How much does it cost to pressure wash a driveway?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

The process of pressure washing involves using high-pressure water, with or without detergent or additives, to clean mold, dust, grime, oil, dirt, and other buildup from various surfaces, including fences, sidewalks, decks, patios, siding, and driveways. For driveways specifically, pressure washing is ideal because it offers a quick, easy way to clean the larger surface area. Keeping your driveway in good condition is critical to the upkeep and value of your home. Not only will it improve the longevity of your driveway, but it keeps it looking great for years to come. Equipment and fuel costs, combined with the continued lack of available labor, are leading to projected cost increases for 2023. Expect an increase of 2% to 5% through 2023, especially with the increasing focus on conserving resources and reducing our environmental impact.

The national average cost to pressure wash a driveway ranges from $180 to $240, with the average homeowner spending about $225 to pressure wash a 600 sq.ft. driveway. On the low end, you could spend as little as $116 to pressure wash a small concrete drive that measures 400 sq.ft. At the high end, some people may spend as much as $319 to pressure wash an 800 sq.ft. driveway with repairs.

Price to Pressure Wash Driveway

Pressure Washing vs Power Washing

The average cost to pressure wash a driveway is $0.30 to $0.40 per sq.ft. The average cost to power wash is closer to $0.40 to $0.55 per sq.ft, with the difference in cost making up for the generation of heat required for the power washing process. Pressure washing and power washing are very similar, but with one difference: heat. Pressure washing uses a strong stream of cold water to clean surfaces. Power washing has the added element of using hot water.

Power washing uses hot water to remove dirt, mold, grime, fungus, and mildew from outdoor surfaces. It helps remove grease stains from the driveway and kill weeds with high temperature and water pressure. Pressure washing involves the process of using high-pressure water to clean surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, decks, patios, fences, etc. The process heavily relies on high-pressure water to provide the cleaning. The water temperature does well for most cleaning, but it may not be ideal for mold, mildew, or fungus, where heated water makes a big difference. Pressure washing tends to take longer than power washing.

Driveway Pressure Washing Cost per Square Foot

The average cost to pressure wash a driveway is $0.30 to $0.40 per sq.ft. Most pressure washing companies charge by the square foot rather than the project or hour because of the nature of the work involved. Typically, the larger the driveway, the more it costs to pressure wash it. The size of the driveway to be cleaned is one of the largest contributors to the cost of pressure washing. The most common driveway size is around 576 sq.ft. (24’ x 24’). Some companies charge a base fee for smaller driveways to make the work worthwhile. For example, if you have a 200 sq.ft. driveway, you will probably have to pay a minimum charge of around $100, which is more than the square footage cost of $60 to $80. Your pressure washing contractor can advise on their pricing methods to help you get an idea of what to expect. The table below shows some common driveway sizes and their average cost for pressure washing with labor included.

Pressure Washing Prices per Hour

If you are charged by the hour, most pressure washers will charge $50 to $150 per hour for their work. Some companies may charge hourly if you decide to have multiple items pressure washed around your home. Others prefer an hourly rate to a square footage rate (although that is rare). To help you get an idea of what to expect, a 600 sq.ft. driveway takes about three hours to pressure wash. Your contractor should explain their process and how they charge for pressure washing, including an estimate of the time involved if they are charging by the hour. Companies choose to charge hourly rates for different reasons. However, it is far less common than the square footage rate that most pressure washers use.

Cost to Pressure Wash a Driveway by Material

The average cost to pressure wash a driveway by material type ranges from $180 to $225. The process of pressure washing varies between the different types of surfaces. There are several types of driveways out there. All require their own cleaning process and have their own costs to consider. In the table and subsections below, we will explore the average cost of pressure washing by material type and the pros and cons of each material, cleaning considerations, and other factors.

Pressure Wash Concrete Driveway

The average cost to pressure wash a concrete driveway ranges from $180 to $200. Concrete is very porous, which requires an extreme amount of pressure to remove all of the dirt and grime. First, the concrete is soaked, and a cleaning solvent is applied to the surface. Then, the pressure washer is used to loosen up the debris and clean off the dirt. A sealant is applied to complete the process. Adding a sealant extends the lifespan of the driveway and staves off future cleanings for a longer time.

Pressure Wash Asphalt Driveway

Asphalt surfaces typically cost between $185 and $220 to pressure wash 600 sq.ft. For asphalt, the lower the pressure, the better. A pre-pressure wash detergent can be applied to the surface and allowed to sit before pressure washing. Most companies use a ball valve with a swivel to allow for ideal pressure for rinsing rather than too much pressure from a gun. Some people may also choose a low-pressure power wash, which adds the benefit of heat to make up for the lack of pressure being used.

Pressure Wash Brick Driveway

The cost to pressure wash a brick driveway ranges from $190 to $220. Brick and concrete or stone pavers are cleaned similarly provided that the bricks or pavers are sealed or not secured with sand or gravel. The process starts by soaking the brick with water, followed by a detergent. Then, a high pressure (25 degree) nozzle is used to clean the dirt and grime off the surface. A sealant can be used at the end to protect the brick, adding longevity and increasing the time between future cleanings.

Pressure Wash Paver Driveway

The average cost to pressure wash a paver driveway ranges from $195 to $225, depending on how the pavers are installed. If they are sealed or secured like a brick driveway, the cleaning process is similar and involves using water, detergent, and a high-pressure spray to clean the pavers before applying a new sealant. If you have pavers held in place by loose gravel or sand, a lower pressure wash may be preferred to avoid disturbing the material. Your contractor can advise on the best method for your specific driveway.

