Pressure Washing Cost Guide: How Much to Pressure Wash Your Driveway?

Sharing is caring!

If you’re a homeowner asking, how much does it cost to pressure wash a driveway, you’re not alone. On the one hand, driveway cleaning ensures a stunning entryway to your property and protects outdoor surfaces from damage. On the other hand, you don’t want to overpay for any power washing service, including driveway cleaning!

To help you decide on this service for your property, check out how contractors might determine driveway pressure washing costs. You’ll then know what to expect when you call a power washing contractor near you! It’s also helpful to review power washing advantages and why you should avoid tackling driveway pressure washing yourself.

How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a Driveway?

Only a power washing contractor can offer an exact quote for driveway cleaning on your property. However, note how they might decide their costs and how these each add to your overall price.

Driveway power washing by the square foot

Contractors usually price driveway power washing by the square foot. Therefore, they must first measure the drive and surrounding surfaces you want to be cleaned! You can do the same with a square foot measuring tool, available at most hardware stores.

Most contractors charge between $0.08 and $0.35 per square foot for basic driveway washing. That price might go up to $.40 to $0.80 per square foot for addressing stains, thick dirt, and the like.

Driveway power washing by the hour

Power washing contractors who charge by the hour might average $60 to $100 or more per hour. A standard residential driveway should take no more than an hour to clean! However, sidewalk and other cleaning adds to that timeframe. In turn, expect to pay $150 to $250 or more for driveway and walkway cleaning together.

Driveway power washing by material

Some driveway materials need lower pressure for washing. In turn, they take longer to clean, so your power washing contractor might charge more accordingly. For example, power washing concrete, asphalt, and brick driveways might start at about $135 on average. On the other hand, a contractor might charge $155 for paver driveways and $175 for gravel.

The Cost to Clean a Driveway Yourself

Power washing equipment rental costs might average $60 to $100 per day. While renting might seem like a good way to save money, there are many reasons to call the pros!

• Pressure washing equipment is heavy and cumbersome, and difficult to lift and fit into a standard passenger vehicle.
• Power washing contractors know which nozzles to use with their equipment. Wider nozzles offer a larger cleaning path but less pressure while narrower wands supply added pressure. Using the wrong nozzle can risk damage to concrete and pavers. On the other hand, the right nozzle makes quick work of power washing.
• Cleaning driveways and especially addressing tough stains without damaging your lawn and landscaping takes training and practice! Avoid the risk of property damage by relying on professional power washing contractors.
• Pavers, concrete, and brick might need added scrubbing for a proper cleaning. A pressure washing contractor has access to scrub brushes and the knowhow to use them properly.

Can You Power Wash a Concrete Driveway?

Power washing a concrete driveway is an excellent choice for any property, if you call a professional! High-quality, thorough cleaning removes abrasive and gritty debris as well as damaging automotive fluids. Additionally, power washing takes away bothersome dust, pollen, and other irritants. Also, the right cleaners kill mold and algae, for a safe and attractive surface.

However, improper cleaning techniques and tools risk damaging even the toughest, thickest concrete. For instance, holding a pressure washing wand too close to concrete risks etching and even cracking. Also, washing along expansion joints often kicks up dirt and debris!

For all these reasons, leave concrete power washing to a professional. Their services are especially vital for painted or stained concrete. The right tools and detergents ensure a thorough clean without damage. Additionally, a contractor can use commercial-grade products on oily stains and thick dirt.

How Often Should I Power Wash My Driveway?

Homeowners might find that annual or semi-annual driveway power washing offers a sufficient clean. However, there are times when a property needs more frequent cleaning. For example, if you live in a very dusty area, consider cleaning every few months. This schedule prevents dust from building up and working its way into concrete pits and pores!

Also, if anyone in the home has allergies or similar health concerns, consider more frequent driveway washing. Pressure washing a few times a year helps clean away pollen, dust, mold, and other bothersome debris.

Driveways on properties in tropical areas are also more prone to mold, algae, moss, and mildew. Regular power washing kills these spores and membranes better than using a garden hose! If you live in a humid area, invest in frequent property pressure washing, to keep these residues to a minimum.

