Starting a pressure washing business requires an LLC ($50-300), general liability insurance ($500-1,200/year), and a gas-powered pressure washer with surface cleaner ($700-1,200) - you can launch in 48 hours and earn $250-400 per job with 60-80% profit margins. Set up a Google Business Profile for free local visibility, use the "5-Around" door hanger strategy after each job to generate referrals, and charge $0.15-0.40 per square foot depending on surface type with a $150-250 minimum trip charge.
You can start a pressure washing business in 48 hours for less than $1,000:
- File an LLC
- Get insurance
- Buy a gas-powered pressure washer with a surface cleaner
- Set up a basic website
- Start marketing to neighbors
You'll make $250-400 per job. You keep 60-80% as profit. You could earn $150,000 per year once you get steady work.
The work is physical. You risk being responsible for damaging property. Winter shuts you down in cold places. But it's cheap to start, and you keep most of what you earn.
Is a pressure washing business profitable?
Yes. But the money depends on how many jobs you can do.
A typical home pressure washing job pays $250-400. It takes 2-4 hours once you know what you're doing. If you work full-time, you can do 2-3 jobs per day. That's $500-1,200 per day. That's roughly $10,000-20,000 per month during busy season.
Profit in pressure washing is high. Your main costs are water (almost free) and cleaning chemicals (maybe $10-20 per job). You keep 60-80% of each job as profit. On a $300 job, you keep $180-240.
If you're exploring small business ideas that don't require massive upfront investment, pressure washing checks every box. And according to data from Grand View Research, the pressure washing industry is growing at 4.2% per year. More people want property care services.
Here's how much money you can make at different work levels of pressure washing:
Scenario | Jobs per week | Average job price | Monthly income | Yearly income (8 months) | Yearly profit (keeping 70%) |
Weekend side job | 4 | $300 | $4,800 | $38,400 | $26,880 |
Part-time (3 days/week) | 9 | $300 | $10,800 | $86,400 | $60,480 |
Full-time | 15 | $350 | $21,000 | $168,000 | $117,600 |
The "8 months" number matters because of seasons. If you're in Minnesota or Michigan, you can't work November through March. Southern states like Texas or Florida can work all year.
Some pressure washer business owners offset the slow season by adding complementary services like landscaping, which shares a similar customer base.
Plan your money carefully.
Commercial vs. residential work
Home jobs (houses, driveways) pay less per job. But you can find them easily. Business contracts (apartment buildings, shopping centers) pay more. They give you steady income. But they're harder to get when you're starting out.
Most new pressure washing businesses start with home jobs. Then they add business clients once they build a good name. Some pressure washers even expand into related services like car detailing, which uses similar equipment and customer base.
Monthly costs
When you start a pressure washing business, you have startup costs like equipment (more on that in Phase 2). But your regular monthly costs will always include insurance ($500-1,200/year). You'll pay for vehicle gas ($200-400/month). You need software for invoices and schedules ($20-50/month). You'll spend money on marketing (start with $100/month for Google ads). Add it up and you're looking at around $1,000-2,000 per month in fixed costs.
Phase 1: How to start a pressure washing business with quick legal and admin
The legal setup takes about 4 hours. The goal is to look professional from day one. You also need to protect yourself.
Choose your business type
Set up an LLC (Limited Liability Company) when you start a pressure washing business. It costs $50-300 based on your state. It takes 10 minutes to file online through your state's business site.
An LLC separates your personal money from your business. This matters when you're shooting 3,000 PSI of water at expensive property. If something goes wrong, they can sue your business. They can't take your house.
A sole proprietorship is cheaper (sometimes free). But it offers zero legal protection. Don't skip the LLC.
Get your EIN
An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business. You need it to open a business bank account. You need it to file taxes correctly. The IRS gives you one for free in about 10 minutes. Just have your LLC paperwork ready before you start.
Get the right licenses
Most cities require a general business license. It costs $50-200. You can get it through your local city hall or county clerk's office. Check your city's website or call them directly.
