How Much Does It Cost To Power Wash A House?

Last Updated on April 7, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Over time, every home’s exterior surfaces accumulate dirt, mold, mildew, and stains. Power washing provides a deep clean to refresh your home’s curb appeal and prevent permanent damage. But how much should you expect to invest for these benefits?

This guide goes over typical costs for power washing a house. We’ll overview pricing factors, surface-specific rates, DIY vs professional services, and tips for saving. With clearer expectations, you can budget confidently and keep your home looking its best.

How Much Does It Cost To Power Wash A House?

Typical costs to power wash a house range from $200 to $500 to thoroughly pressure wash the exterior surfaces of an average 2,000 square foot single story home.

Of course, prices vary based on exactly how dirty the home is and how many surfaces need addressing. Here are some baseline averages:

• Small home under 1,500 square feet – $250 to $400
• Medium 1,500-3,000 square foot home – $400 to $600
• Large home over 3,000 square feet – $600 to $900

As you’ll see, many factors cause costs to vary widely for your unique home.

According to Homewyse, the estimated cost to power wash a house in January 2025 ranges from $0.43 to $0.53 per square foot, with total costs varying based on project size and site conditions. For example, a 1,000-square-foot house could cost between $430 and $530 for basic labor and equipment.

On HomeGuide, the average cost for power washing a house is reported as $170 to $360, with most homeowners spending around $265. The price per square foot ranges from $0.35 to $0.77, depending on the type of siding and level of cleaning required. Larger homes or those with difficult-to-access areas may incur higher costs.

According to Deskera, pressure washing a house can cost between $0.15 and $0.75 per square foot, depending on whether hot or cold water is used. For whole-house cleaning, prices can reach up to $650 or more, especially for multi-story homes or properties requiring extensive cleaning.

The article on Bark provides city-specific averages, with costs ranging from $250 to $600 depending on location. For example, pressure washing in Portland averages $400, while Phoenix costs are lower at around $205. They also note that power washing, which uses hot water, may be slightly more expensive than pressure washing with cold water.

Lastly, FreshBooks reports flat rates for entire homes ranging from $90 to $275, while linear foot pricing varies between $0.75 and $2.25, depending on whether the home is single-story or multi-story.

Proper Exterior Cleaning Matters

Before examining cost, it’s worth understanding the importance of power washing:

• Restores curb appeal and home value by removing grime and stains. A fresh facade signals a well-cared for home.
• Prevents permanent damage on surfaces like wood, brick, and concrete by clearing mold and mildew buildup before it penetrates deep.
• Improves longevity of exterior materials like siding and decks by clearing dirt that retains moisture and causes deterioration.
• Enhances energy efficiency slightly by keeping surfaces cooler and allowing proper ventilation.

While not mandatory, a thorough wash every 1-2 years provides lasting benefits that outweigh the cleaning investment.

Power Washing Methods

The term “power washing” encompasses various techniques:

Power Washing utilizes high pressure water blasts between 500-4000 PSI to quickly scour and clean surfaces. It excels at removing deep grime from durable exterior materials like concrete, brick, and aluminum siding.

Soft Washing relies on gentle chemical cleaners and low pressure under 500 PSI to clean delicate surfaces like wood, vinyl, or fiber cement siding. The lower pressure and non-damaging soaps minimize risk of damage.

Pressure Washing can refer to either method. Reputable service companies evaluate each exterior surface and select the ideal power or soft washing approach accordingly.

Factors Influencing Power Washing Costs

Prices fluctuate substantially based on home-specific characteristics like:

• House size – Larger square footage means more time and cleaning supplies required, increasing costs.
• Number of stories – Multi-level homes demand additional equipment like extended ladders and roof rigging, adding labor.
• Exterior materials – Soft washing delicate surfaces like vinyl and wood takes more time than just power washing durable concrete.
• Grime/mold/stain level – Heavily soiled or mold-covered areas require more intensive chemical treatments and scrubbing, lengthening the job.
• Accessibility challenges – Steep roofs, multi-story heights, or restricted access escalate difficulty and final price.
• Geographic region – Prevailing labor rates differ across the country based on cost of living. Urban areas also command higher pricing.

The cleaner your home’s surfaces are to start, the better your cleaning value. Heavily soiled properties fetch premium power washing prices.

Cost Breakdown by Exterior Surface

Let’s examine typical pricing differences across common exterior house features:

Siding – $0.20 to $0.50 per sq ft – Vinyl, aluminum, and wood siding often need gentler soft washing methods which require more time and specialty chemicals. The sensitivity of these materials also necessitates using limited PSI.

Roof – $200 to $500 average cost – Safety equipment like harnesses and scaffolding plus difficult access drive up the cost and risk of roof washing. A steeply pitched roof escalates the price even further.

Wood Decks – $150 to $400 average – Cost depends heavily on square footage. Heavily soiled, moldy, or discolored wood decking will fall at the upper end of the pricing spectrum. Composite or PVC deck materials allow for quicker cleaning.

Fences – $3 to $5 per linear foot – Wood fences demand soft washing expertise to prevent damage, while chain link is the quickest material to power wash. Expect added fees for fences with multiple gates.

