San Francisco’s unique climate creates specific challenges for pressure washing house cost planning. Our consistent fog, salt air from the bay, and year-round mild temperatures mean your home accumulates grime differently than inland cities. The marine layer deposits salt residue, while our famous fog creates perfect conditions for mildew growth on north-facing surfaces.
Here’s the reality: you’ll pay $37.61 to $62.68 per hour for professional pressure washing, with most quality contractors charging around $50.14 per hour. These rates reflect San Francisco’s high cost of doing business – licensing fees, insurance, and equipment costs that come with operating in one of America’s most expensive cities.
What to Expect During the Service Process
Professional pressure washing starts with a thorough assessment. Your contractor should walk around your property, noting problem areas, delicate surfaces, and potential complications. In neighborhoods like Pacific Heights or Russian Hill, they’ll pay special attention to historic siding and architectural details that require gentler cleaning methods.
The actual cleaning process typically takes 3-6 hours for an average San Francisco home. Contractors will pre-treat stained areas, protect landscaping and windows, then systematically clean from top to bottom. They’ll adjust pressure settings for different surfaces – wood siding gets 1,200-1,500 PSI while concrete can handle 2,500-3,000 PSI.
Here’s what the timeline looks like:
| Service Phase | Duration | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | 15-30 minutes | Surface inspection, pressure testing |
| Setup | 30-45 minutes | Equipment positioning, area protection |
| Cleaning | 2-4 hours | Actual washing, spot treatment |
| Final inspection | 15-30 minutes | Quality check, cleanup |
Quality contractors include cleanup in their base rate. They’ll collect debris, rinse landscaping, and ensure no cleaning solutions remain on surfaces. Some may apply protective sealers for an additional $0.50-$1.50 per square foot.
How Much Does Janitorial Services Cost vs Pressure Washing
Many homeowners confuse pressure washing with regular cleaning services, but they’re completely different. Janitorial services focus on interior cleaning and cost $25-45 per hour in San Francisco. Pressure washing requires specialized equipment, higher insurance coverage, and different expertise.
Pressure washing contractors invest $15,000-$30,000 in professional equipment. They carry specialized liability insurance because high-pressure water can damage property if used incorrectly. This is why you’re paying $37-63 per hour instead of standard cleaning rates.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows pressure washing workers earn $25.07 per hour in San Francisco. You pay more because that rate includes:
- Business overhead (insurance, licensing, equipment maintenance)
- Commercial vehicle costs and fuel
- Administrative expenses and scheduling
- Company profit margins
- Employer-paid taxes and worker compensation
Biweekly House Cleaning Cost Comparison
If you’re considering regular maintenance, biweekly house cleaning cost runs $150-300 per visit for interior cleaning. Pressure washing is different – it’s typically done 1-2 times per year at $300-800 per session.
Annual maintenance costs break down like this:
| Service Type | Frequency | Cost Per Visit | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior cleaning | Biweekly (26x) | $150-300 | $3,900-7,800 |
| Pressure washing | 1-2x annually | $300-800 | $300-1,600 |
| Combined approach | As scheduled | Varies | $4,200-9,400 |
Most Richmond and Sunset district homeowners find annual pressure washing plus quarterly interior deep cleaning gives the best value for maintaining their property.
Best Timing and Seasonal Considerations
San Francisco’s mild climate means you can pressure wash year-round, but timing affects both availability and pressure washing siding cost. Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions and competitive pricing.
Peak Season (April-September):
- Ideal weather conditions
- Higher demand means premium pricing
- Book 2-3 weeks ahead
- Expect to pay full rates ($50-63/hour)
Off-Season (October-March):
- Contractors offer 10-15% discounts
- Faster scheduling (3-7 days notice)
- Weather delays possible but minimal
- Rain can affect scheduling but not significantly
Our Mediterranean climate means there’s no “bad” time for pressure washing. Even winter temperatures rarely drop below 45°F, and contractors work through light rain. However, avoid scheduling during heavy storm periods (typically December-February).
