A pressure washing business cleans surfaces with high-pressure water. You can start one for $3,000 to $15,000 and earn $50 to $100 per hour. This guide covers equipment, pricing, clients, marketing, and safety for your pressure washing startup.
What Is a Pressure Washing Business?
A pressure washing business uses machines that spray water at high speed. The water blasts dirt, mold, mildew, and grime off surfaces.
You can clean driveways, decks, siding, fences, and more. Both homeowners and businesses need this service.
Some jobs use hot water for grease and oil. Others use cold water for general cleaning.
Why Is Pressure Washing a Profitable Business?
Pressure washing has low startup costs and high profit margins. Most jobs pay $150 to $500 and take one to three hours.
Low Barriers to Entry
You do not need a degree or special training. A basic setup costs $3,000 to $5,000. You can start from home with a truck or trailer.
High Profit Margins
Your main costs are fuel, water, and cleaning chemicals. These add up to $10 to $30 per job. That leaves a profit margin of 50 to 80 percent.
Repeat and Recurring Work
Most surfaces need washing every one to two years. Happy clients call you back again and again. Commercial clients often sign monthly contracts.
Strong Seasonal Demand
Spring and summer are the busiest seasons. Homeowners want clean homes before outdoor events. Businesses need clean storefronts all year.
Need help with the basics? Read our guide on how to start a cleaning business. It covers licenses, insurance, and setup steps.
What Equipment Do You Need for Pressure Washing?
Good equipment is the backbone of your business. Here is what you need to get started.
Pressure Washer Types
- Gas pressure washers — more powerful and portable, best for most jobs
- Electric pressure washers — quieter and lighter, good for small tasks
- Hot water pressure washers — remove grease and oil, ideal for commercial work
- Trailer-mounted units — large tanks and pumps for high-volume jobs
PSI Ratings Explained
PSI stands for pounds per square inch. It measures water pressure strength. Higher PSI means more cleaning power.
- 1,300 to 1,800 PSI — light work like cars and patio furniture
- 2,000 to 2,800 PSI — decks, fences, and vinyl siding
- 2,900 to 3,500 PSI — concrete, brick, and tough stains
- 3,500+ PSI — heavy commercial and industrial use
Essential Accessories
- Surface cleaner attachment — cleans flat areas twice as fast
- Nozzle tips (0, 15, 25, 40 degree) — each angle serves a different purpose
- 50 to 100 foot pressure hose — reach distant areas from your machine
- Downstream chemical injector — mixes soap into the water stream
- Water tank (100 to 225 gallons) — supplies water where no spigot exists
- Hose reel — keeps hoses organized and extends their life
Equipment Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Gas pressure washer (3,000+ PSI) | $800 to $2,500 |
| Surface cleaner attachment | $100 to $400 |
| Hoses, nozzles, and fittings | $150 to $400 |
| Chemical injector and soaps | $50 to $200 |
| Water tank (100+ gallons) | $200 to $600 |
| Trailer or truck rack | $500 to $3,000 |
| Safety gear | $100 to $300 |
| Total startup cost | $3,000 to $15,000 |
How Do You Price Pressure Washing Services?
You can price by the square foot, flat rate, or linear foot. Most pros use a mix of all three methods.
Pricing by Square Foot
This works best for driveways, patios, and parking lots. Charge $0.10 to $0.30 per square foot for most surfaces.
Measure the area length times width. Multiply by your rate per square foot.
Flat Rate Pricing
Flat rates work well for house washes and deck cleaning. Clients like knowing the total cost upfront. It also speeds up the quoting process.
Linear Foot Pricing
Use this for fences and gutters. Charge $1 to $3 per linear foot for fences. Charge $1 to $2 per linear foot for gutters.
Pressure Washing Pricing Guide
| Service | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Driveway (400 to 800 square feet) | $100 to $250 |
| Deck or patio (200 to 500 square feet) | $100 to $300 |
| House wash (1,500 to 2,500 square feet) | $200 to $500 |
| Fence (100 to 200 linear feet) | $150 to $400 |
| Roof soft wash | $250 to $600 |
| Commercial storefront | $150 to $500 |
| Parking lot (per 1,000 square feet) | $100 to $200 |
What Surfaces Can You Pressure Wash?
Different surfaces need different pressure levels. Using too much pressure can cause damage.
Concrete and Brick
Use 3,000 to 3,500 PSI for concrete driveways and sidewalks. A surface cleaner gives even results. Pre-treat with a degreaser for oil stains.
Vinyl and Aluminum Siding
Use 1,300 to 1,600 PSI for siding. Too much pressure can crack vinyl or dent aluminum. Soft washing works best for most homes.
