AC Tune-Up Cost in 2026 (What You Get and Is It Worth It?)
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Pressure Washing Cost in 2026 (House, Driveway and Deck)
Pressure washing a house costs about $250 to $800, a driveway $100 to $300 and a deck $150 to $500 in 2026. See prices, DIY rental costs and safety tips.
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After a winter of rain, salt, mud and green slime, siding and concrete look worse than they are. Most of that is surface dirt, algae and mildew, and a pressure washer takes it off in an afternoon. It also helps paint and stain stick, and it saves you from repainting too early.
Here is what pressure washing costs in 2026, what to ask a company, and what the DIY route costs.
Quick answer: how much does pressure washing cost?
Most jobs fall between $100 and $800, depending on what you wash.
| What gets washed | Typical cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| House, 1 to 2 stories | $250 to $800 |
| House, one story (some guides) | $250 to $350 |
| House, two story (some guides) | $350 to $550 |
| Driveway | $100 to $300 |
| Deck | $150 to $500 |
| Patio or deck, small | $120 to $240 |
| Fence | $0.25 to $0.60 per sq ft |
| Roof soft wash | $300 to $900+ |
| Per square foot (general) | $0.15 to $0.75 |
Ranges from 2026 guides by Housecall Pro, HomeStars and HomeWyse (deck about $0.46 to $0.57 per sq ft). Guides differ, so use these as a range. Roof soft wash is a typical published range, check local quotes. A few online guides quote much higher deck prices, and they look off compared with the main sources.
Many companies have a minimum charge of $100 to $200 per visit, even for a small job.
What changes the price
- Size. Square footage of the surface is the main factor.
- Stories. Two-story houses need lifts or long wands. Costs go up.
- Material. Vinyl and brick can take normal pressure. Wood, stucco and old paint need gentler washing (called soft washing).
- How dirty. Heavy mold, rust stains or oil on a driveway need more time and special cleaners.
- Access. Water source, steep yards, landscaping.
- Location. Prices run higher near big cities.
- Extras. Sealing after washing, stain removal, window washing.
Pressure washing vs soft washing
Not everything should be hit with a high-pressure jet.
- Pressure washing uses strong pressure (1,500 to 3,000+ PSI) with plain water or cleaner. Good for concrete, brick and pavers.
- Soft washing uses low pressure (under about 500 PSI) and a cleaning solution that kills algae and mildew. Better for vinyl siding, stucco, painted wood and roofs.
Ask what method a company will use on your siding. Hard pressure on the wrong surface can gouge wood, push water behind siding, strip paint and damage roofs.
House washing: what to expect
A pro house wash usually takes 2 to 4 hours. They rinse the walls, apply a cleaner, scrub where needed, then rinse. A good crew covers plants and checks for open windows and loose screens.
Does it matter? Yes. Algae and mildew hold moisture against siding and make paint fail early. A yearly wash is cheap protection. If you plan to repaint, see exterior house painting cost.
Driveway and concrete
A basic wash takes 1 to 2 hours. Tough stains like oil or rust may need a degreaser or rust remover.
If your driveway has cracks, weeds in the joints or loose grout in pavers, washing may widen them. Fix first or ask the company how they handle it. Some will re-sand pavers and apply sealer, which adds $100 to $500.
Deck washing
Wood decks need care. A pro uses a lower pressure and fan tip, or soft washing with a deck cleaner. Too much pressure fuzzes the wood and leaves marks.
If you are going to stain or seal afterward, let the deck dry for 24 to 48 hours. See deck staining and sealing cost.
DIY pressure washing costs
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent a pressure washer (gas, 3,000 PSI) | $50 to $100 per day |
| Buy an electric washer (1,500 to 2,000 PSI) | $120 to $300 |
| Buy a gas washer (2,500 to 3,200 PSI) | $300 to $600 |
| Cleaning solution or house wash concentrate | $15 to $40 |
| Extension wand, surface cleaner attachment | $30 to $150 |
A surface cleaner (a round spinning head) makes driveways much faster and leaves no stripes. Worth it for concrete.
DIY works well for a driveway, patio, walkway or a one-story house with vinyl siding.
Hire a pro for two-story houses, roofs, delicate surfaces, or if you don't want to risk damage.
Safety and damage to avoid
- Never stand on a ladder with a pressure washer. The kickback can knock you off. Use an extension wand.
- Wear safety glasses and closed shoes. A jet can cut skin. Never point it at people or pets.
- Keep the nozzle at least 1 to 2 feet from the surface at first, and test a small hidden spot.
- Do not spray up under siding laps, windows, vents or light fixtures. Water gets inside walls.
- Avoid electrical boxes and outlets.
- Use a wide fan tip (25 or 40 degrees) for wood and siding, not the narrow 0 degree tip.
- Pre-1978 paint may contain lead. Do not blast old peeling paint. Test first.
- Protect plants by wetting them and covering them. Some cleaners harm shrubs.
Ways to save money
- Bundle jobs. House, driveway and deck in one visit usually gets a better price than three separate calls.
- Team up with neighbors. Crews sometimes discount several homes on the same day.
- Get quotes in writing with the method, cleaner and square footage.
- Book in spring or fall before peak season.
- Do the driveway yourself, and hire out the house.
- Rent instead of buying unless you will use it often.
- Wash every one or two years rather than waiting for it to get severe. Heavy buildup costs more.
- Ask whether your gutter company also washes. See gutter cleaning cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to pressure wash a house? About $250 to $800 for a one or two-story home. Single-story homes sit near the low end.
How much to pressure wash a driveway? Usually $100 to $300.
Is it cheaper to rent or hire? For one driveway, renting ($50 to $100) is cheaper. For a house or anything risky, a pro may be worth the extra.
How often should I pressure wash? Siding every 1 to 2 years. Driveways and patios every 1 to 3 years. Decks before each re-seal.
Can pressure washing damage my house? Yes, if the pressure is too high or the wand is too close. That is why soft washing exists.
The bottom line
Pressure washing is one of the cheapest ways to make a house look newer. Plan on $100 to $800 depending on the surface, or $50 to $100 for a day's rental if you do it yourself. Use the right pressure for the material, and wash before you paint, stain or seal.
More spring jobs: see our Spring Home Maintenance Checklist.
Sources: Housecall Pro, HomeStars and HomeWyse 2026 pressure washing cost guides.
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