Pressure washing is one of the most popular ways to clean your home and property, but it’s not without its costs.
If you’re wondering why a pressure washer costs so much, there are several factors to consider.
Cost of equipment
A typical residential pressure washer can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000. The size and power of the machine will determine how much you pay. For example, a small electric model that cleans small areas like decks and patio furniture costs less than a large gas-powered one that can clean a house’s exterior walls and roof.
Cost of supplies
The cost of supplies depends on how often you use them and what type of surface you’re cleaning. You’ll need different types of detergent for other surfaces or items — for example, a bleach for cleaning concrete and mildew, while detergent is best for cleaning wood siding or decks. Detergents typically cost around $5 per gallon; however, if you have many surfaces to clean at once or more oversized items, such as vehicles or boats, that need cleaning regularly, this cost can add up quickly.
Time
Time is money. The longer it takes to clean your property, the more it will cost you. If you’re hiring a professional, they’ll charge by the hour. If you’re doing it yourself, plan on spending at least a couple of hours on the task—and that’s if you’re doing a simple cleaning job like washing windows and window sills or getting rid of mildew in your lawn.
Power Source
Electric pressure washers have lower PSI ratings than gas-powered ones. Still, electric pressure washers are usually cheaper overall because they’re easier to maintain and don’t require as much maintenance as a gas-powered model does over time. However, gas models have higher PSI ratings than electric models, so if you’re going through lots of soap or want to save some money with an electric model, then make sure you get one with enough pressure.
Detergent
There are two types of detergents: cold water and hot water. Cold water detergents are less expensive, but hot water detergents work better for tough stains like mold and mildew. Hot water also cleans faster than cold water, another money saver over time.
Surface Type
The type of surface affects what you will pay for pressure washing services. For example, suppose you are cleaning concrete siding. In that case, it will require different chemicals than when cleaning vinyl siding or stucco walls, as these materials require additional chemicals to remove dirt and grime from them successfully without damaging them in any way, causing them to need replacement or repair sooner than later due to damage caused by improper cleaning techniques.
