Power washing services in Washington DC cost between $27.80 and $46.33 per hour, with most homeowners paying around $37.06 per hour. While many search for general information about how much janitorial services cost, power washing represents a specialized service with its own unique pricing structure that varies significantly based on your specific project needs and DC’s urban environment.
The reason you pay more than the base worker wage of $18.53 per hour is straightforward: your rate covers business overhead including commercial-grade equipment, liability insurance, business licensing, vehicle costs, and company profit margins. Understanding this breakdown helps you make informed decisions when comparing quotes from different contractors.
Power Washing Cost Breakdown by Project Type
Different surfaces and project sizes dramatically affect your final bill. Here’s what you can expect for common DC area projects:
| Project Type | Small Project | Medium Project | Large Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Washing (1-story) | $200-$350 | $350-$500 | $500-$800 |
| Driveway Cleaning | $100-$200 | $200-$350 | $350-$500 |
| Deck Restoration | $150-$300 | $300-$450 | $450-$700 |
| Commercial Building | $400-$800 | $800-$1,200 | $1,200-$2,000 |
In neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Georgetown, where historic brownstones are common, expect to pay toward the higher end due to careful techniques required for older masonry and architectural details.
How Much Does Weekly Cleaning Service Cost vs. Power Washing
Many homeowners confuse regular cleaning services with power washing costs. Weekly house cleaning in DC typically runs $100-$200 per visit, while power washing is a seasonal service costing more upfront but performed 1-2 times yearly. Power washing delivers better value for exterior maintenance since it prevents costly repairs to siding, concrete, and decking.
Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work
Bundle Multiple Surfaces: Most contractors offer 10-20% discounts when you combine services. Instead of just washing your house, add the driveway and deck for significant per-square-foot savings.
Schedule During Off-Peak Times: Book between November and February for 15-25% discounts. DC’s mild winters (averaging 48.9°F lows) allow year-round power washing, unlike northern cities.
Group Neighborhood Projects: Organize with neighbors in areas like Dupont Circle or Adams Morgan. Contractors often provide group discounts since they save on travel time between jobs.
Prep Your Property: Clear outdoor furniture, vehicles, and debris yourself. This simple step can save 30-60 minutes of billable time at $37+ per hour.
Choose the Right Pressure Level: Not everything needs maximum pressure. Vinyl siding cleans effectively at lower PSI, reducing time and costs compared to concrete cleaning.
Hidden Costs and Surprise Fees to Watch For
Setup and Travel Charges: Some companies charge $50-$100 for equipment setup, especially in dense areas like downtown DC where parking is challenging.
Water Usage: If your water pressure is inadequate, contractors may charge $25-$50 for bringing water tanks, common in older DC rowhouses.
Chemical Treatments: Mold and mildew removal adds $0.15-$0.30 per square foot. Given DC’s humid summers (66.7°F average), this is often necessary but not always quoted upfront.
Disposal Fees: Removing paint chips or hazardous materials costs extra. Many Georgetown and Capitol Hill homes built before 1978 require special lead-safe practices.
Permit Requirements: Commercial properties or extensive residential work may need DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs permits, adding $100-$300 to project costs.
Biweekly House Cleaning Cost Compared to Power Washing Maintenance
While biweekly house cleaning maintains your interior for roughly $200-$400 monthly, exterior power washing costs less annually but prevents more expensive problems. Regular power washing every 12-18 months costs $400-$800 but prevents:
- Siding replacement ($8,000-$15,000)
- Deck rebuilding ($3,000-$8,000)
- Concrete repairs ($500-$2,000)
- Paint damage requiring premature repainting ($4,000-$8,000)
| Maintenance Schedule | Annual Cost | Prevented Damage | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Power Washing | $0 | $2,000-$5,000 | -100% |
| Annual Washing | $400-$600 | $1,500-$3,000 | 300-500% |
| Bi-annual Washing | $600-$1,000 | $2,000-$5,000 | 200-400% |
Local Permits and DC Regulations
The District of Columbia requires contractors to carry proper licensing and insurance, but homeowners should verify these credentials. For pressure washing services involving:
- Stormwater runoff: All contractors must follow DC Water’s guidelines for chemical runoff
- Historic properties: Capitol Hill and Georgetown projects may require Historic Preservation Review Board approval
- Commercial work: Requires Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs contractor registration
Always request proof of DC business license and liability insurance before work begins.
How to Get and Compare Multiple Quotes
Request Detailed Estimates: Insist on per-square-foot pricing rather than hourly estimates. This prevents scope creep and surprise charges.
Verify Insurance Coverage: DC’s high median income ($119,803) means significant liability exposure. Ensure contractors carry minimum $1 million liability coverage.
Check Recent References: Ask for completed projects in similar DC neighborhoods within the past six months.
Understand Equipment Differences: Higher-end equipment justifies premium pricing but delivers better results and faster completion times.
For comparison purposes, also research electrician services and hvac technician services to understand how skilled trade pricing works across different home services.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
“What’s included in your hourly rate?” Ensure soap, equipment, and basic setup are covered.
“How do you protect landscaping?” DC’s urban gardens require careful chemical and pressure management.
“What’s your weather policy?” With DC’s variable climate, understand rescheduling procedures.
“Do you guarantee your work?” Reputable contractors offer 30-day satisfaction guarantees.
“How do you handle parking restrictions?” Critical in dense neighborhoods where permit parking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does janitorial services cost compared to power washing?
Commercial janitorial services in DC cost $0.10-$0.20 per square foot monthly, while power washing costs $0.15-$0.35 per square foot annually. Power washing addresses exterior surfaces that regular janitorial services don’t cover, making them complementary rather than competing services. For a 2,000 square foot building exterior, expect $300-$700 for power washing versus $2,400-$4,800 annually for interior janitorial services.
How much does a weekly cleaning service cost versus seasonal power washing?
Weekly interior cleaning services in Washington DC range from $100-$250 per visit ($5,200-$13,000 annually), while exterior power washing costs $400-$800 per year. Both serve different purposes: interior cleaning maintains daily livability, while power washing prevents costly exterior damage. Most DC homeowners benefit from both services, with power washing providing better long-term property value protection per dollar spent.
How much does it cost to deep clean a house including exterior power washing?
Complete house deep cleaning including interior and exterior power washing ranges from $800-$1,500 for average DC homes. Interior deep cleaning costs $400-$800 depending on square footage and condition, while exterior power washing adds $300-$600. Many contractors offer package deals combining both services, typically saving 15-20% compared to booking separately. This comprehensive approach is popular before selling homes in competitive DC neighborhoods.
What is the average cost per hour for house cleaning versus power washing in DC?
Interior house cleaning averages $25-$40 per hour in Washington DC, while power washing costs $27.80-$46.33 per hour. However, power washing covers much more square footage per hour than interior cleaning, making it more cost-effective for large surface areas. A power washing crew can clean 500-1,000 square feet of exterior surface hourly, while interior cleaning covers 100-200 square feet per hour due to detailed work requirements.
Understanding power washing costs helps DC homeowners make informed maintenance decisions. While the upfront investment of $27.80-$46.33 per hour may seem significant, regular exterior cleaning prevents thousands in damage while maintaining your property’s value in Washington’s competitive real estate market. Focus on finding experienced contractors who understand DC’s unique urban challenges rather than simply choosing the lowest bid.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.