Some places also require permits for the environment. This is because of wastewater rules. According to the EPA's stormwater rules, you may need permits if you wash large business properties. The dirty water goes into storm drains. For home work, rules are usually lighter. But always check your local rules.
Get insurance (you must do this)
You need two types of insurance right away.
General Liability Insurance covers property damage and injuries. If you crack someone's vinyl siding, you're covered. If a client slips on your wet driveway, you're covered. Expect to pay $500-1,200 per year for $1-2 million in coverage.
You also need Care, Custody, and Control coverage. This protects property you're working on.
Some policies bundle these together. Get quotes from Next Insurance or Hiscox. Both handle small service businesses.
Set up your business bank account
Open a separate business checking account the day you get your EIN. Never mix personal and business money. It makes taxes hard. It destroys your LLC protection if someone sues you.
Most banks offer free business checking for companies with few transactions. Bring your LLC papers and EIN letter.
Get your business online
You need a website right away. You need a way to send invoices. You need a system to track customers. This used to mean paying a web designer $2,000. You had to subscribe to three different software tools. Now you can use AI website builders from Durable.. They make a professional website in minutes. You get built-in tools for invoices and customer management at the same time.
Either way, get your online presence live before you start marketing. Looking professional from day one matters. This is true even if pressure washing is your side job and not your full-time work yet.
Phase 2: Build your pressure washing business equipment setup (budget vs. pro)
When you start a pressure washing business, your equipment decides how fast you work. This directly impacts how much money you make.
A budget setup gets you started for under $1,000. But you'll work slower. A pro setup costs $5,000+. You'll finish jobs in half the time. You can handle harder work.
Both can be profitable. Pick based on your actual cash. Don't pick based on what you wish you had.
The "weekend warrior" setup (<$1,000)
This setup works for home driveways, patios, and house washing. You'll work slower than pros. But you can still charge good rates and deliver good results.
Pressure washer ($400-600): Get a gas-powered unit with 2.5-3.5 GPM (gallons per minute) and 2,500-3,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). GPM matters more than PSI for speed. A 3 GPM machine cleans roughly 50% faster than a 2 GPM unit. This is because you're moving more water. Brands like Simpson or DeWalt make solid entry-level units. Never buy electric units from big box stores for business work. The plastic pumps fail within weeks of daily use.
High-pressure hose ($50-100): Get at least 100 feet of commercial-grade hose. It should be rated for your pressure washer's PSI. You need length to reach second-story siding. You need it to reach the far side of properties. You don't want to move your setup constantly.
Downstream injector ($15-30): This attaches to your pressure washer. It mixes cleaning chemicals with your water at low pressure. You need it for house washing. You apply cleaning solution before rinsing. According to guidance from professional equipment suppliers, downstream injection is the safest method for using chemicals. It only works at low pressure. This reduces the risk of forcing chemicals behind siding.
Surface cleaner ($100-200): This is a rotating tool that cleans flat surfaces. It works on driveways, sidewalks, and patios. It cleans about 5x faster than a regular wand. Get one rated for your GPM. Without this, driveway jobs will take you 3-4 hours instead of 45 minutes.
Cleaning chemicals ($50): Start with basic sodium hypochlorite (pool chlorine) for organic stain removal. Get a simple degreaser. You can buy commercial cleaning solutions made for pressure washing. But start your pressure washing business simple until you understand what you need for different jobs.
Extension wand ($40-80): A telescoping wand lets you reach second-story gutters or high siding from the ground. You don't need to climb ladders. This is both faster and safer.
Total: ~$700-1,200
The "pro grade" setup ($5,000+)
This setup lets you work faster. You can take on business jobs. You can handle properties that need soft washing (low pressure with chemicals) in addition to pressure washing.
