How much does power or pressure washing cost?
Power or pressure washing involves using water at high pressure to remove substances like loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, and dirt from various surfaces and objects, including buildings, vehicles, and concrete areas. It is an essential maintenance activity for both residential and commercial properties. Regular power washing properties help maintain a clean and well-kept appearance while avoiding the buildup of damaging substances like mold and mildew, which could result in long-term harm.
Factors Affecting Cost
The cost of power or pressure washing can vary significantly based on several factors:
- Size of the Area to be Cleaned: The larger the area, the higher the cost. Most professionals charge by the square foot or by the hour.
- Surface Type: Different surfaces require different pressure levels and may require special equipment or detergents. For example, concrete surfaces may require a higher pressure than wooden surfaces.
- Amount of Dirt, Grime, Mold, or Mildew: The more dirt and grime present, the more work is required to clean the surface, increasing the cost.
- Accessibility of the Area to be Cleaned: If the area is hard to reach, it may require additional equipment or labor, increasing the cost.
- Local Market Rates: Prices may vary by region based on local market rates.
- Unique Treatments or Detergents: Some surfaces may require special treatments or detergents to be appropriately cleaned, increasing the cost.
Average Costs
The typical cost for power or pressure washing can fluctuate based on the factors discussed earlier. However, the following are average prices for frequently cleaned surfaces and their respective sizes:
| Surface | Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway | 600 - 1000 | $80 - $200 |
| Deck | 200 - 500 | $100 - $300 |
| House Siding | 1000 - 2000 | $200 - $400 |
| Fence | 200 - 300 | $100 - $200 |
DIY vs. Professional Services:
- DIY: Renting a power washer can cost anywhere from $40 to $100 per day, depending on the size and power of the machine. You will also need to purchase detergent, which can cost around $10 - $20 per gallon.
- Professional Services: Hiring a professional service might cost between $50 and $100 per hour.
Additional Potential Costs:
- Special Treatments: Special treatments for surfaces like brick or wood can cost an additional $0.10 - $0.20 per square foot.
- Rentals: If special equipment is needed, additional rental costs may exist.
Cost-saving Tips
- Regular Maintenance: Frequent surface cleaning can hinder the accumulation of dirt and grime, lessening the required effort and, consequently, lowering expenses.
- Bundle Services: If you need multiple areas cleaned, try to bundle the services together to get a discount.
- Get Multiple Quotes: It's always a good idea to get multiple quotes from different service providers to ensure you get the best price.
The formula for Calculating Power/Pressure Washing Cost
To calculate the cost of power or pressure washing, you can use the following formula:
Total Cost = (Cost per Square Foot or Hour * Area or Hours) + Special Treatments + Equipment Rental
- Cost per Square Foot or Hour: This is the rate charged by the professional service provider, which can be set by the square foot or the hour. It would help if you got this rate from the service provider.
- Area or Hours: The total area to be cleaned (in square feet) or the required hours.
- Unique Treatments: This is the additional cost for any special treatments or detergents required for the surface. You can obtain this cost from the service provider or the supplier of the treatments or detergents.
- Equipment Rental: This is the cost of renting any additional equipment required for the cleaning. You can obtain the price from the equipment rental company.
For example, if you hire a professional service provider to clean your 1000 square foot driveway, and the provider charges $0.20 per square foot, you need $50 worth of special treatments. Since no extra tools are required, you would calculate the total expense as follows:
Total Cost = ($0.20 * 1000) + $50 + $0 = $250
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is power washing and pressure washing the same thing?
Power and pressure washing are similar in that they use high-pressure water spray to clean surfaces. The primary distinction lies in using hot water for power washing and regular temperature water for pressure washing. The hot water used in power washing helps to remove dirt and grime more effectively and can kill bacteria, mold, and weeds.
2. Can I do power or pressure washing myself?
Yes, you can do power or pressure washing yourself by renting a power or pressure washer and purchasing the necessary detergents. However, it is essential to be careful as the high-pressure water can cause damage to surfaces if not used properly. Also, some characters may require special treatments or detergents that a professional best handles.
3. How often should I power or pressure wash my surfaces?
You should power or pressure wash your surfaces at least once a year. However, the frequency may vary based on the local climate and the amount of dirt and grime that accumulates on the surface. For example, mold and mildew can occur more quickly in humid climates, requiring more frequent cleaning.
4. Is power or pressure washing safe for all surfaces?
Power or pressure washing is safe for most surfaces, but using the appropriate pressure and detergents for each surface is vital. For example, wooden surfaces require a lower pressure and a special detergent to avoid damaging the wood. Testing a small, inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire surface is always recommended.
5. Can I power or pressure wash my windows?
It is not recommended to power or pressure wash windows as the high-pressure water can break the glass or damage the seals. It is best to clean windows by hand or with a low-pressure washer specifically designed for windows.
6. What is the difference between residential and commercial power or pressure washing?
Residential power or pressure washing typically involves cleaning a home's exterior, deck, driveway, or fence. Commercial power or pressure washing typically involves cleaning larger areas such as parking lots, building surfaces, or sidewalks. Commercial power or pressure washing may require higher pressure and special equipment to remove heavy dirt and grime.
7. Can I use regular detergent for power or pressure washing?
You should use detergents specially formulated for power or pressure washing because they effectively remove dirt and grime without damaging the surface. Regular detergents may be less effective and may cause damage to the surface.
10 Questions to Ask When Evaluating Pressure Washing Companies
1. Are you licensed and insured?
It is essential to ensure that the company is licensed to operate in your area and possesses adequate insurance to address any potential damages that might arise during the cleaning procedure.
2. Do you have references or reviews from past clients?
Request references or review online feedback to verify the company's positive reputation and its track record of delivering satisfactory services to previous customers.
3. What type of equipment and detergents do you use?
Verify that the company uses professional-grade detergents and equipment suitable for the surfaces you need to clean.
4. Do you provide a detailed quote?
If applicable, inquire about a comprehensive quote outlining all cleaning expenses, including special treatments or equipment rentals.
5. What is your experience with my type of property?
Please inquire about the company's experience with properties similar to yours, whether residential or commercial and the specific surfaces that need cleaning.
6. Do you offer any guarantees or warranties?
Inquire whether the company provides any warranties or guarantees for their services. For example, some companies may offer a satisfaction guarantee or a warranty on the cleaning for a certain period.
7. Do you have any special promotions or discounts?
Ask if the company currently offers any promotions or discounts you may be eligible for.
8. What is your availability?
Ask about the company's availability and how soon they can schedule the cleaning.
9. How long will the cleaning take?
Ask for an estimate of how long the cleaning will take to complete.
10. Do you take any special precautions to protect my property?
Ask about any precautions the company takes to protect your property, such as covering plants or outdoor furniture or protecting windows and other delicate surfaces.
Power or pressure washing is an essential maintenance activity that can help keep your property clean and well-maintained while preventing long-term damage from mold and mildew. Several factors can significantly affect the power or pressure washing cost, including the size of the area needing cleaning, the type of surface, the amount of dirt and grime present, and local market rates. However, by being aware of these factors and following some simple cost-saving tips, you can help to keep your property looking its best without breaking the bank.
