and the demand. Prices can climb in warmer months when most homeowners are working on their home’s exterior and landscaping. With all this factored in, the average cost of power washing a house is between $100 and $400 in most cases. The best way to hone in on a price is to get a few estimates before deciding which professional to hire.

A professional power washing company is the least labor-intensive way to clean your home. However, there are other options available. If you want to do the job yourself, you can rent a power washer from some home improvement stores. If you decide to rent, you can expect a daily rental fee of $40 to $75. You can also purchase your own power washer, which typically costs between $70 to $250 or more, depending on the brand, strength, size, and extra features.

Cost to pressure wash house

Pressure washing a house is similar to power washing. However, pressure washing involves using water mixed with specialized cleaning solutions to remove dirt and debris from outside surfaces such as fences, decks, driveways, and siding. A special machine produces a steady stream of water at an ultra-high pressure that gets to stubborn dirt and debris. The best pressure washing method is to move in a downward motion and maintain a steady distance to prevent damage. Most professionals perform the task from the ground and don’t require ladders to complete the job. When working on siding, the water should flow in the same direction as the siding panels. For example, the wash should occur in a horizontal pattern for lap siding and up and down for batten and board siding.

The overall cost of pressure washing a house is similar to power washing. Still, it may vary slightly based on the cleaning solution used and the specialized labor required to ensure your exterior isn’t damaged. When comparing estimates, ask about the differences in pressure and power washing within each company and ask for recommendations on the best process for your home.

How to power wash a house

Several steps are involved to effectively power wash a house:

• Keep plants and landscaping safe by covering them with a drop cloth or plastic tarp.
• Use a garden sprayer to apply detergent to your home’s exterior, following the manufacturer’s directions.
• Connect and set up the pressure washer, setting it to the appropriate PSI level for the surface you’re cleaning.
• For stubborn or extensive dirt, use a soft brush to scrub the siding, deck, fence, or driveway before washing.
• Wearing safety goggles, work in sections, applying pressurized water to the surface in set increments.
• Always start at the topmost point, working down with the sprayer at a 45-degree angle, sweeping the washer across the surface.
• Repeat these steps until everything is clean and the debris and detergent are removed. 
• Wait two days to allow to dry before sanding, painting, or staining wood surfaces.

Power washing vs pressure washing

While the terms power washing and pressure washing are often used interchangeably, there are a few differences between these methods. Power washing uses heated water, while pressure washing does not. The hot water can be effective for tough grime like salt, grease, mold, or mildew. Similar to washing dishes in hot water, heat helps remove debris. A power washer is a more robust machine because it requires more power to heat the water. Consider power washing your home if you have a lot of build-up or stubborn residue or you’re cleaning concrete, which can require more power, unlike siding or wood.

If your home’s exterior is shake or shingle-style siding, pressure washing provides the extra care required for the job. Ideally, a 125 PSI compressor with a jet washing tool will clean without disturbing the paint or wood. Professionals use a fan spray of water using a top-down motion, making several passes to clean everything and remove the remaining residue. Local contractors who specialize in cleaning home exteriors will be able to help you determine which process is best for your home.

Pressure washing estimate calculator

As with power washing, the cost of pressure washing a house may vary depending on the size of the job, current labor rates, and seasonal demand. Compare and contrast the costs of pressure and power washing when researching estimates. The average cost to pressure wash a house is between $175 to $200, while power washing runs around $175 to $400.

Pressure wash house cost per hour

While some jobs are billed as overall square footage with labor factored in, some professionals charge by the hour to perform pressure washing. The average cost is about $50 to $160 per hour to power or pressure wash, which typically evens out to about $.040 per square foot. However, the price can vary depending on the size and complexity of a job. Expect to pay more if you want your deck, fence, or driveway cleaned along with your home. The cost of pressure washing a house can also increase if your home is particularly dirty, covered in stuck-on grime, or has a delicate exterior that requires extra skill.

Pressure wash house cost per square foot

Because hot water is used during power washing, the cost is usually a bit more per square foot. Most regions have an average of between $0.35 and $0.77 per square foot. The average cost for pressure washing a house per square foot is approximately $0.08 to $0.20. If dirt is minimal, you could save a decent amount by having your home pressure-washed instead of power-washed.