Power washing typically costs $150-$500 for a residential visit, with an average around $300. Power washing price depends on the area washed, surface material, soil level, water access, local labor rates, and whether the quote includes detergent or other services.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home exterior | $200 | $350 | $700 | Typical 1,500-2,500 sq ft home |
| Driveway | $100 | $200 | $400 | About 600-1,000 sq ft |
| Deck or patio | $100 | $250 | $500 | About 300-600 sq ft |
| Whole-property visit | $300 | $550 | $1,000 | Several surfaces bundled |
What homeowners pay to wash siding, concrete, and decks
A single-story home exterior generally costs $200-$450, while a larger or multistory home may run $400-$700 or more. Driveway cleaning commonly costs $100-$300, and deck washing ranges from $100-$400, depending on size and wood condition. Many contractors set a $150-$250 minimum for small jobs.
Per-area estimates help compare quotes: siding is often $0.15-$0.40 per sq ft, concrete $0.20-$0.50 per sq ft, and decks $0.30-$0.75 per sq ft. Rates vary with access, buildup, and whether the contractor uses low-pressure soft washing rather than high-pressure cleaning. Assumptions: standard residential surfaces, normal access, and typical U.S. labor rates.
For a typical home, budgeting about $300-$550 for several exterior surfaces is reasonable when the work is bundled.
How labor, detergents, and equipment appear in the quote
Power washing quotes may show one bundled price or separate charges for labor, cleaning solution, setup, and disposal. Ask whether the rate includes detergent, water use, and protection for plants or nearby fixtures. The table shows common components; they are planning ranges, not charges that necessarily appear separately.
| Quote component | Typical price | Common basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $50-$100 per hour | One- or two-person crew | Access, height, and buildup |
| Cleaning solution | $10-$50 | Per residential job | Surface and stain type |
| Equipment and setup | $25-$100 | Per visit, often bundled | Travel and machine needs |
| Water or disposal | $0-$75 | Per job | Local rules and runoff handling |
| Surface cleaning | $0.15-$0.75 per sq ft | Area washed | Material and cleaning method |
For example, 3-5 labor hours at $50-$100 per hour equals $150-$500 in labor before materials, travel, or minimum charges. A written quote should identify which surfaces and add-ons are included, not just give a total.
Why square footage, height, and surface type change the price
Area is a major cost driver, but the measured surface is not always the home’s floor area. A 2,000 sq ft house can have substantially more exterior wall area, and a contractor may price siding by its washable surface rather than the home’s listed square footage. Confirm the measurement method before comparing per-square-foot bids.
Height and access also matter. A two-story exterior may cost 15%-30% more than a comparable one-story job because of ladder work, hose routing, and slower cleaning. Heavy algae, oil, or embedded grime can add 10%-30% when extra treatment or repeat passes are needed. Delicate wood, painted siding, and older mortar require controlled pressure or soft washing, which can add time or solution cost.
Size thresholds can affect equipment and scheduling: driveways over 1,000 sq ft may be priced at a lower per-square-foot rate, but very small areas can still incur a minimum. A deck above 500 sq ft or a property with more than three levels may need extra crew time or specialized access. Surface condition and access can shift the quote as much as adding several hundred square feet.
How to lower the bill without cutting necessary cleaning
Bundle the driveway, siding, and patio into one visit; separate appointments can each trigger a minimum charge. Clear vehicles, outdoor furniture, and loose items before the crew arrives if the company allows customer preparation. Point out water spigots and identify delicate plants or fixtures in advance to reduce setup delays.
Request pricing for the exact surfaces rather than a vague whole-house package, and compare at least three written quotes using the same square footage and cleaning scope. Avoid paying extra for pressure levels that are unsuitable for siding, roofing, or soft wood. If only a small stain or one walkway needs cleaning, ask whether spot treatment is available instead of washing the entire area.
Controlling the scope and combining surfaces usually saves more than choosing the cheapest pressure setting.
How regional labor rates affect power washing prices
Rates in high-cost metro areas, including parts of the Northeast, California, and the Pacific Northwest, can be 15%-30% above national midrange estimates. Lower-cost rural markets may come in 10%-20% below those estimates, although travel fees can erase the difference for remote properties. Dense urban neighborhoods can also have added charges for parking, restricted water access, or runoff controls.
Seasonal demand changes availability more than the base rate in many markets. Spring and early summer are busy periods, and short-notice appointments may carry a $25-$100 scheduling fee where contractors charge one. Booking during a slower period can improve appointment options, but weather and freezing temperatures limit service in some locations. Compare local quotes rather than applying a national average as a guaranteed price.
How long a siding or driveway washing visit takes
A small driveway may take 1-2 hours, while a typical home exterior can require 2-5 hours. A combined visit for siding, driveway, and patio often takes 4-8 hours, depending on crew size, water access, and preparation. The crew may spend additional time protecting electrical outlets, rinsing plants, applying detergent, and allowing solution to dwell before rinsing.
A two-person crew may finish sooner, but a larger crew does not always reduce the price because labor is still billed through the total job rate. Ask whether the estimate is fixed-price or hourly, and whether a return visit is charged separately if weather interrupts the work. Time estimates are useful for scheduling, but the surface area and agreed scope should determine the quote.
When stain treatment, sealing, or runoff handling adds fees
Oil and rust treatment can add $25-$150 or more, depending on the affected area and whether multiple applications are needed. Gutter brightening, which removes exterior striping rather than simply rinsing gutters, may add $1-$3 per linear foot. Deck sealing is a separate service, often around $1-$3 per sq ft including product and labor, and usually requires the surface to dry after washing.
Some contractors charge $25-$100 to clean heavily soiled areas or move equipment through difficult access points. Runoff capture or disposal may add $50-$200 where local rules or site conditions require it. These amounts are not universal, so the quote should specify what triggers each fee. Confirm optional treatments and disposal charges before approving work to avoid surprises on the final invoice.