How much does pressure washing cost in Australia?
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Key takeaways
- Most pressure washing jobs in Australia land between A$120–A$1,300 — known locally as pressure cleaning.
- Pressure cleaning is unlicensed in Australia, but operators must comply with state water restrictions (high-pressure cleaners are generally permitted even under restrictions because they are water-efficient, though stages vary by state) and council stormwater rules that ban detergent runoff into street drains.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Pressure Washing prices by job size in Australia
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway Standard double driveway, washed and degreased | A$150 | A$250 | A$400 |
| House wash Single-storey exterior soft wash | A$250 | A$400 | A$700 |
| Deck or patio Timber deck or paved alfresco area | A$120 | A$250 | A$450 |
| Full exterior package House, driveway, paths, patio in one visit | A$450 | A$700 | A$1,300 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per hour | A$100 | A$140 | A$170 |
| per m² | A$3 | A$4 | A$5 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Australia typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a pressure washing pro in Australia
- Get 2-3 quotes on hipages, Airtasker, or from local firms — pricing is commonly $3-$5 per m² or $120-$165 per hour
- Verify public liability insurance (typically $5m-$10m for exterior cleaning businesses in Australia)
- Check current water restrictions in your state or council area — restrictions can limit high-volume outdoor cleaning during drought stages
- Ask about soft washing for painted render, Colorbond, and roofs rather than full pressure
- Confirm whether driveway resealing or paver re-sanding is included
- Agree on runoff handling — councils prohibit detergent wash water entering stormwater drains
Red flags
- No public liability insurance
- Ignoring or dismissing water restriction rules during declared drought stages
- Flat quote given sight-unseen with no m² estimate
- Plans to blast terracotta or cement roof tiles at high pressure
- Cash-only itinerant crews door-knocking after storms
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to AUD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: https://westlinkservices.com.au/pressure-cleaning-cost/; https://www.tradeheroes.com.au/blog/how-much-does-pressure-cleaning-cost-in-australia.
Frequently asked questions
What surfaces can be pressure washed?
Safe at high pressure: concrete, block paving, natural stone (with care), brick in good condition, metal fences and gutter exteriors. Needs low pressure or soft washing: painted surfaces, render, timber decking, vinyl or fibre-cement siding, roofs, and old or repointed brickwork. Never pressure wash: single-glazed windows at close range, electrical fittings, or asbestos-containing materials.
What's the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water and suits hard surfaces: concrete, pavers, brick. Soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution and is the right method for painted render, siding, roofs, and timber, where high pressure would strip paint, gouge wood, or crack tiles. A good pro will recommend soft washing for delicate surfaces without being asked.
Do pressure washers need my water and electricity?
Most residential pros use your outdoor tap and, for electric machines, an outdoor socket. Petrol-powered machines only need water. Some companies carry water tanks for properties without an accessible tap — ask in advance, as tank supply can add to the price. Water usage for a typical driveway job is modest, roughly comparable to a few loads of laundry per hour of cleaning.
Do I need to prepare anything before the pressure washing crew arrives?
Move cars off the driveway, clear pots, furniture, and toys from the work area, close all windows and doors, and cover or flag anything fragile like garden lights. Point out hairline cracks, loose pointing, or flaking paint in advance — pros will work around known weak spots but cannot see them under grime.
Does pressure washing increase home value?
It is one of the cheapest kerb-appeal upgrades before selling or renting out a property. Estate agents consistently list exterior cleaning among the highest return-on-cost pre-sale jobs because it changes first impressions for a few hundred, not a few thousand. It will not fix structural issues, but it makes photos and viewings noticeably better.
What chemicals do pressure washing companies use, and are they safe?
Common products are sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solutions for organic growth, degreasers for oil, and biocides for moss and algae. Used properly they are rinsed off and diluted, but they can harm plants, pets, and ponds during application. Ask the pro how they protect garden beds and where the runoff drains — dirty water should not go into surface-water drains in many jurisdictions.
Can I get my driveway pressure cleaned during water restrictions?
Usually yes — most state restriction schedules treat high-pressure cleaners as water-efficient devices and allow their commercial use even when hosing driveways with a garden hose is banned. Rules differ by state and restriction stage, so ask the cleaner to confirm compliance for your council area.
How much does pressure cleaning cost in Australia?
Common pricing is $3-$5 per m² or $120-$165 per hour. A typical driveway runs about $155-$365 depending on size, staining, and access, and a full house wash $250-$700. Sydney prices sit at the top of the range.
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