Most Fort Worth homeowners are shocked to learn that while power washing workers earn $15.45 per hour, you’ll pay $23-39 per hour for the service. Here’s why that gap exists and what you should actually expect to pay for power washing your home in 2026.
The price difference isn’t markup for profit’s sake. When you hire a power washing company, that hourly rate covers commercial insurance, business licensing, professional-grade equipment that costs $3,000-15,000, vehicle expenses, and overhead costs that can eat up 40% of revenue before the business owner sees a dime.
Understanding real power washing costs helps you budget correctly and avoid contractors who either lowball to get the job (then cut corners) or overcharge because they think you don’t know better.
Power Washing Cost Per Hour Breakdown
In Fort Worth’s competitive market, hourly rates vary based on the type of work and company size. Here’s what you’ll actually pay:
| Service Type | Low Rate | Average | High Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic house wash | $23.18 | $28.50 | $35.00 |
| Concrete cleaning | $25.00 | $30.90 | $40.00 |
| Deck restoration | $30.00 | $35.00 | $45.00 |
| Commercial work | $35.00 | $42.00 | $50.00 |
Most residential jobs in neighborhoods like Ridglea Hills or Ryan Place take 2-4 hours depending on home size and grime level. A typical 2,000 square foot house wash runs $150-280 total.
The lowest rates often come from solo operators with minimal insurance. Mid-range pricing usually indicates established local companies. Premium rates might include additional services like soft washing or specialized treatments.
Siding Power Washing Cost Details
Different siding materials require different approaches and pricing. Here’s what Fort Worth homeowners pay based on siding type:
| Siding Material | Cost per Sq Ft | Typical Home Cost | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding | $0.08-0.15 | $160-300 | Standard pressure OK |
| Brick | $0.10-0.18 | $200-360 | Lower pressure needed |
| Stucco | $0.12-0.20 | $240-400 | Soft wash only |
| Wood siding | $0.15-0.25 | $300-500 | Careful pressure control |
Brick homes are extremely common in established Fort Worth neighborhoods like Monticello and Forest Hill. The porous nature of brick means it holds onto dirt and mildew, especially on north-facing walls that don’t get direct sunlight. This often requires pre-treatment chemicals, adding $50-100 to the total cost.
Stucco requires the most careful approach. Too much pressure can damage the surface, leading to expensive repairs. Always verify your contractor has experience with stucco before hiring.
What to Expect During Service
Professional power washing involves more than just spraying water at your house. Here’s the actual process:
Preparation (30-45 minutes): Contractor covers plants, outdoor furniture, and electrical fixtures. Windows get taped if using strong chemicals.
Pre-treatment (15-30 minutes): Heavily soiled areas get treated with cleaning solutions. This step separates good contractors from mediocre ones.
Washing (1-3 hours): Systematic cleaning from bottom to top, working in sections. Professional contractors maintain consistent distance and pressure.
Final rinse and cleanup (20-30 minutes): Thorough rinse to remove all cleaning residue, followed by removal of protective coverings.
Total time for a typical Fort Worth home: 2.5-4.5 hours. Contractors who promise to finish a full house wash in under 2 hours are likely rushing and won’t deliver quality results.
Insurance, Warranties, and Guarantees
Texas doesn’t require power washing contractors to carry specific insurance, but you should never hire someone without proper coverage. Minimum acceptable coverage includes:
- General liability: $1 million minimum
- Workers compensation (if they have employees)
- Commercial vehicle insurance
Reputable Fort Worth contractors offer satisfaction guarantees. Typical warranty terms:
- 7-day callback guarantee: Free return if you spot missed areas
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee: Full refund if completely unsatisfied
- Damage protection: Coverage for any property damage during service
Red flag: Contractors who can’t provide proof of insurance or refuse to guarantee their work. This business has too many fly-by-night operators who disappear after taking your money.
Hidden Costs and Surprise Fees
Watch out for these common add-on charges that inflate your final bill:
Setup fees: Some companies charge $25-50 just to bring equipment to your property. This should be included in the base price.
