Your Guide to Pressure Cleaning Costs

Alright. Let’s get straight to the point. You want to know what pressure cleaning is going to cost, right? In Australia, you’re generally looking at somewhere between $1.50 to $5 per square metre. For a straightforward job like a standard driveway, you’ll likely hover at the lower end of that scale.

Your Quick Guide to Pressure Cleaning Prices

So, you’ve got a grimy driveway or a sad-looking patio that’s seen better days, and you’re wondering if you should call in the pros. Good call. But the first question on everyone’s lips is always: “what’s this going to set me back?”

It’s kind of like asking how much a car costs—it really depends on what you want. A simple, flat concrete pad is one thing. A two-storey house with tricky angles and years of built-up muck is a whole other kettle of fish. The cost isn’t just a number plucked from thin air. It’s a calculation based on a few key factors.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Across Australia, the price for residential pressure cleaning falls into a fairly typical range. Most simple jobs sit around an average of $2 per square metre, but this can shift depending on three things: the size of the area, how filthy it is, and where you live.

For instance, a small to medium driveway might cost between $190 and $350. A much larger one, however, could set you back anywhere from $300 to $700. You can find more detail on how pros calculate these costs over at Bark.com.

The key takeaway? Think of these figures as a starting point. They give you a solid idea of what to budget for. Your final quote will always depend on the specifics of your property.

To make things a bit clearer, here’s a quick look at what you might expect to pay for some common jobs around the home.

Average Residential Pressure Cleaning Prices in Australia

This little table is your cheat sheet. It gives you a snapshot of average costs for the most common residential pressure cleaning jobs—so you can see at a glance what different services might run before you even pick up the phone.

Think of this as a solid ballpark. Now that you’ve got a general idea of the costs, we can dig into why these prices vary so much from one job to the next.

So, What Actually Goes Into Your Final Quote?

You’ve seen the average prices, but you’re probably scratching your head over why your neighbour’s quote was a hundred dollars different from yours. It’s almost never a random guess. A professional quote is a bit like baking a cake. Each ingredient matters. Get one wrong and the result is… less than ideal.

It’s about more than just the size of the area (though that’s certainly the biggest slice of the pie). The real cost comes down to the specifics of your job. It’s a blend of effort, time and the right tools to get things looking brand-new again.

The Big Three Price Factors

Imagine a simple, flat driveway that just needs a quick freshen-up. That’s a walk in the park. Now picture a two-storey house with hard-to-reach eaves, stubborn grime baked on for years. You’re talking a completely different challenge—and the price reflects that.

The main things that will move the needle on your pressure cleaning cost are the size, the dirt level, and how complex the job is.

This infographic shows how the main factors stack up, from the overall size of the job right down to how stubborn the grime is.

As you can see, the size of the area is the foundation of the price. But the level of grime is what fine-tunes the final cost. A small but heavily stained patch can sometimes cost more than a larger, cleaner one.

Beyond Square Metres

There are other, less obvious things that pros weigh up when they’re drafting your quote.

• Accessibility: Can they easily wheel in their equipment? A ground-floor patio is a breeze. A second-storey balcony that needs special safety gear or extra-long hoses… not so much. Easy access equals less setup time and a lower price.
• Type of Grime: Is it just surface dust and dirt, or are we talking about oil stains, paint spills or years of mould? Specialist stains often need bespoke cleaning solutions and more time to tackle.
• Water Access: Most jobs plug into your home’s water supply. The impact on your water bill is tiny—often just a few dollars for a standard job. But if water access is tricky or non-existent, the cleaner might need to bring a water tank, which can bump up the cost.

Seeing things through a professional’s eyes helps you understand where your money goes. It’s a bit like how the cost of carpet cleaning also depends on room size and condition. Know what drives the price, and you’ll know what to expect when the quotes roll in.

The Real Value of a Professional Clean

Pressure cleaning can feel like just another chore on the to-do list. But what if you saw it differently? What if you treated it like an investment in your home’s well-being? Spoiler alert: that’s exactly what it is.

The value you get goes way beyond a shiny driveway. It’s about the real, tangible benefits a professional clean delivers. And you’ll start seeing them sooner than you think.

Boosting Your Property's Value

First impressions count—especially when you’re selling. A clean, well-maintained exterior instantly lifts your home’s kerb appeal. It’s the difference between a house that looks tired and one that feels well cared for (and, let’s face it, way more inviting).

Here’s a fun fact: a professional pressure wash can bump up a property’s market value by 2–5%. With median house prices in Australian capitals around $950,000, that’s an extra $19,000 to $47,500 in your back pocket. If you’re curious, you can explore more about these industry statistics to see just how significant that return can be.

This is gold in competitive markets. Buyers spot a pristine exterior and assume the rest of the home has been looked after too. Instant trust points.

A Form of Preventative Maintenance

Beyond the instant visual glow-up, pressure cleaning is a crucial form of preventative maintenance. Dirt, algae, mould and mildew aren’t just ugly—they slowly eat away at your surfaces.

