What pressure washing costs, and why it varies
Most exterior cleaning is priced by area or by job. Here are the planning ranges and the things that move your number.
The planning ranges
| Job | Typical range | Usually measured by |
|---|---|---|
| General pressure washing | $0.10 to $0.50 per sq ft | Area |
| House wash, 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft home | $200 to $600 | House size and stories |
| Two-car driveway, 400 to 600 sq ft | $100 to $300 | Area |
| Deck cleaning only | $150 to $500 | Deck size and wood condition |
| Roof soft wash | $300 to $700 | Roof size and pitch |
Soft washing tends to run a little higher per square foot than plain pressure washing, because of the cleaning solution and the extra care with plants. Larger areas usually cost less per square foot than small ones, since setup time is the same either way.
What pushes the price up
- Height. A third story, a walkout basement on a Knoxville slope, or a tall gable takes more ladder work.
- Heavy growth. Years of algae or lichen need more solution and more time.
- Access. Narrow side yards, steep lots and fenced backyards with no gate slow things down.
- Add-ons. Gutter brightening, rust removal, oil stain treatment and sealing are separate lines.
- Water. Jobs where the outside spigot can't be used may need water hauled in.
What brings it down
- Doing several surfaces in one visit: house, drive and walk together cost less than three separate trips.
- Regular upkeep: a house washed every year or two has less to remove.
- Clear access: cars moved, gates open, furniture off the patio.
Specific pages: house washing cost and driveway cleaning cost. Ways to pay are on paying for the job.
Ranges are from national 2026 consumer cost guides (HomeAdvisor and others), rounded. They are for planning, not a quote: your price is the one agreed before the work starts.
What people ask about the bill
Do you charge for an estimate?
No. Estimates are free, by photo or in person.
Is there a minimum charge?
Most washing businesses have a minimum because a crew still has to load up and drive out. Small jobs like a single front walk are often best added to something else.
Why is my quote different from a national average?
Averages flatten out the things that matter most: your square footage, your stories, your slope and how much is growing. The quote is built from your property.