Pressure Wash Gravel Driveway

The average cost to pressure wash a gravel driveway is $195 to $225 for a 600 sq.ft. space. For gravel driveways, a pressure washer can be used at either a low pressure closer to the surface or a stronger pressure held away from the surface. Pressure washers remove mold, mildew, and any weeds growing in the gravel. It is important not to spray too close at high pressure, which would shift the gravel and require re-raking and resetting it once the pressure washing is completed.

Cost to Pressure Wash Driveway and Sidewalk

The average cost to pressure wash the driveway and sidewalk at the same time is $275 to $300, with the additional $50 to $75 in costs going toward the sidewalk cleaning. The cost varies depending on the amount of sidewalk that needs to be cleaned and the company you choose. Some companies include cleaning sidewalks with the driveway as an additional service or offer it at a discount for having more than one service performed at a time. It makes sense to pressure wash your sidewalk and driveway together to create a clean, fresh appearance for the entire exterior of your home. It only adds a minimal cost to the job, so it is well worth the investment. Your contractor can advise on whether they include sidewalk cleaning or if they offer it at a discounted rate along with driveway pressure washing.

Sealing Driveway After Pressure Washing

The average cost to seal a driveway is between $0.88 and $2.10 per sq.ft. for materials and labor, which would cost $355 to $600 for a 400 sq.ft. driveway to be sealed after cleaning. The cost of sealing depends on the surface being sealed (asphalt, concrete, etc.), the sealant being used, and how much surface area is being covered. The sealant can be applied once the driveway is completely dry from pressure washing and should be left to set for 24 hours before parking or driving on it. It is not necessary, but it adds value and keeps the driveway looking better longer.

Pressure Washer Rental Cost

The average pressure washer rental cost ranges from $60 to $100 per day, which usually includes four to eight hours of rental time, depending on the rental company. You may spend more or less depending on the size of the pressure washer, the type of unit, and how big it is, or how much pressure it can utilize. Cold Water Pressure Washers are the most commonly used and the most affordable. They work great for cleaning off your siding, deck, and other structures. Hot Water Power Washers are great for use on oil, grease, and grime. They use really hot water, and it makes it easier to clean things.

Electric Pressure Washers are the most common type for home use. They are lightweight, convenient to use, and great for any normal home pressure washing project. Gas-Powered Pressure Washers are very powerful washers and help get big jobs done quickly and effectively. Unlike electric power washers, gas power washers do not need to be plugged in, so you can bring them wherever you want. Typically, rentals are offered in both forms.

Why Pressure Wash a Driveway?

There are several benefits to pressure washing a driveway. It offers a fast and efficient means of cleaning and removes debris and buildup from cracks and gaps that you might not clean otherwise. This process increases the lifespan of the driveway and discourages mold growth on the surface. It removes fungus, dust, grease, and other buildup from the surface to help retain its integrity and restore its appearance. If it is not done correctly, it can degrade concrete and other soft surfaces, causing serious damage or injury if it’s done by someone who lacks experience. Overall, pressure washing is a beneficial service when done properly.

Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

People often tend to think that pressure washing is an easy DIY task, but they fail to recognize the potential risks and hazards involved. One of the biggest incidents is property damage. Many pressure washers have settings specific to the surface you are working on. If you use too powerful of a spray, there is the risk that you can strip away the finish and destroy your property. Another potential hazard is personal injury. Failing to use the proper protective equipment, such as footwear, glasses, and long pants, can put you at risk for broken bones or even going blind.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Pressure Wash a House Exterior

You can expect to spend between $50 and $700 to pressure wash the exterior of your house, depending on the area needing to be cleaned and the type of materials involved. For example, pressure washing a patio is relatively cheap, while pressure washing your siding or roof could cost the most because of the work involved and the nature of the work. Some people use pressure washing to clean gutters or wash a deck, which is relatively inexpensive. Fence pressure washing and cleaning windows are exterior cleaning options that only cost a couple hundred dollars, max. Ask your contractor about rates for exterior pressure washing and if discounts are available for combining services.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Maintenance. Maintaining a driveway can help to enhance its appearance and preserve it over time. How often you need to perform heavier-duty maintenance tasks really all depends on weather exposure and the amount of vehicle traffic. Removing stains as soon as possible and avoiding using materials that might scrape or scratch the surface are critical to enhancing your driveway’s lifespan.
• DIY. While there is the option of renting or buying a high-powered pressure washer, there are also pros and cons to DIY jobs. It could seem like the cheaper choice, but professionals have more knowledge of the job and can prevent many issues, injuries, and potential causes of damage from improper methods or cleaning products. There is a huge safety concern with pressure washing for the inexperienced, as well, which is why it is often best left to the professionals.
• Kits and tutorials. If you do feel comfortable enough with the job and opt to do it yourself, you can find many kits online that you can purchase to help you get the job done right. You can also rent kits and find insightful tutorials and DIY videos to show you how to pressure wash your driveway and other areas of your home. Some kits even include the right cleaning products, sealants, and other items you may need.
• Estimates. Make sure to get a free price quote from more than one company before choosing the one you want to hire for the project. This is extremely important to make sure that you are getting a fair price for the scope of work in question. It is also important to make sure that they follow EPA regulations and are insured with the appropriate documentation.
• Condition. If your driveway is in disrepair, it could impact the cost of pressure washing because repairs may need to be made first. Otherwise, pressure washing could lead to further damage if the process is not done carefully. Make sure that your driveway is in good condition or that repairs are made before hiring a pressure washer.
• Sandblasting vs pressure washing. Pressure washing is different from sandblasting, which is a method that is used for heavy-duty cleaning. Sandblasting is more expensive and time-consuming because water is cheaper than the abrasive media needed to blast the surface. Sandblasting is known to alter the surface and cause damage to some materials. It is commonly used for removing paint or layers of sealant before repainting or resealing, which makes pressure washing the better choice for basic driveway cleaning in almost every case.