Commercial pressure washer ($2,500-4,000): Get a belt drive or gear drive unit with 5-8 GPM. These machines run cooler. They last years longer. They clean faster than entry-level units. Brands like General Pump or CAT Pumps are industry standards. The extra GPM means a job that takes you 2 hours with a budget setup takes 45 minutes with this.
Buffer tank ($200-400): A 50-100 gallon tank stores water on your trailer. Many homes have slow outdoor spigots (2-3 GPM). They can't keep up with your 5-8 GPM machine. The buffer tank prevents your pump from running dry. It prevents your pump from destroying itself. It also lets you work at properties with hard water access.
Trailer or truck mount ($800-2,000): Mount your equipment on a trailer (if you have a truck) or in a pickup bed. This keeps everything organized. It looks professional. It protects your equipment. Business clients care about how you look.
Proportioner system ($150-300): This advanced chemical system gives you exact control over chemical ratios. You need it for soft washing. Soft washing means cleaning roofs, vinyl siding, and wood. You use strong chemicals at low pressure. You don't blast with high pressure.
Professional surface cleaner ($400-700): Get a stainless steel unit rated for your high GPM. These clean faster. They last longer. They handle business jobs that cheaper units can't.
Upgraded hoses and reels ($300-500): Commercial hoses rated for continuous use. Add hose reels that let you work efficiently without tangling.
Multiple wands and attachments ($200-400): Different nozzles, specialty attachments, and extension equipment for various surfaces and heights.
Total: ~$5,000-10,000+
The "don't buy this" list
Equipment to avoid:
- Home-grade electric units sold at big box stores – plastic pumps fail fast under business use
- Off-brand pressure washers from Amazon – they break constantly and replacement parts don't exist
- "All-in-one" packages that bundle cheap accessories – you'll replace everything within a month
- Homeowner-grade surface cleaner for business work – they're designed for once-a-year use, not daily work
Phase 3: Set your pricing for your pressure washing business
Pricing strategy is critical when you start a pressure washing business. Charge too little and you're working for minimum wage.
Most pressure washing companies charge by square footage. It's predictable and fair. The formula is simple. Measure the area. Multiply by your rate. Add your costs. Include your profit.
Standard pricing method
Charge per square foot based on the type of work. Typical ranges according to pricing data from service sites like Angi:
Service | Price per sq ft | Average job |
House washing | $0.15-0.25 | $225-400 (1,500-2,000 sq ft) |
Driveway/concrete | $0.20-0.30 | $100-300 (500-1,000 sq ft) |
Deck/wood surfaces | $0.30-0.40 | $180-350 (600-900 sq ft) |
Roof cleaning | $0.35-0.60 | $400-800 (depends on pitch) |
Adjust these rates based on your market. City areas with higher costs of living can support higher prices. Rural areas run 20-30% lower. Check what competitors charge. Call 3-4 local companies as a mystery shopper.
The minimum trip charge
Never start your truck for less than $150. Small jobs (like a front porch) might only take 20 minutes. But you still drove there. You set up equipment. You cleaned up. A minimum charge covers your time and costs.
Most established pressure washing companies use $150-250 minimums.
How to estimate remotely
Use Google Earth to measure driveways and roofs before you drive to the property. Zoom in on the satellite view. Use the measurement tool to trace the area. You'll get square footage within 5-10% accuracy.
This lets you give accurate quotes over the phone. This books jobs faster. For house washing, you can estimate square footage by multiplying the home's length and width. Then double it (to account for front and back).
Pricing formula
(Square Footage × Your Rate) + Trip Charge + Extra Factors = Quote
Extra factors include:
- Two-story homes (add 30-50% for extra time and difficulty)
- Heavy staining or mold (add 20-30%)
- Hard access (steep slopes, fenced yards, delicate landscaping)
- Distance traveled (add fuel costs for jobs over 30 minutes away)
Pricing mistakes to avoid
Don't underprice hard jobs just to win the work. A two-story house with 15 bushes around it takes triple the time of a simple ranch house. Add in stained vinyl siding. Experienced workers learn to spot these details during initial walkthroughs.
