Pressure washing cost: Realistic prices for every part of your property

While we’re quick to steam the carpets or polish the kitchen benchtops, the exterior of our homes often gets overlooked until it’s screaming for attention. Fortunately, there’s one washing technique that can help: Pressure washing! 

Pressure washing is the fastest and most effective way to restore your outdoor surfaces to their former glory. In Australia, pressure washing costs typically range from $150 to $500 for most residential jobs. However, the final price depends on multiple factors, including the size of the area, surface type, location, and level of grime. 

To help you budget more effectively, this guide will walk you through the average costs for different surfaces and explain what factors might push your quote higher or lower.

High-pressure washing service price list

When you hire a high-pressure cleaning service, they will usually charge per square metre. These prices would also be altered a bit, depending on the surface that will be washed. A ballpark figure of how much pressure washing costs is $150 to $325.

It’s a general rule that as the job becomes harder, the more you will have to pay. Below is a chart that gives you a clearer idea of how much to pressure wash areas per square metre.

A man pressure washing a deck (Source: iStock)

Factors affecting pressure washing costs

Want to know why prices can vary so much? Here’s the inside scoop on what actually determines your final bill when you book a pressure washing service.

Equipment quality

When you hire a professional, you’re paying for proper equipment. Professional pressure washers use industrial-grade machines that deliver significantly more cleaning power than standard rental units you’d find at your local DIY shop. These professional machines clean surfaces more effectively in less time, without risking damage to your property. 

Beyond that, professional cleaners are properly trained in technique. They understand which nozzles to use (from 0° pencil jets for stubborn grime to 40° fan tips for delicate surfaces) and which cleaning solutions work best for specific stains. 

Labour

Factors like accessibility and additional challenges can affect both the timeframe and labour costs. For instance, a straightforward driveway clean will cost less than tackling a multi-story building or removing years of built-up grime. You'll pay more when technicians need ladders or special equipment to reach difficult areas safely.

Surface size and type

Most companies in Australia charge between $1.50 and $5 per square metre, with prices typically falling toward the lower range of this estimate, though smaller jobs often come with a premium. Professionals often calculate prices per square metre, averaging $3 to $5 per square metre.

• Minimum cost: $1.50/m²
• Average cost: $3/m²
• Maximum cost: $5/m²

The material being cleaned matters too. Different surfaces require different pressure levels and sometimes specialised cleaning solutions. Concrete can handle high pressure, while more delicate materials like sandstone need gentler treatment to prevent damage.

Surface condition

The state of any surface can determine how much time and effort it will take to clean. For instance, areas heavily affected by dirt and algae can result in a higher fee. Old buildings prone to developing mould and moss after wet seasons can also be costlier to clean due to discolouration and staining. 

Additional services

Many companies offer extras that can increase value and cost. Adding services like weed removal to a basic driveway clean can push the price above the standard $1.50-$5 per square metre range. For larger areas of 60-100 square metres, expect to pay between $300 and $ 500 total for professional high-pressure cleaning.

Pressure washing costs per home area

When hiring a high-pressure cleaning service, you don’t need to have your entire house serviced. You can break it down into different parts, depending on what area of your home needs more attention.

Patio

High-pressure patio cleaning has an average cost of $150. All the parties and get-togethers on your patio will leave their marks. There might be hard-to-remove grease stains, grout, and dirt lingering on its floors. High-pressure cleaning services make use of hot water to cleanse greasy surfaces more easily. 

Driveway

It will usually cost around $200 to pressure wash your driveway. Before starting washing, your driveway is usually scrubbed down or soaked to help remove the pesky oil stains your car may have left behind. After, it goes through the regular high-pressure cleaning service with the correct power used for your driveway flooring.

Exterior

You can expect to pay $350 to have the exterior of your home pressure-washed. However, this can go up, depending on how big your home is. The cleaning method for this will also depend on the material of your home. 

If your exterior is made of wood or any soft material, a low-pressure wash is recommended to prevent damage. This could take longer than other pressure washing services. However, if it is made of concrete, normal pressure washing can be done since concrete is one of the most durable surfaces. 

Roof

The cost to pressure wash a roof also depends on its size. This can range from $150 - $350. Professional cleaners should know the correct pressure setting to use to get rid of moss and algae on your roofs.

Why should you have a professional pressure wash?

Thinking of grabbing a rental pressure washer from Bunnings and tackling that grimy driveway yourself? Before you do, consider what you're up against. Professional pressure cleaning requires a lot of skill, depending on the area you want to spruce up. 

Protect your investment

Regular pressure washing can protect your property since built-up dirt, mould, and algae can cause premature deterioration around your home. By removing these harmful elements, you're extending the life of your paint, concrete, decking, and other exterior surfaces. Think of pressure washing as preventative maintenance that helps you avoid costly repairs or replacements down the track.

Create a healthier environment

Mould, mildew, and algae can negatively affect your health. These organisms release spores that can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma or sensitivities. Professional pressure washing eliminates these health hazards from around your home, creating a cleaner, healthier environment for your family and visitors.

Save time and effort

DIY cleaning might seem like a money-saver, but it's incredibly time-consuming and physically demanding. A professional service can thoroughly clean your entire property exterior in hours, while it might take you an entire weekend of hard yakka to achieve less impressive results. Your time is valuable. Sometimes it’s worth paying for expertise that lets you enjoy your weekend rather than spending it scrubbing.

Get better, longer-lasting results

Professional-grade equipment and cleaning solutions simply deliver better results than consumer-level options. The clean lasts longer too, meaning you won't need to repeat the process as frequently. Plus, professionals know exactly which techniques and pressure levels to use on different surfaces, preventing damage that DIY enthusiasts might accidentally cause.

A man pressure washing a garden path  (Source: iStock)

Ready to refresh your property?

Now that you’re across all the pricing details and benefits of professional pressure washing, it’s time to get your home looking its best again. Whether it’s your grimy driveway, moss-covered roof, or weather-beaten exterior walls, professional pressure cleaning can transform your property in just a few hours.

To start, post your task on Airtasker to get connected to the nearest pressure wash expert near you. When posting, include clear details about:

• What areas need cleaning
• Any specific concerns (like stubborn stains or delicate surfaces)
• Your location
• When you'd like the job done

The more information you provide, the more accurate quotes you’ll receive from local professionals. Ready to see the difference professional pressure washing can make? Post your task today!