Emergency vs Scheduled Service Pricing
Emergency pressure washing – needed for events, real estate showings, or sudden staining – costs 25-50% more than scheduled service. If you need same-day or next-day service, expect to pay $47-94 per hour instead of standard rates.
Scheduled maintenance offers the best value. Contractors provide:
- Standard hourly rates
- Flexible timing options
- Bundled service discounts
- Priority booking for future services
Plan ahead, especially if you’re preparing for solar installer services or need your property cleaned before other contractors arrive.
Choosing the Right Professional
San Francisco requires contractors to be licensed and insured. Always verify:
- California contractor’s license
- General liability insurance ($1 million minimum)
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- Business license in San Francisco
Get quotes from 3-4 contractors. Legitimate professionals will provide written estimates detailing:
- Square footage calculations
- Hourly rates or flat fees
- Additional services and costs
- Timeline and weather contingencies
Avoid contractors who:
- Quote significantly below $35/hour
- Request full payment upfront
- Can’t provide insurance certificates
- Won’t put estimates in writing
For complex jobs involving multiple building types or commercial properties, consider professionals who also handle accountant services for proper documentation and billing.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
“What’s your experience with San Francisco’s specific challenges?” Fog, salt air, and our unique architecture require local knowledge. Contractors should understand how marine air affects different siding materials.
“Do you adjust pressure for different surfaces?” Cookie-cutter approaches damage property. Professional contractors use variable pressure settings and different nozzles for various materials.
“What’s included in cleanup?” Some contractors leave debris and don’t properly rinse plants. Full-service providers handle complete cleanup as part of their standard rate.
“How do you protect landscaping and windows?” High-pressure water and cleaning solutions can damage plants and force water past window seals. Proper contractors pre-wet plants and cover sensitive areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to deep clean a house exterior with pressure washing?
Deep cleaning a San Francisco house exterior costs $400-1,200 depending on size and condition. A typical 1,500 square foot home takes 4-6 hours at $50/hour, totaling $200-300 in labor. Add $100-200 for specialized cleaning solutions, equipment transport, and setup time. Homes with heavy mildew, salt buildup, or multiple siding types require additional time and specialized treatments, pushing costs toward the higher end of the range.
What is the average cost per hour for house cleaning vs pressure washing?
Interior house cleaning averages $25-45 per hour in San Francisco, while pressure washing runs $37.61-$62.68 per hour. The difference reflects specialized equipment costs, higher insurance requirements, and outdoor working conditions. Pressure washing contractors invest significantly more in equipment and carry specialized liability coverage. Interior cleaners work with basic supplies, while pressure washing requires commercial-grade equipment, water reclamation systems, and different safety protocols that justify the higher hourly rates.
How much to charge for pressure washing a deck?
Deck pressure washing costs $150-400 in San Francisco depending on size, wood type, and condition. Most contractors charge $2-4 per square foot for deck cleaning, with additional fees for staining or sealing. A typical 200 square foot deck takes 2-3 hours including setup and cleanup. Redwood decks common in San Francisco require gentler pressure settings and specialized cleaners, while composite decking handles standard pressure washing. Factor in $50-100 extra for heavily stained decks requiring pre-treatment.
How much does Molly Maids cost compared to pressure washing services?
Molly Maids charges $120-280 for interior house cleaning visits in San Francisco, focusing on indoor spaces only. Pressure washing services cost $300-800 per visit but clean exterior surfaces that interior services don’t touch. These are complementary services, not alternatives. Many homeowners use both – interior cleaning services like Molly Maids for regular maintenance, and pressure washing 1-2 times annually for exterior deep cleaning. The combined approach maintains both indoor and outdoor spaces effectively.
If you’re planning exterior improvements or need coordinating services, many homeowners also utilize storage units services during major cleaning projects to protect outdoor furniture and equipment.
Understanding pressure washing house cost in San Francisco means recognizing our unique environmental factors and local market conditions. Quality contractors charging $37-63 per hour provide professional results that protect your investment and maintain your property’s value in one of America’s most competitive real estate markets.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.