We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Highlights
- The typical range for driveway pressure washing costs is $100 to $350 with a national average of $210.
- Cost factors for this project include driveway size, material, condition, and labor.
- Some reasons a driveway needs to be pressure washed include dirt, staining, mold, mildew, or preparation for sealing.
- Some homeowners may be able to pressure wash a driveway themselves, but a pressure wash service can complete the job most efficiently and is less likely to damage the driveway.
Cleaning a driveway with high-pressure water can remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, oil, and salt from the surface. Driveway pressure washing is recommended to keep the surface in good shape and improve the curb appeal of the home. If the area is heavily soiled with oil and grease, a cleaning solution may be added to the pressure washing machine to ensure the removal.
According to Angi, the cost to pressure wash a driveway ranges from $100 to $350. The national average cost of pressure washing is $210. The typical cost to pressure wash driveways, sidewalks, patios, and walkways is $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot. The overall price depends on the size of the driveway, the driveway material, and how much time it takes to clean it.
Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing
Some people use the terms “pressure washing” and “power washing” interchangeably, but they mean two different things. Pressure washing involves using high-pressure cold water for cleaning. Some of the uses for pressure washers around the house are cleaning a driveway, house, patio, sidewalks, and walkways. The best power washing companies (such as Men in Kilts or Window Gang) use pressurized hot water to clean outdoor surfaces, and it’s thought of as more effective than cold water when cleaning grease, oil, and salt from driveway surfaces. Power wash driveway services are typically more expensive than pressure washing services at $0.15 to $0.75 per square foot. By contrast, pressure washing costs $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot.
Key Cost Factors
The overall cost to pressure wash a driveway depends on several factors, including labor costs and driveway size, material, and condition.
Driveway Size and Material
Pressure washing pricing for a driveway runs from $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot. The larger the driveway, the more it will cost to clean it. Some pressure washing companies will have a base fee for specific sizes of driveways and will charge by the square foot beyond that size. If it is only a small area that needs to be cleaned, keep in mind that some companies have a minimum charge for pressure washing services. Many professionals will come to the home to determine the size of the project before offering an estimate.
The process of pressure washing a driveway depends on the surface material. Some common driveway materials are concrete, asphalt, gravel, pavers, and brick. Each type of driveway has its own cleaning process and considerations which can affect the overall cost, and this ranges from $100 to $350. Gravel and paver driveways have the highest price ranges at $135 to $210.
Driveway Condition
Depending on the condition of the driveway, additional materials may be needed for pressure washing. Cleaning solutions, surface repair products, degreasers, fuel emissions solvents, and weed and mold removers are the most common supplies that are used. If the driveway is in poor condition, pressure washing may further damage the surface. In that case, repairs will be needed, which will add to the overall cost.
Labor
Power washing services typically charge between $60 and $125 per hour. Adding other pressure washing tasks, such as house pressure washing may increase labor costs if the job requires climbing or includes access to hard-to-reach areas. Still, hiring for this project is less expensive and time-consuming than attempting to DIY with one of the best gas pressure washers or best electric pressure washers.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When budgeting for the cost to pressure wash a driveway, it’s helpful to know about any additional costs and considerations that can increase the overall price. These can include preparation, driveway sealing, and any additional pressure washing services.
Preparation
How long it takes to pressure wash a driveway depends on how much prep work needs to be done. Removing surface dirt and grime with a broom is the first step in preparing the surface for pressure washing. If a degreaser is needed, it is applied to the surface and a deck brush is used to work it into the material. Treating stains and removing weeds from cracks or between bricks or pavers can increase the overall labor cost of the job. Driveway repair costs for large cracks can reach $1,000 to $3,700, but smaller cracks can be filled for $100 to $300.
Driveway Sealing
Sealing a driveway after pressure washing isn’t necessary, but many homeowners opt for this final step to keep their driveway looking clean. The cost to seal a driveway runs from $250 to $770, including labor and materials. The final cost depends on the driveway surface material and the size of the driveway. Once the driveway is completely dry, the sealant can be applied and the driveway can be used after 24 hours.
Additional Pressure Washing Services
Homeowners interested in pressure washing a driveway may wonder, “How much does it cost to pressure wash a house?” Professionals know how to pressure wash houses, decks, and more in addition to driveways, so it makes sense to have these jobs done at the same time. Pressure washing house costs can run from $150 to $1,200. Power washing with hot water can cost from $0.40 to $0.55 per square foot. There are also plenty of other uses for a pressure washer around the house.
| Additional Service | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Fencing | $150 to $300 |
| Gutters | $50 to $300 |
| Patio or deck | $200 to $400 |
| Roof | $250 to $700 |
| Siding | $150 to $1,200 |
Types of Driveways
Different types of driveways have individual cleaning methods and pricing. Some surface materials, such as gravel and asphalt, are more delicate than others and require less pressure than other types that can handle higher pressure, such as concrete.
| Driveway Type | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Asphalt | $125 to $195 |
| Brick | $130 to $200 |
| Concrete | $120 to $190 |
| Gravel | $135 to $210 |
| Paver | $135 to $210 |
Asphalt
Asphalt driveways cost between $125 and $195 to pressure wash. Asphalt requires lower pressure and a cleaning-solution soak before washing. It’s common for a pressure washing company to use a ball valve with a swivel to clean an asphalt driveway, since using a pressure washing gun can be too much pressure for the material and cause it to break apart.