Driveways – $0.15 to $0.30 per sq ft – Heavily stained or oil-covered concrete and asphalt driveways require intensive chemicals and targeted power washing, boosting costs.

Patios – $0.20 to $0.40 per sq ft – Significant grime buildup or mold growth from chronic wet conditions necessitate more extensive cleaning measures and higher pricing.

You might also like our articles about the cost of pressure washer rental, Roof Maxx services, or post-construction clean up.

DIY vs Professional

You can rent power washing equipment from home improvement stores for $50 to $100 daily. But professional services offer advantages:

DIY Pros

• Lower equipment rental costs
• Avoid labor fees
• Flexible scheduling

DIY Cons

• Inexperience risks damage to surfaces
• Equipment transportation and setup
• Water drainage requirements
• Labor intensive for larger homes

Professional Pros

• Expertise protects all material types
• Specialized equipment increases efficiency
• Proper chemicals for deep cleaning
• Insurance protects property
• Crews expedite large homes

Professional Cons

• Service costs add up quickly
• Scheduling less flexible

Evaluate your confidence level before committing to a DIY project.

Accurate Power Washing Quotes

When requesting quotes:

• Provide square footage and material types present
• Describe specific problem areas or heavy staining
• Ask about typical turnaround time for quotes, usually 1-2 days
• Request visual inspections to align on-site pricing
• Ask reps to explain what influences costs
• Compare at least 3 bids to make an informed decision

Avoid vendors who won’t provide itemized quotes upfront.

Per Hour vs Square Foot

Power washing companies price services in two main ways:

Hourly – Based on project duration, including travel and setup time. $50 to $100 per hour is typical.

Square foot – Charged by total cleaned exterior area. This is the most common model.

Some also charge:

• Minimum service fees of $150 to $300
• Travel fees if located far from service area
• Setup fees around $50 to $100

Opt for square foot quotes to maximize transparency.

Additional Costs

Be aware of possible add-on fees:

• Surface treatment chemicals – Mold removers, degreasers, etc average $50 to $200 per house.
• Difficult access – Steep roofs or lift equipment may incur surcharges.
• Water supply – Providing adequate water impacts DIY costs.
• Sealing or protective coatings – An optional but recommended finish for $150 to $400.

Confirm what is and isn’t included upfront to avoid surprise charges.

Regional Cost Differences

Location impacts costs:

• Urban regions with higher labor rates range $450 to $850 for average homes.
• Rural areas average $250 to $600 for similar services.
• Coastal regions need more frequent washing, driving up demand and prices. Inland areas cost less.
• Northern climates have shorter seasons, concentrating demand in warmer months.

Check local averages when budgeting.

Ideal Power Washing Frequency

Most homes require cleaning every 12-24 months. Prioritize power washing:

• Each spring to remove winter grime before summer entertainments
• Before listing a home for sale to maximize curb appeal
• When mold or stains become clearly visible

Avoid washing on hot days that quickly dry surfaces before rinsing. Mild weather allows thorough cleaning.

Choosing a Power Washing Company

When selecting a pro service:

• Verify licensing, insurance, and bonding
• Request references and reviews
• Ask about PSI limits and materials experience
• Get a written quote detailing services
• Inquire about eco-friendly detergents
• Compare at least 3 vendors

Scrutinize anyone offering Services far below market rates that suggest cut corners.

Environmental Considerations

Reputable power washing companies follow eco-friendly practices:

• Using biodegradable cleaners that won’t harm plants or contaminate storm drains
• Capturing wash runoff with attachments that divert water flow
• Following EPA guidelines for safe detergent selection and use
• Choosing low PSI for soft materials to avoid paint scraping

Ask providers to explain their environmental methods.

Reducing Power Washing Costs

To maximize value:

• Clean loose debris before washing to reduce time
• Schedule off-season in fall or winter for lower demand pricing
• Group with neighbors for potential bulk discount
• Reduce square footage like fences if budget is a major factor
• Provide your own water supply; hydrant access cuts DIY costs

With smart preparation, you can cut corners without cutting quality.

Final Words

A sparkling clean exterior provides visual appeal and protects your home’s value. For most homeowners, investing $300 to $750 every couple years is worthwhile.

Your freshly revitalized home will convey pride of ownership in the neighborhood. Contact local power washing pros for quotes today!

Answers to Common Questions

How to charge for pressure washing a house?

Most power washing contractors charge either by the hour or by the square foot. Hourly rates range from $50 to $100 per hour. Square foot pricing averages $0.20 to $0.80 based on home size and materials. Items like minimum service fees, travel, and chemicals may cost extra.

How long does it take to power wash a house?

It typically takes a two-person professional crew about 5 to 8 hours to pressure wash all exterior surfaces of a 2,000 sq ft single story home. Larger homes can take up to 2 full days.

What happens if you don’t power wash your house?

Putting off power washing for too long allows mold, mildew, and stains to become more ingrained or cause permanent damage. Grime buildup can also retain moisture and accelerate deterioration of wood, siding, and other materials, leading to expensive repairs.