Cost to Power Wash Siding – Average 2024 Prices

Are you considering revitalizing the look of your home's exterior but don’t want to go to the expense of putting on new siding or painting it? Power washing is one way to help revitalize some types of siding.

Maybe you just want to clean up the look of that siding, but you're unsure of what is best: power wash, pressure wash, or soft wash. A power wash can make your siding look brand new but might not be as safe as soft washing.

2024 Siding Power Wash Costs

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National Average Price $450
Typical Price Range $250 - $750

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How Much Does Power Washing Cost?

Most power washing projects cost $250 to $750, and the average cost is about $450 to hire a professional.[1]

Whether you choose pressure washing or power washing, you can usually rent or buy the equipment and get the cleaning supplies at a local building supply centers.

Electric power washers cost around $40 per day to rent, and gas pressure washers can go up to $70 to $100 per day. Gas pressure washers are stronger and more powerful than electric models. An environmentally-friendly concentrate runs about $20 per gallon.

If you need siding repairs before or after a power wash, check our siding repair cost guide.

Power Wash vs. Pressure Wash vs. Soft Wash

There are extreme differences between a power wash and a pressure wash. Power washing usually uses hot water to eliminate dirt, dust, mold, and other fungi that might make your siding look old and unkept.

Pressure washers use high-pressure water, 1,000 to 1,500 psi, to knock off the dust, dirt, and grime. However, this high-velocity operation is more suited for brick, concrete, and painted wood siding as a preparation for, or instead of, scraping.

It is not recommended for aluminum or vinyl siding, as it could dent aluminum or knock vinyl off your home. Some types of wood and stucco siding may also be damaged by pressure washing, as can many types of roofs.

Soft washing is similar to pressure washing, but it uses much lower pressures that are safer for siding and delicate trims and relies more heavily on cleaners and detergents for cleaning the surface.[2] Soft washing is often preferred since it’s safer to use on siding, roofing, and new concrete.

In fact, most contractors recommend a soft wash to clean vinyl siding as well.[3]

Cost Considerations

When preparing for either a power wash or pressure wash, some of the expenses you will need to consider, other than equipment and labor, are those essential to site preparation, such as relocating, removing, replacing, repairing, or otherwise modifying outside electrical and plumbing components to keep them from getting damaged or causing damage.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) structures and systems might need to be covered or protected from overspray during cleaning. Any electrical outlet or HVAC connection should be protected from pressure washers particularly. Wrap these in tied-down vinyl or canvas tarps.

Power Wash Costs

Many power wash companies will give you a flat price in the $250 to $750 range, regardless of the size of your home or how many square feet of siding. However, the national average for a siding power wash is $0.38 to $0.46 per square foot.

Some preparations might require a slightly higher price. Getting everything done at once will cost you: siding, $250 – $450; driveway normally $130 to $220; and deck or patio, $225 – $400. You might get a power wash service to do everything for $1000.

Power Wash Siding

A power wash is usually a better approach for most sidings. However, before you DIY or hire a professional, get an independent appraisal. Having an impartial party give you the pros and cons of power washing your siding is a good idea, whether you DIY or hire someone.

Pressure Wash Costs

For the price of a good machine and the supplies, you can likely do a DIY pressure wash cheaper than hiring a professional. However, pressure washing is NOT commonly recommended by professionals for most siding.

Have a professional assess your siding to determine if it is safe for a pressure wash. Even when the siding is safe to get pressure washed, windows, screens, and seals around windows and doors can get damaged.

Pressure washers charge basically the same as power washers, but check each estimate to ensure you are getting the same services for the same price.

Electric Pressure Washers for DIY

These are great for washing cars, grills, driveways, and brick paths. Just plug it in and set it to 1,000-1,300 psi, add the soap, and you’re all set. As long as the electricity stays on and you don’t run out of cord, you can continue. These cost $90 to $300.

Gas Pressure Washers for DIY

These gas pressure washers are more portable than an electric washer that only has the range of the electric cord and whatever extension cords you might have. Gas-operated washers can go just about anywhere, and you won’t be hampered by tangled cords, but you can run out of gas. These are a little more expensive at $300 to $800.

Getting Estimates for a Power or Pressure Wash

When you get estimates for either power washing or pressure washing, make sure the company has liability insurance and a license to operate in your state.

Some states do not require a handyman service to possess a license but force general contractors to carry one. Usually, the difference is that contractors do work which requires a permit from the building inspector’s office.

It probably makes better sense to hire a professional power or pressure wash company than a handyman service. Although some are very talented, it’s like they say, “Jack of all trades, master of none.”

All pricing information on this page is based on average industry costs, and is subject to variance for project-specific materials, labor rates, and requirements.

References

  1. Tyler Kirk, How Much Does It Cost to Powerwash a House and How Often Should You Do It?, https://laborpanes.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-powerwash-a-house-and-how-often-should-you-do-it/
  2. Perfect Power Wash, Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing, https://perfectpowerwash.com/soft-washing-vs-pressure-washing/
  3. ProClean Power Washing Lansing, Pro Tips: Is Power Washing Bad for Your Siding?, https://powerwashinglansing.com/blog/pro-tips-is-power-washing-bad-for-your-siding/