How Can I Make My Concrete Driveway Look New Again?

Thorough power washing is the best choice for making a concrete driveway look new again! Homeowners are often surprised at the difference pressure washing makes for driveways, walkways, and other surfaces. Not only does pressure washing remove dirt but it can also clean away unsightly mold and algae, restoring concrete color and appearance.

Also, a homeowner might use a 50:50 mixture of white vinegar and water on tough spots with thick mold and algae. Vinegar kills those spores and underlying membranes, even those caught in porous concrete. Copper-based sprays keep that growth away, ensuring concrete stays looking its best.

Do I Need to Seal My Driveway After Pressure Washing?

Driveway sealants might cost $0.17 to $0.25 per square foot. This service is not necessary; however, it offers added protection against damage. Sealant is a rubberized liquid that seeps into concrete and paver pores. In turn, it repels water, dirt, grit, automotive fluids, harsh sunlight, and damaging debris.

While your property might not need sealcoating, consider that it can extend the life of driveway concrete. Additionally, sealcoating keeps driveway concrete looking cleaner for longer than unsealed concrete. Sealcoating cost is then an excellent investment for any property.

What Do You Put on a Driveway Before Pressure Washing?

Some people assume that they should clean a driveway with bleach to kill mold and restore concrete color. However, note that vinegar kills mold and algae better than bleach! Also, bleach doesn’t necessarily restore concrete color as you might expect.

Additionally, bleach can harm pressure washing equipment. It also leaves behind noxious odors and can kill grass and landscaping features! To avoid these risks, rely on expert power washing services rather than trying to bleach a driveway clean.

What Is the Difference Between Pressure Washing and Power Washing?

In simple terms, pressure washing refers to any clean with pressurized water. Consequently, when you attach a pressure nozzle to a garden hose, you are pressure washing your property!

While pressure washing typically uses room temperature water, power washing refers to using hot water during cleaning. Hot water is excellent for dissolving oily residues and breaking up adhesives and glue. However, it’s not the best solution for every cleaning project on your property.

For example, power washing with hot water might etch and scratch wood decks and fences. Also, note that you don’t typically need hot water for most cleaning jobs. In turn, you might be wasting electricity to heat water unnecessarily if you rely on power washing services for expert cleaning.

Above all, using hot water increases injury risks during washing! High-pressure cleaning equipment can cut through skin and cause abrasions even with tepid water. Hot water is then even more dangerous for those inexperienced with using pressure washing equipment.

Is Driveway Pressure Washing Worth It?

There are many reasons why driveway pressure washing costs are worth that investment! Before you go another year without scheduling this service, consider a few of its advantages:

• Note that mold, algae, and other growth is not only unsightly, but they’re also damaging to driveway materials. These growths can push up through concrete pores or expansion joints. In turn, concrete can crack or chip over time. Regular power washing reduces this risk and keeps your driveway in good condition.
• In the same way, motor oil and other automotive fluids, lawncare chemicals, and similar residues also damage concrete. Consistent power washing removes these materials and protects concrete.
• Removing dust and dirt restores concrete color and appearance. You might even be surprised at how fresh and new your driveway looks after power washing!
• Note that mold, moss, and other debris often create slick surfaces, unsafe for foot and vehicle traffic. In turn, regular power washing keeps surfaces safe for pedestrians and drivers!
• Power washing can expose cracks, chips, and other damage. In turn, you can schedule needed repairs, keeping that damage from getting worse.

Above all, ensure you schedule power washing before selling a home! A dirty driveway can put off potential buyers before they even set foot inside. Also, buyers might assume that you’ve neglected your property over the years. On the other hand, a clean and pristine driveway ensures a welcoming appearance outside your home!

ProClean Pressure Washing Palm Harbor is happy to help answer the question, how much does it cost to pressure wash a driveway? Hopefully you found this helpful! If you’re ready for expert cleaning, call our Palm Harbor pressure washing contractors. We offer FREE quotes and guaranteed results! To get your property started, contact us today.