Wood Decks and Fences
Use 1,500 to 2,000 PSI on wood surfaces. Keep the nozzle 12 inches from the wood. Too much pressure gouges the grain.
Roofs
Never use high pressure on a roof. Use soft washing with a chemical mix instead. The chemicals kill mold and algae safely.
Commercial Buildings and Storefronts
Restaurants, gas stations, and retail stores need regular washing. This is steady, high-paying work. Many sign monthly or quarterly contracts.
Fleet Vehicles and Heavy Equipment
Trucking companies and construction firms need clean equipment. Use hot water washers for grease and oil removal. Fleet contracts can bring in $1,000 or more per month.
How Do You Find Pressure Washing Clients?
Finding your first clients is the hardest part. Here are proven ways to fill your schedule.
Residential Neighborhoods
Drive through neighborhoods with dirty driveways. Leave door hangers or flyers on nearby homes. Offer a discount for neighbors who book on the same day.
Commercial Properties
Visit restaurants, gas stations, and shopping centers. Talk to the manager about regular cleaning. Commercial clients pay more and book repeat visits.
Homeowner Associations
Contact local homeowner associations directly. They often need common areas cleaned each season. One contract can mean dozens of homes.
Property Managers
Property managers handle many buildings at once. They need driveway, sidewalk, and parking lot cleaning. Build a relationship and they will send you steady work.
Real Estate Agents
Agents want homes to look great before listing. Pressure washing boosts curb appeal fast. Offer agents a referral discount for each client they send.
How Do You Market Your Pressure Washing Business?
Good marketing fills your calendar with booked jobs. Use a mix of online and offline methods.
Build a Simple Website
Create a one-page website with your services and prices. Add before-and-after photos of your work. Include your phone number and a contact form.
Set Up a Google Business Profile
This helps you show up in local search results. Add photos, your service area, and hours. Ask every client to leave a review.
Use Social Media
Post before-and-after photos on Facebook and Instagram. Short videos of pressure washing are very popular. Tag your city and neighborhood in every post.
Door-to-Door Flyers
Print simple flyers with your phone number and services. Focus on neighborhoods with older homes and dirty driveways. Hand them out on weekends.
Online Listings and Lead Services
List your business on Yelp, Thumbtack, and Nextdoor. These sites connect you with people searching for services. Respond to leads quickly to win the job.
Ask for Referrals
Happy clients are your best marketing tool. Ask them to tell friends and neighbors. Offer a $25 credit for every referral that books.
Want more ideas? Read our full guide on how to get cleaning clients. Most tips work for pressure washing too.
What Safety Rules Should You Follow?
Pressure washing is dangerous if you are not careful. High-pressure water can cut skin and break glass.
PSI Safety
- Never point the nozzle at a person or animal — high pressure causes serious cuts
- Start with a wide-angle nozzle — switch to a tighter angle only if needed
- Test on a small hidden area first — make sure the pressure is safe for the surface
- Keep the nozzle moving — holding it in one spot can damage the surface
Chemical Handling
- Read all product labels before use — follow mixing directions exactly
- Never mix different chemicals together — some combinations create toxic fumes
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves — protect your hands from burns and irritation
- Rinse plants and grass before and after — chemicals can kill vegetation
Electrical Hazards
- Stay away from power lines — water conducts electricity
- Cover outdoor outlets and light fixtures — keep water out of electrical boxes
- Use ground fault circuit interrupters — they prevent electric shock
Protective Gear
- Safety glasses or goggles — flying debris can hit your eyes
- Steel-toe boots with non-slip soles — wet surfaces are slippery
- Hearing protection — gas pressure washers are loud
- Long pants and closed-toe shoes — protect your legs and feet from spray
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?
New pressure washers often make costly errors. Avoid these from day one.
Using Too Much Pressure
More pressure is not always better. Too much PSI damages wood, siding, and paint. Always start low and increase slowly.
Skipping Insurance
One broken window can cost you hundreds of dollars. General liability insurance protects your business. Most policies cost $500 to $1,500 per year.
Underpricing Your Services
Charging too little hurts your profits and reputation. Research local rates before you set prices. Read our guide on how to price cleaning services for help.
Not Getting Proper Licenses
Most cities require a general business license. Some require a contractor license for pressure washing. Check your local rules before you start.
Ignoring Wastewater Rules
Dirty water cannot flow into storm drains in many areas. You may need to capture and filter runoff. Check local environmental rules before each job.
Poor Time Estimates
New owners often underestimate job time. Visit the site before quoting if you can. Add 30 minutes of buffer time to each job.
No Written Agreements
Always get a signed agreement before you start. List the surfaces you will clean and the total price. This protects you if there is a dispute.