If your siding is looking dingy or your driveway has gone green, you have probably wondered how much it costs to power wash a house before you pick up the phone. The honest answer is that it depends on a few things, but most homeowners spend somewhere between $250 and $450 for a professional house wash. Below is a full breakdown by surface, the factors that move the price up or down, and how to make sure the quote you get is a fair one.
Short answer: Power washing a house typically costs $250 to $450, with a broader range of about $150 to $700 depending on the size of your home, the surfaces being cleaned, and how dirty they are. Most companies also set a minimum service fee of around $150 to $200.
Please note: the prices in this guide are general average ranges to help you plan. Your actual cost depends on your home and surfaces. For an exact price in Ames, call A-1 Carpet Cleaning at 515-432-7500 for a free quote.
How Much Does It Cost to Power Wash a House?
For a standard single-story home, professional house washing usually runs $250 to $450. Larger or two-story homes cost more because there is more surface to clean and harder-to-reach areas. Pros generally price a job one of two ways: a flat rate for the whole house, or by the square foot (commonly $0.10 to $0.50 for siding). Either way, most companies have a minimum charge, so even very small jobs tend to land around $150 to $200.
Power Washing Cost by Surface
Most homeowners do not stop at the siding. Here is what the common jobs typically cost:
| Surface | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| House siding | $250 to $450 |
| Driveway | $100 to $300 |
| Deck or patio | $200 to $450 |
| Sidewalks and walkways | $150 to $300 |
| Roof (soft wash) | $350 to $800 |
| Whole exterior package | $400 to $800 |
Bundling saves money. Because of the minimum service fee, having your siding, driveway, and walkways done in one visit almost always costs less per surface than booking them separately.
What Affects the Price
Two homes the same size can get different quotes. Here is why:
- Size and square footage: bigger surfaces cost more, though the price per square foot usually drops as the job gets larger.
- Number of stories: a two story home costs more than a single story, since it takes more time and equipment to reach safely.
- Surface material: delicate surfaces like wood or painted siding need a gentler soft wash and often cost more than vinyl or concrete.
- How dirty it is: heavy mold, algae, or years of buildup take more time and cleaning solution.
- Access and safety: steep roofs, tight spaces, or anything that needs extra care adds to the price.
Power Washing vs Pressure Washing: Does One Cost More?
You will see both terms used, and people often wonder if one is pricier. For most home exteriors, the job and the price are basically the same, so you should not pay a premium just because a company calls it power washing. The real difference is the method and which surfaces each one suits, which we cover in our guide on power washing vs pressure washing for your Ames home. What matters for your wallet is the size and condition of what you are cleaning, not the label.
Is Power Washing a House Worth the Cost?
For most homeowners, yes. Beyond the instant curb appeal, a good wash:
- Removes mold, algae, and mildew that damage siding over time
- Protects your investment by extending the life of your siding, deck, and driveway
- Preps surfaces for paint or stain (skipping this is a top reason exterior paint fails early)
- Costs far less than repairing or replacing surfaces that were left to deteriorate
Think of it as inexpensive maintenance rather than a splurge.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
National averages are a helpful starting point, but your real price depends on your home. To get a fair quote:
- Have the company measure or at least see the property before quoting.
- Ask what is included, such as which surfaces, any cleaning solutions, and mold treatment.
- Get it in writing.
- Be cautious of a quote that seems far too cheap, since it may skip proper cleaning or use too much pressure and damage your surfaces.
Power Washing in Ames
A-1 Carpet Cleaning has served Ames and the surrounding Story County area since 2004, and along with our indoor services we offer exterior power washing in Ames for driveways, patios, decks, and more. For an exact price on your home, the best step is a quick quote based on your actual surfaces rather than a one size fits all number. Call us at 515-432-7500 and we will walk you through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to power wash a house?
Most homeowners spend $250 to $450 for a professional house wash, with a broader range of $150 to $700 depending on the size of the home, the surfaces being cleaned, and how dirty they are.
How much does it cost to power wash a driveway?
A typical concrete driveway costs about $100 to $300, though small driveways often hit the company’s minimum service fee before the per square foot math matters.
Is it cheaper to power wash your house yourself?
Renting a machine costs less up front, but you risk damaging siding or injuring yourself, and the results rarely match a pro. For most people, hiring it out is worth the difference.
How often should you power wash your house?
Most homes benefit from a wash every one to two years, sooner if you notice mold, algae, or heavy buildup on the siding or driveway.
Does a bigger house cost more to power wash?
Yes. More square footage and additional stories both raise the price, since the job takes more time and equipment to do safely.