Also, don't give one price for "the whole property." Break down your quote (driveway: $200, house: $300, deck: $150). This way clients can pick what they want done.
When you send quotes, use your invoicing software to make professional estimates. Tools built into platforms like Durable can create itemized quotes. Customers can approve them digitally. This looks more professional than a handwritten estimate. It helps you close jobs faster.
Phase 4: Get your first 5 pressure washing clients
When you start a pressure washing business, your first customers come from local visibility. Don't spend on expensive advertising. Focus on free marketing that builds trust with nearby property owners.
Google Business Profile (do this first)
Create your free Google Business Profile right away. This is how people find local service businesses. When someone searches "pressure washing near me," Google shows a map with local businesses. This is called "local SEO." If you're not on that map, you're invisible.
Once you're established, affordable SEO services can help you rank higher than competing pressure washing businesses without breaking your budget.
Add photos of your work to your profile. Add your service area, phone number, and hours. Ask every customer to leave a review. Even 3-5 reviews puts you ahead of businesses with zero.
The "5-Around" strategy
This is the fastest way to get referrals. After you finish a job, print 5 simple door hangers. They should say "Hi neighbor – I just cleaned [address] down the street. Here's the before/after photo. Call me if you want your driveway to look like this."
Leave these on the 5 nearest houses. People see their neighbor's clean driveway. They immediately notice how dirty their own looks. You're physically in the neighborhood. You've proven your work. There's social proof (their neighbor hired you).
5 is a good number because it makes it look like you chose those houses specifically. You didn’t just print 100 flyers and spam the neighborhood. You’re more likely to get business by targeting a few houses that could truly benefit from your service.
Before and after photos
Take photos of every job. Take one before you start. Take one after you finish. These photos are your entire marketing strategy.
Post them to your Google Business Profile. Share them in local Facebook groups. Use them in door hangers. Show them when quoting new jobs. Dirty-to-clean changes are satisfying. They prove you deliver results.
Local Facebook groups
Join neighborhood groups. Join HOA pages. Join "buy/sell/trade" groups for your city. Don't spam them with ads. Instead post helpful content with your before/after photos. Something like: "Just helped a neighbor on Oak Street with their concrete driveway. The difference is wild. If your driveway is looking rough, I'm booking jobs for next week." Include the photo.
This doesn't feel like advertising. You're documenting real work you did locally.
A simple website
If you didn't do this in Phase 1, do it now. You need a simple, fast website. People should be able to see your services. They should view your work. They should contact you. It doesn't need to be fancy. But it needs to exist. It needs to load quickly on phones. Most people will check your website before calling. No website makes you look like you're not a real business.
If you want to get online fast without hiring a designer, AI website building tools like Durable can make a professional site in minutes. You can also use Durable’s free AI design generator (Studio) to create logo, social media posts, flyers, and other marketing materials.
Or hire freelancers if you prefer custom work. Either way, get something live now.
Marketing timeline
- Week 1: Set up Google Business Profile, take first job photos, print door hangers
- Week 2: Post in Facebook groups, drop door hangers after every job
- Week 3: Ask first customers for Google reviews
- Week 4: Start tracking which marketing brings the most leads
Once you've got steady work from free methods, you can add paid advertising. Google Local Services Ads work well for home services. You only pay when someone contacts you. But start your pressure washing business with “free” marketing.
Prove the business works. Then add paid marketing.
Automate some of your marketing
An AI business tool like Durable can automate marketing work beyond just designing graphics for your website. It can draft Google ad copy, Instagram captions, and email follow-ups based on your services and location, and more. You just give subject matter expertise and final approval.
Critical safety: How to avoid property damage when you own a pressure washing bu
Property damage is the fastest way to destroy your reputation. It leads to expensive insurance claims. Most damage happens because new workers think "more pressure equals better cleaning." That's wrong. It's costly.