Chemical surcharges: Legitimate for heavily stained surfaces, but shouldn’t exceed $30-50 for typical residential jobs.
Travel fees: Reasonable for rural areas outside Fort Worth, but shouldn’t apply within the city limits or close suburbs like Benbrook or White Settlement.
Minimum service charges: Some companies require minimum $200-300 jobs. Know this upfront.
Post-cleaning sealing: Useful for decks and driveways but should be quoted separately, not sprung on you during service.
Get everything in writing before work starts. Verbal estimates mean nothing if disputes arise.
How to Choose the Right Professional
Start with these non-negotiables:
- Valid Texas business license
- Current insurance certificates
- Local references from recent customers
- Written estimates with specific scope of work
Beyond the basics, look for contractors who:
- Ask about your specific concerns and problem areas
- Explain their cleaning process and chemical choices
- Offer to show you similar completed projects
- Provide realistic timeframes (beware of same-day availability promises)
Avoid contractors who:
- Knock on your door offering immediate service
- Quote prices without seeing the property
- Demand full payment upfront
- Can’t provide local customer references
For complex projects involving garage door technician services or gutter contractor services, coordinate timing to maximize efficiency and potentially negotiate package pricing.
Quality Indicators and Warning Signs
Signs of a quality contractor:
- Arrives with professional-grade equipment (not just a consumer pressure washer)
- Takes time to adjust pressure for different surfaces
- Uses appropriate cleaning chemicals for specific stains
- Protects landscaping and outdoor fixtures
- Cleans up completely before leaving
Major warning signs:
- Using maximum pressure on all surfaces
- Skipping pre-treatment on obviously stained areas
- Leaving streaks or missed spots
- Damaging plants or property through carelessness
- Rushing through the job to get to the next appointment
Quality work takes time. A contractor who finishes suspiciously quickly either has a huge crew (unlikely for residential jobs) or cut corners.
The difference between a $200 rush job and a $350 professional cleaning becomes obvious within weeks. Proper cleaning lasts 12-18 months; hasty work might look good for a month before problems reappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does janitorial services cost compared to power washing?
While janitorial services for commercial properties in Fort Worth typically run $0.05-0.20 per square foot monthly, power washing is a one-time service costing $0.08-0.25 per square foot. The services complement each other but serve different purposes. Power washing handles exterior deep cleaning that janitorial services don’t cover, like removing mildew, oxidation, and embedded dirt from siding, driveways, and outdoor surfaces. Most homeowners need power washing annually or bi-annually, while commercial janitorial services are ongoing.
How much does a weekly cleaning service cost versus annual power washing?
Weekly residential cleaning in Fort Worth costs $80-150 per visit ($4,000-7,800 annually), while power washing typically costs $200-500 once or twice per year. These services target different needs - interior cleaning maintains daily livability while power washing preserves your home’s exterior and curb appeal. Many homeowners invest in both: regular interior cleaning for comfort and annual power washing for property maintenance. The power washing investment often pays for itself by preventing costly siding replacement or deck refinishing.
What is the average price per hour for house cleaning versus power washing?
House cleaning services in Fort Worth charge $25-45 per hour, while power washing runs $23-39 per hour. However, power washing typically requires fewer total hours annually. A weekly house cleaner might work 2-3 hours per visit (100+ hours yearly), while power washing your entire property takes 3-6 hours once or twice per year. Power washing is more physically intensive and requires specialized equipment, but the total annual investment is usually much lower than regular house cleaning services.
How much to charge for pressure washing a deck?
Fort Worth deck pressure washing costs $150-400 depending on size, condition, and materials. A typical 12x16 deck runs $200-280. Composite decking requires gentler pressure and costs $0.15-0.25 per square foot, while treated lumber runs $0.10-0.18 per square foot. Add $50-100 for heavily stained decks needing pre-treatment. If your deck hasn’t been cleaned in over two years or has significant mildew buildup, expect prices at the higher end. Many contractors offer package deals when combining deck washing with real estate appraiser services preparation.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.