Brick
Pressure washing a brick driveway costs from $130 to $200. Brick can be pressure washed as long as the individual bricks are not sealed or connected with gravel or sand. The cleaning process involves soaking the bricks with water, treating them with a cleaning detergent, and using a high-pressure nozzle to clean the bricks. Sealants are available to add to the surface to preserve the material.
Concrete
Pressure washing a concrete driveway runs from $120 to $190. Porous materials like concrete need a tremendous amount of pressure to remove any debris and dirt from the surface. The area is left to soak, and a cleaning agent is used to help remove dirt and grime. After pressure washing, a sealant is usually applied to lengthen the life of the driveway and keep it looking cleaner for longer.
Gravel
Driveway pressure cleaning for gravel ranges from $135 to $210. This material can be cleaned by using lower pressure while holding the nozzle closer to the gravel or high pressure while holding the nozzle farther away. Shifting and moving the gravel during cleaning will require resetting the entire driveway.
Paver
The average cost to pressure wash a paver driveway is $135 to $210. If the pavers are held in place like a brick driveway, the cleaning process is the same. If the pavers are surrounded by any type of loose material, lower pressure is used to prevent it from washing away.
Do I need to pressure wash my driveway?
Pressure washing a driveway is a fast and easy way to keep the surface clean, improve the curb appeal of a home, and prolong the life of the driveway. Pressure washing is a great way to remove stains caused by oil and grease, eliminate weeds, remove mold and mildew, and ensure a clean surface before sealing.
Excessive Dirt or Staining
Removing excessive dirt from a driveway surface will discourage weeds from growing and causing cracks in the surface. Cleaning away oil, grease, or fuel stains improves the overall appearance and makes the driveway look like new.
Visible Mold or Mildew
Pressure washing can remove mold, mildew, and other allergens from an outdoor area that friends and family members frequently use. Getting rid of mold and mildew can also increase safety by eliminating slippery areas on a driveway’s surface.
Driveway Sealing Preparation
Before sealing a driveway, it needs to be cleaned to ensure the proper adhesion of the sealant. A sealant can extend the life of the driveway, keep it clean, and improve the overall value.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Pressure washing driveways using one of the best pressure washers can save on labor costs, but it’s important to keep in mind that renting a pressure washer can cost from $50 to $100 per day. While it’s typically a straightforward job, there are a few dos and don’ts of pressure washing to be aware of. An inexperienced DIYer can easily use too much pressure and damage the surface of a driveway, which can cause costly repairs. Wearing the correct protective gear, such as goggles, closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and pants, is important to keep safe from injury.
Hiring a professional to pressure wash a driveway costs $210 on average, but it can be worth it for the peace of mind homeowners will feel having someone who has experience working with pressure washing equipment and knowledge regarding the proper cleaning techniques for varying driveway surfaces. Pressure washer services can also bundle the job with the cost to pressure wash a house or other areas for additional efficiency and cost savings.
How to Save Money
Budgeting for pressure washing driveway services can be daunting, and the additional fees associated with the job can quickly add up. One way to save on the price for pressure washing would be to hire the cheapest professional available, but there are other ways to save without compromising on quality.
- Get multiple quotes. Get at least three quotes from reputable pressure washing companies in the area.
- Bundle pressure washing jobs. There are many things you can clean with a pressure washer. Ask the pressure washing professional if a discount is available for multiple pressure washing jobs around the house.
- Look for coupons. Check out websites for discount codes or coupon offers.
- Keep up on regular maintenance. Regularly maintaining a driveway can save money down the line for repairs due to neglect. Spending money for a professional driveway surface cleaning can prevent damage from oil and grease, mold and mildew, and debris buildup.
Questions to Ask a Pro
Asking a driveway pressure washer the right questions about pressure washing a driveway can minimize miscommunication and maximize savings.
- Do you have insurance?
- Are you bonded?
- Do you have workers’ compensation?
- Are your technicians certified?
- Do you have references?
- Do you provide free estimates?
- Do you have before and after photos?
- How much does it cost to pressure wash a house?
- How much does it cost to power wash a house?
- What cleaning process do you use?
- What type of cleaning solutions do you use?
- Will you use my water or supply your own?
- What guarantees do you offer?
- Who will be pressure washing my driveway?
FAQs
Staying within budget for pressure washing a house or driveway can be a bit of a challenge. Referring to some commonly asked questions and answers about pressure washing a driveway will make it easier to hire the best professional for the job.
Yes. Concrete can be damaged by a power washer or pressure washer if the pressure is too high, the concrete is less than a year old, or if the concrete is power washed more than once a year. A driveway power washing professional can help ensure the correct pressure is used to minimize damage.
They both use highly pressurized water to clean, but a power washer uses hot water while a pressure washer doesn’t.
It typically takes about 30 minutes to pressure wash a driveway, depending on the size. If the driveway can accommodate two or more vehicles or is extra long, it will take more time. Using one of the best pressure washer surface cleaners may shorten the time it takes to pressure wash a driveway.
A professional pressure washing company can cover around 1,000 square feet per hour, though the exact amount depends on the surface being washed, the condition of the surface, and the type of pressure washer being used.
It’s not necessary, but sealing after pressure washing can prevent stains from oil, grease, dirt, and mold, and it can prevent erosion over time.
Applying a cleaning solution or degreaser to the surface of the driveway can help get rid of stains. The solution should be scrubbed into the surface with a deck brush or stiff broom before pressure washing.
Angi, Pressure Washer Master, S&K Building Services
