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Essential Gear for Power Washers
- Caddy Organizer - Carry supplies efficiently
- Microfiber Cloths (50 pack) - Professional cleaning results
- Extendable Duster - Reach high areas safely
- Spray Bottles (6 pack) - Custom cleaning solutions
1. Introduction to Power Washing
Power washing (also called pressure washing) is one of the most profitable and satisfying side hustles you can start. There's something deeply rewarding about watching years of grime, mold, and dirt blast away to reveal clean surfaces underneath. And homeowners are willing to pay handsomely for this transformation.
With relatively low startup costs, high hourly rates, and strong demand during spring and summer months, power washing offers an excellent opportunity to build a profitable seasonal or year-round business. Many operators work weekends during peak season and generate significant income while maintaining their regular jobs.
Whether you're looking for weekend income during warm months or building toward a full-time exterior cleaning business, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started and succeed.
Why Power Washing Works as a Side Hustle
- High hourly rates ($50-$200+)
- Quick jobs with immediate visible results
- Strong weekend and evening demand
- Repeat customers with annual cleaning needs
- Upsell opportunities to related services
2. Market Opportunity in 2026
The exterior cleaning market continues to grow as homeowners invest in property maintenance and curb appeal. The trend toward professional services over DIY, combined with rising home values, creates excellent conditions for power washing businesses.
Key Market Drivers
Home Value Protection: With real estate prices at record highs, homeowners are investing in maintenance to protect their investments. Regular power washing prevents long-term damage from mold, mildew, and algae.
Aging Housing Stock: Older homes require more maintenance. The massive inventory of 20-40 year old homes creates ongoing demand for exterior cleaning services.
HOA Requirements: Many homeowner associations require regular exterior maintenance, creating mandatory cleaning cycles for entire neighborhoods.
High-Demand Services
Residential
- • Driveways and sidewalks
- • Decks and patios
- • House siding and trim
- • Fences and retaining walls
- • Garage floors
Commercial
- • Storefronts and sidewalks
- • Parking lots and garages
- • Fleet vehicle washing
- • Restaurant grease removal
- • Building exteriors
3. Equipment and Setup
Essential Equipment
| Equipment | Specs/Details | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Washer | 3,000-4,000 PSI, 4+ GPM, commercial-grade | $800-$2,000 |
| Surface Cleaner | 20"+ spinning attachment for flat surfaces | $150-$400 |
| Hoses | 100'+ pressure hose, 200'+ garden hose | $100-$300 |
| Spray Tips/Nozzles | 0°, 15°, 25°, 40° tips plus soft wash tips | $50-$100 |
| Chemical Injector | Downstream injector for soft washing | $30-$100 |
| Chemicals | Sodium hypochlorite, surfactant, degreasers | $100-$200 |
| Safety Gear | Glasses, boots, gloves, ear protection | $100-$200 |
Startup Investment Tiers
Basic Startup
$1,500-$2,500
Entry-level commercial machine, basic accessories
Professional
$3,000-$5,000
Quality machine, trailer setup, full accessories
Premium
$8,000-$15,000
Hot water machine, enclosed trailer, commercial setup
Equipment Tip
Don't skimp on the pressure washer. Consumer-grade machines from hardware stores will fail under commercial use. Invest in a commercial-grade machine with at least 3,000 PSI and 4+ GPM from brands like Simpson, Pressure Pro, or similar. The initial investment pays off in reliability and efficiency.
4. Services and Pricing
Pricing Models
Square Footage Pricing: Most common for driveways, decks, and flat surfaces. Charge $0.10-$0.30 per square foot depending on surface type and condition.
Linear Foot Pricing: Used for fences, gutters, and linear surfaces. Typically $0.50-$2.00 per linear foot.
Flat Rate Pricing: Package pricing for common jobs (2-car driveway, average deck, house wash). Easier for customers to understand and faster to quote.
Standard Pricing Ranges
| Service | Typical Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway (2-car) | $100-$200 | 30-60 min |
| Driveway (3-car) | $175-$300 | 45-90 min |
| Deck (avg 300 sq ft) | $150-$300 | 1-2 hours |
| Patio/Pool Deck | $100-$250 | 1-2 hours |
| House Wash (1-story) | $200-$350 | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| House Wash (2-story) | $300-$500 | 2-4 hours |
| Fence (per linear ft) | $0.75-$1.50 | Varies |
| Roof Cleaning | $300-$600 | 2-4 hours |
Bundle for Higher Tickets
Offer package deals combining driveway + sidewalks, or house wash + driveway + deck. Bundles increase your average job size and make you more competitive. Example: House wash ($300) + Driveway ($150) + Deck ($200) individually = $650. Bundle price: $550-$575.
