Power washing removes dirt and buildup from various surfaces, keeping commercial properties clean and well-maintained. But how much does power washing cost in the UK?
This guide will break down power washing costs for different areas, provide estimates per square metre, and explain the factors influencing pricing. So you know what to expect when planning a commercial pressure washing service.
What is Power Washing?
Power washing, also known as pressure washing, uses highly-pressured water jets to remove dirt, algae, mould, and other contaminants from surfaces. It is regularly used to clean away tougher stains and materials on building facades, driveways, car parks, and more.
Jet washing provides a deep clean that helps preserve a property’s structure and appearance without causing damage.
Factors That Influence Power Washing Costs
The cost varies due to several key factors, each playing a role in deciding the final price.
1. Size of the Area
Most companies charge per square metre. However, a bulk deal can reduce rates for a larger commercial area.
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It’s important to consider whether the entire space requires the same level of cleaning, as this can influence the final cost.
2. Surface Type
- Concrete and brick can deal with very high pressures but may need stain or moss treatment.
- Softer washing with controlled pressure levels prevents paint from chipping or stripping on wood or painted surfaces.
- Metal and cladding may need a chemical treatment to break stubborn grime before washing. The type of material directly impacts the cleaning process, labour time, and overall cost.
3. Grime Level
- Mould and mildew removal requires chemical treatment beforehand.
- Oil and grease stain is typically found in car parks and loading areas, and degreasers are needed before power washing.
- Lichen and algae need to be removed lightly beforehand. This is a longer process and requires more resources, impacting cost.
4. Accessibility
Open spaces like car parks are more manageable, but locations with restricted access may require further equipment.
- Scaffolding and/or ladders are needed for skyscrapers or raised surfaces.
- Boom lifts and/or rope access are great for cleaning tall buildings.
- Underground car parks or alleyways tend to cost more labour-wise due to the extra time needed and safety.
5. Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across the UK based on demand and operational costs. In Greater London, power washing services tend to cost more.
- Wages and operational costs are higher in London than up North and smaller towns.
- Increased demand with more commercial buildings requiring regular maintenance leads to higher service rates.
- Some providers include congestion charges and parking fees in their pricing. Businesses in London should account for these factors when budgeting for professional cleaning services.
On average, homeowners in London can expect to pay around £45 more for pressure cleaning, particularly compared to the North of England, where the average cost is generally lower.
How Long Does Power Washing Take?
The duration of power washing depends on several factors, including the size of the area, the level of dirt and grime, and the type of surface.
Driveways:
- Small driveway (up to 20m²): 1 – 2 hours
- Medium driveway (20-50m²): 2 – 3 hours
- Large driveway (50m²+): 4 – 6 hours
Car Parks:
- Up to 500m² is 4 – 6 hours
- Between 500-1,500m² is 6 – 10 hours
- 1,500m²+ is 1 – 2 days
Building Exteriors:
- Low-rise (1-3 storeys): 4 – 8 hours
- High-rise (4+ storeys): 1 – 2 days (depending on access requirements)
Patios and Walkways:
- A small patio of up to 30m² is 1 – 2 hours
- 30-60m² is 2 – 3 hours
- 60m²+ is 4 – 5 hours
Specialised Treatments:
Oil stain removal can take 1 – 2 hours per treatment area.
Depending on the coverage area, moss and weed treatment (driveways or patios) is 2 – 3 hours.
These estimates can vary based on weather conditions, the equipment used, and the overall complexity of the task. Access restrictions (like working on elevated surfaces or tight spaces) and tough stains or growths like moss may add extra time to the job.
Average Pressure Washing Costs Per Square Metre
Power washing prices in the UK can vary depending on the surface type and how complex the cleaning is.
- £2 – £5 per m² roughly for driveways.
- £1.50 – £4 per m² for car parks (bulk pricing may apply for large areas)
- £3 – £7 per m² for facade cleaning (depends on height, material, and required cleaning solutions)
- £2 – £6 per m² for patios & walkways (natural stone may require gentler treatments).
- Roof Cleaning: £5 – £12 per m² (varies based on height, accessibility, and roof material)
For larger properties, many cleaning companies offer bulk pricing, which can lower costs per square metre. Spring and summer are often the busiest, so expect prices to change depending on the seasonal demand.
How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Driveway?
Driveway cleaning is one of the most common power washing requests, with costs depending on size, material, and the level of dirt or staining.
- Up to 20m²: £40 – £100 (single car driveway).
- A standard two-car driveway between 20-50m² can be £100 – £250.
- Large driveway (50m²+): £250 – £500 (spacious driveways, multi-car areas, or driveways with extensive staining).
Further treatment can increase the overall cost of jet washing, but they can also help protect and maintain your driveway long-term.
For example, applying a sealant to safeguard against future wear and tear can cost between £ 3 and £6 per square metre. Oil stains will cost around £20 to £50 extra.
If your driveway has issues with weeds or moss, extra treatments will increase labour and material costs.
Pressure-washing Washing Facade Costs
The cost can change based on many factors, such as height, accessibility, and building materials.
- Low-rise buildings (1-3 storeys): £500 – £2,000 (cost varies depending on the surface area, dirt accumulation, and ease of access).
- High-rise buildings (4+ storeys): Custom pricing due to the need for specialist access methods such as scaffolding, cherry pickers, or rope access systems.
Jet Washing Car Park Costs
Regular maintenance in car parks is required to keep them looking neat from the daily traffic that incurs. The cost of jet washing depends on the car park size and how extensive the job is:
- Up to 500m² typically costs between £750 and £2,000.
- 500-1,500m² can range from £2,000 to £5,000.
- Over 1,500m² larger car parks will be priced on a case-by-case basis.
For larger areas, specialist degreasers may be needed to tackle oil stains, and underground or multi-storey car parks might require additional charges for ventilation and drainage.
Hourly & Daily Rates for Pressure Washing
This is recommended for businesses or property managers requiring bigger power washing services for multiple buildings.
On average, professional power washing services charge between £20 – £80 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job and the equipment required.Â
A full-day rate for larger projects typically ranges from £300 – £600. These rates may vary based on surface type, accessibility, and any additional treatments needed, such as sealing or stain removal.
Why Hire Professionals To Power Wash?
By choosing the settings and techniques correctly, professionals will be able to protect the building’s integrity.
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Hiring experts also offer convenience and efficiency, as trained teams complete the job quickly with minimal disruption to business operations.
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Professional power washing services also use eco-friendly solutions, ensuring that specialist cleaning agents remove dirt without harming surfaces or the surrounding environment.
Get a Quote for Pressure Washing in Greater London
Understanding the costs of power washing helps businesses plan maintenance. With all of these factors in mind, you’ll be able to get an accurate estimate for your cleaning needs.
Want to learn more? Read our posts on steam cleaning external facades, insulating windows for winter and how to clean greasy windows.
If you need professional power washing for your property, All Clean London offers tailored services to meet your needs. Contact us for a personalised quote today.