Avoid high pressure (when you can)
You almost never need maximum PSI. Vinyl siding, wood decks, and roofs should never see high pressure. It strips paint. It creates oxidation (chalky white residue on siding). It removes protective granules from shingles. It forces water behind siding where it causes mold.
According to OSHA ladder safety guidelines, working from ladders while using pressure equipment increases fall risk. The professional approach is soft washing. Use strong cleaning chemicals at low pressure. Apply them from the ground using downstreaming equipment.
Know which surfaces can handle high pressure
Concrete driveways can handle 2,500-3,000 PSI. So can sidewalks, unpainted brick, and stone patios. Even then, use a surface cleaner attachment instead of a wand. This avoids creating "tiger stripes" (uneven cleaning marks).
Keep plants safe from chemicals
Sodium hypochlorite (the active ingredient in bleach) is your main cleaning chemical. It kills mold, mildew, and organic stains without high pressure. But it will also kill plants. Before soft washing, pre-soak all plants and landscaping with plain water from a garden hose. This dilutes any chemical overspray. After you finish, rinse plants thoroughly. Better yet, cover delicate plants with plastic sheeting before you start.
Use soft washing for vertical surfaces
Soft washing means applying cleaning solution at low pressure (under 500 PSI, often just 60-100 PSI). You typically have to let it sit for a few minutes to break down dirt. Then rinse with low-to-medium pressure.
This approach cleans better. It lasts longer (3-5 years versus 6-12 months for pressure washing). It carries almost zero damage risk. Use soft washing for all vertical surfaces: house siding, fences, roofs, painted surfaces.
Stay on the ground
Experienced workers rarely use ladders. Extension wands and telescoping poles let you reach second-story siding. They let you reach gutters and even low-pitch roofs from ground level.
If you must use a ladder, never use the pressure wand while climbing. Set up the ladder. Climb up. Then have someone hand you the wand. Always follow OSHA's ladder safety requirements. Secure the base. Keep three points of contact. Extend the ladder at least 3 feet above the roof line.
Professional pressure washers know when to use low pressure with chemicals. They don't blast everything with high pressure. That knowledge – not equipment – separates the amateurs.
FAQs on how to start a pressure washing business
Do I need experience to start a pressure washing business?
No formal experience is required to start a pressure washing business. But practice on your own house first. Spend a weekend testing your equipment on different surfaces. Try concrete, vinyl siding, and wood. Learn how they react. Watch YouTube videos from established pressure washing companies to see proper techniques. The technical skills are straightforward. The business skills (pricing, customer service, marketing) matter more.
Can I start part-time?
Yes, you can start your pressure washing business part-time. Weekends are prime time for home work. Homeowners are home and available. Many successful pressure washing businesses started as weekend side jobs. They transitioned to full-time later. You can easily do 4-6 jobs per weekend. This makes $1,000-2,400 while you keep your regular job.
How long until my pressure washing business is profitable?
Most pressure washing businesses are profitable from the first job. Your setup costs ($700-$1,000 for budget equipment, $5,000+ for pro gear) get recovered within the first 3-10 jobs. After that, each job is highly profitable. Your costs per job are minimal – just fuel, chemicals, and time.
Should I focus on business clients or home clients?
Start your pressure washing business with home work. It's easier to find and quote. Once you've done 20-30 houses and built a portfolio, approach business property managers. Business work pays more per job. It provides steadier income (monthly contracts). But they demand proof you're reliable, insured, and experienced.
Your first $300 job is 2 days away
The 48-hour timeline isn't wishful thinking. It's the path thousands of service business owners have followed to replace their income or build a profitable side job. Now that you know how to start a pressure washing business, the only question is whether you'll act on it.
What separates businesses that launch from those that stay ideas? Having your professional foundation ready before you knock on that first door.
Durable gets you there in minutes, not months. Make a polished website. Set up invoicing for those $300 driveway jobs. Manage your growing customer list. All from one AI platform built for service businesses like yours. While other new business owners struggle with separate tools for every task, you'll look established from day one.
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