5. Techniques and Best Practices
Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing
Pressure Washing
High-pressure water to blast away dirt and grime. Best for:
- • Concrete driveways and sidewalks
- • Brick and stone surfaces
- • Heavy equipment
- • Tough stains and buildup
Soft Washing
Low pressure with cleaning chemicals. Best for:
- • House siding (vinyl, wood, stucco)
- • Roofs (never high pressure!)
- • Decks (especially wood)
- • Delicate surfaces
Essential Techniques
- 1.Pre-treat: Apply cleaning chemicals before washing. Let them dwell (sit) for 5-10 minutes to break down organic growth.
- 2.Work top-down: Always wash from top to bottom so dirty water runs off clean areas.
- 3.Use proper distance: Hold tip 6-12 inches from surface. Too close damages; too far is ineffective.
- 4.Overlap passes: Overlap each pass by 50% to avoid striping.
- 5.Protect landscaping: Pre-wet plants and rinse after to dilute chemical runoff.
- 6.Post-treat: Apply additional chemicals if needed for stubborn areas.
Safety Warning
High-pressure water can cause serious injury. Never point at people or pets. Wear safety glasses and closed-toe boots. Be careful around electrical outlets and fixtures. Never use high pressure on roofs—it damages shingles and voids warranties. Always use soft wash methods on roofing.
6. Finding Clients
Marketing Strategies
Door-to-Door in Target Neighborhoods: Walk neighborhoods with dirty driveways and leave door hangers. Focus on homes with visible mold, algae, or stained concrete. Before-and-after photos from nearby jobs are powerful.
Facebook and Nextdoor: Join local community groups and post your work. Before-and-after photos of local driveways generate tremendous interest. Respond to posts asking for recommendations.
Google My Business: Create a free business profile. Collect reviews from every satisfied customer. Local search drives significant business for home services.
Vehicle Branding: Magnetic signs or vehicle wrap with your business name and phone number. Every job is a mobile advertisement.
Getting Repeat Business
Annual Maintenance
Contact previous customers each spring with a maintenance offer. Most surfaces need annual cleaning. Offer 10% off for repeat customers.
Neighbor Strategy
While on a job, knock on neighboring doors and offer a discount since you're already in the area. Reduces your travel time and increases daily jobs.
7. Scaling Your Business
Growth Path
Year 1: Weekend warrior. Work Saturdays and some evenings. Build portfolio, reviews, and processes. Target $500-$1,500 per weekend.
Year 2: Add more equipment and consider hiring help. Expand marketing. Full Saturdays and Sundays during season. Target $2,000-$4,000 weekly during peak months.
Year 3+: Consider going full-time. Multiple crews, commercial accounts, related services (window cleaning, gutter cleaning). $100,000+ annual revenue potential.
Add-On Services
- Window cleaning (high margins, pairs well)
- Gutter cleaning
- Deck sealing/staining (after cleaning)
- Christmas light installation (off-season revenue)
- Parking lot striping
8. Income Calculator
Estimate Your Weekly Earnings
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Working just weekends during peak season (spring through fall), you can realistically earn $500-$1,500 per weekend. A full Saturday of 4-5 jobs at $150-$200 each generates $600-$1,000. Many weekend warriors earn $20,000-$40,000+ during the 6-7 month season.
Most areas require a general business license. Liability insurance is essential—one damaged window or etched concrete claim can cost thousands. Expect to pay $500-$1,000 annually for $1 million in coverage. Some commercial clients require proof of insurance before hiring.
Peak season is March through October in most areas. Spring cleaning drives heavy demand. Summer is consistently busy. Fall cleanup before winter is another peak. Winter is slow unless you're in a warm climate, making this an excellent seasonal side hustle.
Yes—improper technique can etch concrete, damage siding, strip paint, and gouge wood. Start with low pressure and test in an inconspicuous area. Use soft wash methods on delicate surfaces. Never use high pressure on roofs. Learning proper techniques before taking jobs is essential.
Ready to Start Power Washing?
Turn dirty driveways into dollars. Start your power washing side hustle and enjoy high hourly rates with satisfying work.
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