Most Dallas homeowners are shocked to learn that professional power washing costs between $23-$39 per hour, yet the actual worker wage is only $15.45 per hour according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Understanding where that extra money goes—and how much does janitorial services cost compared to specialized power washing—can save you hundreds on your next exterior cleaning project.
With Dallas’s subtropical climate bringing summer highs around 77°F and winter lows near 59°F, our homes face constant challenges from humidity, pollen, and occasional severe weather. This makes regular power washing not just cosmetic, but essential for protecting your investment in neighborhoods like Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands, and Oak Cliff.
Understanding Siding Power Washing Cost
The cost of power washing siding varies dramatically based on your home’s material, size, and condition. Here’s what Dallas homeowners typically pay:
| Siding Type | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Siding | $150 | $275 | $400 |
| Brick/Stone | $200 | $350 | $500 |
| Wood Siding | $180 | $300 | $450 |
| Stucco | $175 | $285 | $425 |
Why the price difference from the hourly rate? When you hire a power washing service, you’re not just paying for labor. That $30.90 average hourly rate includes business insurance (crucial for liability), commercial-grade equipment that costs thousands, vehicle expenses for traveling between Dallas neighborhoods, licensing fees, and the company’s operational overhead.
A typical 2,000 square foot home in Dallas takes 3-4 hours to properly clean, including setup and breakdown time. Factor in drive time between East Dallas and Plano, and you’re looking at a half-day commitment for most professionals.
Biweekly House Cleaning Cost vs. Power Washing
Many homeowners ask about biweekly house cleaning cost when budgeting for home maintenance. While interior cleaning runs $80-150 per visit, power washing is typically a seasonal service costing $200-500 per session.
Here’s the smart budget approach: Schedule power washing twice yearly (spring and fall) and focus your regular budget on interior cleaning. This prevents the buildup that leads to expensive restoration work later.
| Service Frequency | Power Washing | Interior Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | Not needed | $100-180 |
| Biweekly | Not practical | $80-150 |
| Monthly | Too frequent | $120-200 |
| Seasonally | $200-500 | N/A |
Hidden Costs and Surprise Fees to Watch For
Budget-conscious Dallas homeowners need to watch for these common upcharges:
Travel Fees: Companies based in downtown Dallas may charge extra to reach Far North Dallas or DeSoto. Ask upfront about service area limitations.
Minimum Job Requirements: Many professionals require $200-300 minimum jobs. This makes small tasks like cleaning just your front porch expensive.
Chemical Treatments: Basic washing uses water and mild detergent. Mold, mildew, or graffiti removal requires special chemicals costing $25-75 extra.
Equipment Setup: Some companies charge separately for moving furniture or covering plants. This can add $50-100 to your bill.
Pressure Adjustments: Different surfaces require different pressure settings. Switching between your concrete driveway and wood deck may incur additional setup time charges.
The honest truth? Get everything in writing before work begins. Reputable Dallas power washing companies will provide detailed estimates that include all potential fees.
Quality Indicators and Warning Signs
After working in Dallas for years, I’ve seen the difference between quality work and corner-cutting. Here’s what to look for:
Good Signs:
- Arrives with multiple pressure settings and nozzles
- Covers plants and outdoor furniture without being asked
- Tests pressure on inconspicuous areas first
- Uses appropriate cleaners for different surfaces
- Provides insurance certificate upon request
Red Flags:
- Door-to-door solicitation (especially common after storms)
- Demands full payment upfront
- Uses only one pressure setting for all surfaces
- Can’t explain the difference between power washing and pressure washing
- Quotes significantly below $200 for full house cleaning
One Dallas homeowner in Preston Hollow learned this lesson expensively—hiring the cheapest bidder resulted in damaged siding that cost $3,200 to repair.
How to Choose the Right Professional
Smart hiring starts with understanding what you’re actually buying. When contractors quote that $30.90 average rate, here’s what’s included:
Insurance and Bonding: Protects you if someone gets injured or property gets damaged. Non-negotiable.
Commercial Equipment: Professional units cost $2,000-8,000 and clean more effectively than rental equipment.
Training and Experience: Knowing which pressure levels work for different Dallas home styles (especially our many brick homes) prevents costly damage.
Get quotes from 3-4 local companies. Ask these specific questions:
- “What’s included in your standard house washing service?”
- “How do you protect landscaping and outdoor furniture?”
- “What happens if something gets damaged?”
- “Do you offer any maintenance packages?”
The best value often comes from companies offering seasonal packages. Many Dallas professionals discount spring/fall combos by 15-20%.
