A Complete Homeowner’s Guide to Pressure Cleaning Costs

The pressure cleaning cost in Australia ranges from $150 for small areas to over $1000 for large multi-surface homes. 

Most homeowners don’t realize that dirt, grime, and weather can dull the look of their property until they see the difference after a professional pressure clean. It’s one of the simplest ways to restore your home’s exterior, improve safety, and increase value.

Understanding what goes into this cost helps you avoid overpaying and find the right tradie for the job. This guide explains everything from average prices to cost factors, surface-specific rates, and smart ways to save. Let’s dive deeper into it.  

What Is Pressure Cleaning?

Pressure cleaning (also called pressure washing) uses high-powered water jets to remove dust, mold, moss, algae, oil, and other stains from surfaces. It’s ideal for driveways, roofs, patios, fences, walls, and even decks.

Beyond looks, it prevents decay and damage. Surfaces exposed to moisture and dirt for long periods tend to break down faster. Regular pressure washing can stop that early, saving thousands in repairs later.

Benefits of professional pressure cleaning:

• Brings back the original shine of outdoor areas.

• Prevents damage caused by mold and moss.

• Keeps driveways and paths safe from slipping hazards.

• Prepares walls or fences for repainting.

• Boosts property value instantly.

1. How Much Does Pressure Cleaning Cost?

The cost to pressure wash house depends on your home’s size, the number of surfaces, and how dirty the area is. On average, most tradies in Australia charge between $200 and $600 for a standard house clean.

Here’s a pricing guide for quick comparison:

House Size/Type	Average Area (m²)	Estimated Cost Range (AUD)	Details
Small Home (1 storey)	100–150 m²	$150–$300	Driveway + external walls
Medium Home (2-storey)	150–250 m²	$300–$600	Includes roof & patio
Large Home/Multi-surface	250+ m²	$600–$1000+	Full house, deck, fence
Apartment Balcony	10–30 m²	$80–$150	Balcony and railing area

2. Pressure Wash Cost by Surface Type

The pressure wash cost also depends on which surface you’re cleaning. Here’s an average range across Australian homes:

 

3. Pressure Cleaning Cost Across Australian States

Pressure cleaning prices differ slightly by state due to labor rates, weather, and surface materials. Here’s a state-wise comparison:

Factors Deciding the Pressure Cleaning Price

Below are the factors that decide the final pricing:

a) Surface Material and Type

Concrete, bricks, tiles, or timber each require different pressure and cleaning methods. Brick and tile usually take longer due to grooves and texture.

b) Size of the Area

Tradies may charge per square meter or a flat rate.

c) Surface Condition

Light dust is quick to clean. Oil stains, mold, or graffiti take more time and a cleaning solution.

d) Accessibility and Height

Double-story homes or hard-to-reach walls cost more since they require ladders and extra safety gear.

e) Additional Treatments

If you add mold protection, sealing, or anti-slip coating, expect an additional $50–$150 per service.

Driveway Pressure Cleaning Cost Explained

The driveway pressure cleaning price in Australia usually falls between $100 and $400. It depends on size, surface type, and how deeply stained it is.

 

Things that affect driveway cleaning prices:

• Concrete driveways clean faster and cheaper.

• Pavers or textured surfaces trap dirt and oil, taking longer to clean.

• Oil spots, tire marks, and mold add to the cost due to special treatment.

A good practice is to have your driveway cleaned once a year. Regular cleaning prevents oil and dirt buildup that can permanently stain concrete.

Residential vs. Commercial Pressure Cleaning

Residential jobs focus on home exteriors, while commercial cleaning involves larger surfaces and industrial equipment.

Benefits of Professional Pressure Cleaning

Hiring a professional or skilled tradie saves time and ensures quality and safety. The top benefits include:

• Extends the life of paint, bricks, and tiles.

• Boosts curb appeal for potential buyers.

• Removes harmful mold and algae.

• Protects outdoor surfaces from decay.

• Prevents slip hazards.

• Improves hygiene around kids and pets.

1. DIY vs. Professional Cleaning: What’s Worth It?

Many homeowners consider renting a pressure washer for around $100–$200 a day. But without proper knowledge, it can lead to uneven cleaning or even surface damage.

The pros include:

• Lower upfront cost.

• Convenient timing.

The cons include:

• Risk of damaging paint or tiles.

• Longer cleaning time.

• No insurance coverage.

Professional cleaning pros:

• Better results with commercial-grade tools.

• Safe pressure settings.

• Quicker, insured, and guaranteed work.

2. Tips to Save on Pressure Cleaning Price

Let’s look at the tips that will lower your bill on pressure cleaning:

• Combine jobs like cleaning walls, driveway, and deck for a better package rate.

• Booking off-peak, like weekdays or colder months, often has lower tradie rates.

• Get multiple quotes and compare at least 3 verified tradies before hiring.

• Ask for fixed pricing to avoid unexpected hourly charges.

• Prepare your area by moving cars, furniture, and plants before cleaning to save tradie time.

• Schedule regular cleaning that prevents grime buildup and keeps future costs low.

3. How Does Trusted Tradie Network Make It Easy?

Finding the right tradie shouldn’t take hours of phone calls. That’s where Trusted Tradie Network steps in. It’s Australia’s one-stop platform connecting homeowners with verified, insured, and experienced tradies for cleaning, painting, plumbing, electrical, and home repairs.

The reasons to choose Trusted Tradie Network are:

• Every tradie is background-checked and insured.

• Get multiple quotes quickly for easy comparison.

• Transparent pricing and clear job details

It’s a simple, secure, and smart way to keep your home in great shape while supporting local tradies.

Conclusion

Knowing the real pressure cleaning cost helps homeowners make confident decisions. Professional pressure cleaning not only restores beauty but also protects your property from long-term damage.

If you’re ready to give your home a fresh, clean look, find a verified local cleaner on Trusted Tradie Network — your trusted place to connect with experienced tradies who get the job done right.