Attempting to pressure wash your driveway without the necessary skillset can be time-consuming and stressful.
Not knowing how to use your pressure washer properly and safely can result in surface damage, expensive repairs or replacements, or inadequate cleaning.
In this article, we’ll teach you how much it costs to pressure wash your driveway and the factors that may affect the price so you have all the information necessary before requesting a quote or renting.
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Hey there, I’m Cody.
A decade of residential and commercial pressure washing led me to start JCS Refresh. Now I can share my knowledge with folks like you.
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Quick answer
The cost of pressure washing a driveway is determined by its square footage.
Professional driveway cleaning typically costs between $0.20 and $0.40 per square foot, which means a 500-square-foot driveway will cost between $100 and $200.
This may change depending on a few other factors, such as the condition, the job’s complexity, and any additional services you may want to include.
Factors affecting the cost to pressure wash a driveway
Like any cleaning task, some driveways might be simpler to clean than others, whilst others might need a little more care and attention.
Let’s dive deeper into each of these factors.
The size of your driveway
When you have your driveway professionally cleaned, this is the starting point for any cost.
A larger driveway accommodating two or more vehicles will have a larger surface to clean, which increases the cost.
On the other hand, having a smaller driveway also means saving a little more money.
The driveway material
Driveway materials vary. The most common types of driveways are concrete and asphalt, but there are also brick, paver, and gravel driveways. Cleaning techniques vary, which can lead to price fluctuations.
The condition of your driveway
Of course, cleaning a driveway with oil stains, thick grease, and mold, are more difficult and take longer than simple jobs.
In addition, driveways that haven’t been washed in years might require extra attention, which adds to the cost.
If you want to know how much time it takes to clean your driveway, read our guide.
Extra services you might want to add
Sealing your driveway is an optional service that we always recommend you add.
This extra step prevents oil leaks, organic growth, or other residues from adhering to your driveway, preventing a permanent stain and making the next driveway cleaning easier.
Pressure washer rental costs
Numerous factors can contribute to the cost if you decide to rent a pressure washer.
Renting a pressure washer costs between $40 and $100 per day.
Heavy-duty machines cost around $99 per day, while medium-duty machines cost around $71.
Electric pressure washers are less expensive, but not as powerful, and may not be suitable for your driveway. You can still use it, but it will take more time and effort to complete the task.
You must also factor in the cost of picking up and returning the machine and renting a hot water unit for around $144 per day if you intend to clean with hot water.
Costs per driveway type
As quickly mentioned, driveways made of different materials might need different cleaning procedures.
Here’s a quick overview of various driveway types and estimates costs for each.
Concrete
Concrete needs a heavy-duty pressure washer because it is a porous material.
Stains, dirt, and debris stick like Velcro, so cleaning it involves a lot of soaking, pre-treatment, and post-treatment just to break down oil stains and caked-on dirt on the surface.
Pressure washing a concrete driveway usually costs between $150 and $225.
If you want to clean a concrete driveway yourself, check out our complete guide on how to clean a driveway with a pressure washer.
Asphalt
The tricky part about cleaning asphalt is that it breaks easily, so we suggest soaking the surface with solution, then letting it sit long enough to break down debris naturally.
Pressure washing an asphalt driveway costs between $200 and $275.
Brick
Slightly more expensive than concrete and asphalt, pressure-washing brick ranges from $175 to $250.
Before cleaning, examine the brick to ensure that it is not sealed or connected to gravel or sand; otherwise, the brickwork may not be suitable for pressure washing.
Bricks are also soaked and cleaned with a specialized cleaning detergent.
Benefits of pressure washing your driveway
Is pressure washing my driveway worth it?
Your driveway receives a lot of traffic and is the first thing visitors notice when they arrive at your house.
Here are three good reasons to pressure wash your driveway:
Enhances your home’s curb appeal
Aside from improving your home’s curb appeal, you’ll be surprised at how much a well-kept driveway increases its value, allowing you to get a good price if you decide to sell or rent it.
WAIT – speaking of curb appeal, here’s a good read you might like.
Prevents accidents
Slippery driveways are extremely dangerous.
By pressure washing your driveway, you can avoid dirt, dust, grime, mold, and other organic matter to cause allergies and pose serious health risks to you, your family, and your pets.
Prolongs the life of your driveway
Pressure washing your driveway makes it last much longer, so you can use it for a lot longer. You don’t want to spend extra on repairs or replace your entire driveway in the future.
Pressure washing vs. power washing your driveway
Pressure washing and power washing are often used interchangeably, even though they mean different things.
The water temperature in the system makes the difference between pressure washing and power washing. Pressure washers use cold water, whereas power washers use hot water to dissolve tougher stains like grease.
When it comes to cleaning your driveway, typically, pressure washing is best and suited for beginners. Power washing, on the other hand, is geared toward large, heavy-duty jobs.
Conclusion
When deciding to pressure wash your driveway, it is essential to weigh your options.
Consider what’s most important to you. Is it the price? Your time? Is it completing the task effectively? Is it the material and condition of your driveway? You can ask yourself these questions to help you make a good decision and keep your driveway in good shape for years to come.
If you decide to rent or buy your own machine and want to learn how to do it yourself, you can read our guide on how to use a pressure washer.
Thanks for reading!