Imagine a tiny patch of mould on your siding. Seems harmless, right? But left alone, it can get under paint, seep into timber or brick, and cause rot or decay.

Nipping that destructive grime in the bud now is far cheaper than shelling out for costly repairs later. Think of it as a proactive step to keep your home looking and functioning at its best.

Here are a few ways it protects your investment:

• Prevents stains: Oil, leaves and dirt are stopped in their tracks before they set in permanently.
• Protects surfaces: It zaps corrosive gunk like mould and algae that degrade timber decks, concrete, and painted areas.
• Improves safety: Moss and algae can turn a pathway into an ice rink. Cleaning keeps your stairs and walkways slip-resistant.

Think of a professional clean as an insurance policy for your home.

How to Get an Accurate Quote and Avoid Surprises

Ready to get some quotes rolling in? Let’s make sure you get a fair price and avoid nasty surprises. It’s like talking to your mechanic—details matter.

First, take a quick stroll around your place. Jot down the spots you want cleaned. Snap a few photos of trouble areas—stubborn stains or thick moss, for example. This simple step helps a contractor see exactly what they’re up against.

Questions You Should Always Ask

A quote is a two-way street. It’s your chance to grill potential contractors and find the right fit. Don’t hold back. A top-notch pro will welcome your questions.

Here’s your checklist:

• Are you fully insured? Non-negotiable. You need cover if anything goes pear-shaped.
• What cleaning methods will you use? High pressure or a gentle soft wash for delicate spots? They should know the difference.
• Is the quote all-inclusive? Labour, gear, detergents—make sure it’s all in there. No hidden extras.
• Can you show me references or past work? Seeing is believing. A confident pro will have before-and-after pics or happy customer testimonials.

Remember: a quote that’s way cheaper than the rest is often a red flag. It could mean they’re skimping on insurance, using subpar kit or planning surprise fees later on.

Comparing Your Quotes Like a Pro

Never, ever settle for just one quote. Aim for at least three. It’s about more than price—it’s about understanding the market and sizing up companies.

Look beyond the bottom line. Does one quote mention a specific cleaner for oil stains while another is vague? Details show expertise and that they know your property’s needs.

Also, think about bundling. If you need windows cleaned too, ask for a combined quote. You might save. You can learn about window cleaning service costs to benchmark your quote.

Spend a little time upfront. You’ll end up with great value for your money, not just a cheap price.

Should You Do It Yourself

Classic dilemma, right? You spot the grime, see the pressure washers at the hire shop, and think: “I can do this myself, save a few dollars.” Fair enough. You can.

But should you? That’s the bigger question. On paper, a DIY job looks cheap. But once you dig in, the real pressure cleaning cost goes way beyond the hire fee.

The Hidden Costs of DIY Pressure Cleaning

First, there’s the gear. Hiring a half-decent machine will cost $100 to $200 for the day. Then you’ll need fuel. And special detergents for oil or mould. It adds up.

Next, there’s your time. A quick Saturday job can gobble up your entire weekend. Wrestling a powerful, vibrating wand for hours isn’t exactly a walk in the park.

The biggest risk? Damaging your own property. These machines are powerful. Curve-hunting on a timber deck or blasting out brick mortar is easier than you think.

Fixing that kind of damage can run into the thousands. Suddenly, that professional quote looks pretty reasonable.

Is the Saving Really Worth the Hassle

Think about it. You hire a pro for big jobs—like an end-of-lease clean—because they have the experience and gear to do it properly. It’s the same reasoning here. If you mess it up, the repair bills will wipe out any savings. For insight, check the professional end of lease clean cost.

We’re not trying to scare you off DIY. Just giving you the full picture. So you can decide if the hassle and risk are actually worth it.

Still Have Questions About Pressure Cleaning?

It’s perfectly normal to have a few questions before you dive in. We hear the same ones over and over, so here are answers to the most common.

How Often Should I Get My Driveway Cleaned?

For most Aussie homes, having your driveway pressure cleaned every one to two years is a solid plan. It keeps things looking fresh and stops grime from embedding.

If your driveway sits in a shady, damp area where mould loves to party, bump that up to once a year. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself.

Is Pressure Cleaning Safe for Every Surface?

Honestly? No, it’s not. You can’t just point a high-pressure jet at every surface and hope for the best. That’s why pros often switch to something called soft washing when surfaces are delicate.

We’re talking painted weatherboards, older bricks, or some types of rendered walls. It’s all about using the right pressure, the right nozzle and the right technique. You want to clean the surface—not carve your initials into it.

A pro knows which tool to use. That way, you avoid accidental and costly damage.

Does the Quote Include Cleaning Solutions?

Usually, yes. A proper professional quote is all-inclusive: labour, equipment and any biodegradable detergents needed. But it never hurts to ask: “Does this price include everything?” A quick question can save you from surprise costs later on.

Ready to see what a professional clean can do for your home? The team at That Cleaning Crew provides clear, upfront quotes with no hidden surprises. Get your free on-site quote today and let us bring your surfaces back to life. Visit us at https://www.thatcleaningcrew.com.au.