How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a Driveway? (2024 Update)

Pressure washing your driveway is critical for maintaining the surface so the driveway will remain in good shape for years to come. However, many people think that pressure washing the driveway is expensive. It’s true that most people spend between $150 and $250 for a clean driveway, but keep reading as we look at what goes into this cost to help you be better informed.

The Importance of Pressure Washing a Driveway

Regularly pressure washing your driveway is essential. It makes the surface look better, which improves the value of your home, and it will also remove any dirt and grime that could cause damage to the driveway, leading to expensive repairs or unsightly stains.

How Much Does Pressure Washing a Driveway Cost?

Size

The size of your driveway will be a big part of the overall cost, and a small area will be less expensive than a big one. Most professionals will charge between $0.30 and $0.40 per square foot to pressure wash a driveway. Most one- or two-car garages have a driveway with a surface area between 400 and 600 square feet, which works out to between $120 and $240. Larger areas will be more expensive, and a 1,200-square-foot driveway will cost between $360 and $480.

Material

The material that your driveway consists of will also impact the final cost because some are easier to clean than others. For instance, smooth concrete is usually the easiest to clean and typically costs between $130 and $190. In contrast, rough gravel is much more difficult to clean and will usually take longer to complete, which will add to the cost. These customers can usually expect to spend between $175 and $225. Other materials include asphalt, brick, and pavers, which are thin brick or stone.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

Fortunately, there aren’t too many additional costs to anticipate, as the high-pressure water the machine creates does most of the work. If your driveway is especially dirty, you may choose to use additional cleansers are detergents to help remove stains and other contaminants

Machine Rental

Renting a pressure washer can save you on labor costs, but you will need to pay a rental fee and pick up and drop off the machine when you finish your work. The cost of your rental can vary depending on how powerful it is. For example, weak machines can cost as little as $75 per day, while powerful machines can cost as much as $180 per day.

How Often Should I Pressure Wash My Driveway?

To maintain a like-new appearance to your driveway surface, we highly recommend pressure washing it whenever it needs it. Anything that leaves a mark or stain might be harder to remove if you let it sit, giving the sun time to bake it into the surface so remove it as soon as possible. We also recommend power washing the driveway every year in early spring and fall before any snow arrives to remove any dirt and grime.

What to Do for My Driveway Between Cleanings

Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

Pressure washers can be dangerous because of the high-pressure water that it releases. The pressure can cause an injury and can damage many surfaces that cannot withstand its strength, so it’s important to stay focused while using the machine and only point it at the surface that you are cleaning.

Conclusion

Power washing your driveway will usually cost about $0.40 per square foot, often between $150 and $250. If you have a rough or dirty surface that will be hard to clean or a large area, you can expect to spend more. In some cases, renting a machine can help save you money, but you will need to clean yourself, which can be quite a bit of work.

See also: How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a House

Featured Image Credit: The Toidi, Shutterstock