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Project Type
Understanding project-specific pricing helps you budget effectively and avoid overpaying:
| Project Type | Size/Scope | Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| House Washing | 1,500 sq ft | $180 | $285 | $400 |
| House Washing | 2,500 sq ft | $250 | $385 | $525 |
| Driveway | Standard 2-car | $75 | $125 | $175 |
| Deck Cleaning | 200 sq ft | $100 | $150 | $225 |
| Fence Cleaning | 100 linear ft | $125 | $175 | $250 |
| Pool Area | Complete cleaning | $150 | $225 | $325 |
Seasonal Considerations: Spring cleaning (March-May) costs 10-15% more due to high demand. Fall cleaning offers better value and prepares your home for winter weather.
Bundle Savings: Most Dallas companies discount multiple services. House + driveway + deck might cost $650 separately but only $525 as a package.
DIY vs Professional: Honest Comparison
Renting a pressure washer from Home Depot costs $40-60 per day, making DIY seem attractive. Here’s the real comparison:
DIY Costs:
- Equipment rental: $50/day
- Gas and transportation: $15
- Cleaning chemicals: $25-45
- Your time: 6-8 hours
- Total: $90-110 plus full day of work
Professional Costs:
- Average house cleaning: $285
- Your time investment: 2 hours (for estimates and being present)
- Total: $285 plus minimal time investment
The Hidden DIY Risks:
- Damage from incorrect pressure settings (I’ve seen $1,000+ siding repairs)
- Injury risk (emergency room visits cost far more than professional service)
- Incomplete cleaning due to inadequate equipment
- Chemical mixing mistakes that can harm plants or surfaces
When DIY Makes Sense:
- Small jobs under 500 square feet
- You own professional equipment
- You have significant experience
- Budget is extremely tight
When to Hire Professionals:
- Two-story homes (safety risk)
- Delicate surfaces like stucco or older brick
- Mold or mildew issues
- Time constraints
- Lack of storage for equipment
Maintenance to Prevent Future Costs
The most budget-friendly approach combines smart DIY maintenance with professional deep cleaning. Here’s a year-round Dallas strategy:
Quarterly (DIY):
- Hose down exterior surfaces
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Trim vegetation away from house
- Cost: $0-25 in supplies
Bi-Annually (Professional):
- Spring deep clean (post-pollen season)
- Fall preparation (before winter weather)
- Cost: $400-600 annually
This approach prevents the buildup that leads to expensive problems. I’ve seen Dallas homes go 5+ years without cleaning, requiring $800-1,200 restoration work that twice-yearly maintenance would have prevented.
Pro Tip: Schedule your spring cleaning for late April/early May, after the worst pollen but before summer heat makes outdoor work uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does janitorial services cost compared to power washing?
Commercial janitorial services in Dallas typically cost $0.05-0.15 per square foot for regular cleaning, while power washing costs $0.08-0.20 per square foot but only 1-2 times annually. For a 2,000 sq ft home exterior, expect $160-400 for power washing versus $100-300 monthly for interior janitorial services. The key difference is frequency—power washing is seasonal maintenance while janitorial services are ongoing expenses.
How much does a weekly cleaning service cost?
Weekly interior cleaning services in Dallas range from $120-200 per visit for average homes, totaling $6,240-10,400 annually. This differs significantly from exterior power washing, which costs $200-500 per session but only needs doing twice yearly. Many homeowners budget $300-600 annually for power washing while spending $4,000-8,000 on weekly interior cleaning services.
How much does it cost to deep clean a house?
Deep cleaning a Dallas home’s exterior through power washing costs $250-500 depending on size and condition. This includes removing years of dirt, pollen, and mildew buildup. Interior deep cleaning costs $200-400 but addresses different issues like carpet cleaning and detailed sanitization. Exterior deep cleaning takes 4-6 hours and should be done seasonally, while interior deep cleaning is typically annual.
What is the average cost per hour for house cleaning?
Power washing professionals in Dallas charge $23-39 per hour, with an average of $31 per hour. This rate includes equipment, insurance, and expertise in handling different surfaces safely. Interior house cleaning services typically charge $25-45 per hour, but the work scope differs completely. Power washing focuses on exterior surfaces and requires specialized equipment, while interior cleaning uses different tools and techniques entirely.
Understanding these costs helps you budget appropriately for both interior and exterior home maintenance. The key is recognizing that while the hourly rates seem similar, power washing is infrequent but intensive work, while interior cleaning is regular but less specialized.
Remember, quality power washing protects your home’s exterior and maintains property values—especially important in Dallas’s competitive real estate market. Whether you choose DIY maintenance with professional seasonal cleaning or full-service professional care, regular exterior cleaning is an investment in your home’s longevity and appearance.
For related services, consider coordinating with handyman services for minor repairs before cleaning, or hvac technician services for exterior unit maintenance. If you’re comparing regional pricing, check out Fort Worth power washing costs for nearby market rates.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.