How to Start a Pressure Washing Business: A Low-Cost Side Hustle That Pays Well

Pressure washing is one of those side hustles that doesn’t get talked about enough online, probably because it’s not glamorous. But it’s real, local, in consistent demand, and pays surprisingly well for the work involved.

Here’s how to start one for under $500 and build it into a legitimate part-time income.

Why Pressure Washing Works as a Side Hustle

Demand is straightforward: driveways get dirty, decks get grimy, vinyl siding collects mildew, and roofs develop dark streaks from algae. Homeowners know they need it done but either don’t want to do it themselves or don’t own the equipment.

The equipment cost is reasonable for what it enables. A good pressure washer earns its cost back in a handful of jobs. And once you have it, each job has very low variable cost (water, cleaning solution, your time).

Pricing for pressure washing runs $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot depending on surface type and soiling, or $50 to $150 per hour for standard residential work. A 3-hour driveway and house washing job typically earns $200 to $350.

Equipment You’ll Need

Pressure washer: The most important investment. For residential work, a gas-powered unit (2,500 to 4,000 PSI) is far more capable than electric. Sun Joe and Simpson make reliable entry-level gas models. A capable unit runs $350 to $700 new. Consider a used unit from Facebook Marketplace to reduce startup cost.

Surface cleaner attachment: A spinning cleaning head that attaches to your pressure washer. Makes flat surface cleaning (driveways, patios) much faster and leaves uniform results. Costs $40 to $100.

Extension wand: Extends your reach for gutters, second-story siding, and areas you can’t easily reach. $30 to $60.

Downstream injector: Allows you to apply cleaning solutions (soap, bleach for soft washing) through your pressure washer. Essential for house washing. Usually included with commercial-grade units, or purchasable for $20 to $40.

Cleaning solutions: Simple Green, Purple Power, or commercial deck cleaner for most surfaces. A diluted bleach solution for house washing and roof cleaning (soft washing). Budget $30 to $50 per month for supplies once you’re operating.

Pricing Your Services

Standard residential pricing in most markets:

• Driveway (standard 2-car): $100 to $200

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• House wash (exterior only, standard size): $200 to $400
• Deck or patio: $100 to $250
• Fence: $80 to $150
• Roof soft wash: $300 to $600
• Concrete patios: $80 to $150

Bundle jobs. “Driveway + house wash” package at $350 to $500 is an easy upsell. Many customers are happy to bundle when you mention the combination pricing.

How to Get Your First Customers

Drive your neighborhood and look for dirty driveways, grimy siding, or green algae on roofs. These homeowners need exactly what you offer.

Tactics that work quickly:

Door-to-door flyers: Walk through neighborhoods and leave door hangers or flyers. Include a before/after photo (even from your own property) and a clear price list. A few dozen flyers can generate 2 to 5 calls.

Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor: Post your services with photos and a description of what you offer. “Pressure washing starting at $99, driveways, decks, and house washing” with a few good photos gets responses in most neighborhoods.

Before-and-after content: Take dramatic before-and-after photos of every job. Post them on a local Facebook group or a basic Instagram account. The transformation is visually compelling and does the selling for you.

Google My Business: Create a free listing. When people in your area search “pressure washing near me,” having a Google listing (even with just a few reviews) dramatically increases your visibility.

Getting Set Up Legally

Requirements vary by state and municipality, but most pressure washing operations need:

• A business license from your city or county (usually $30 to $100)
• General liability insurance ($500 to $1,000 per year for basic coverage), this is important because you can cause damage to siding, wood, or landscaping if you’re not careful
• Some states require a contractor’s license if you’re doing commercial work

General liability insurance is worth getting immediately. One chipped window or water-damaged wood surface without insurance is a painful experience. With it, you’re covered.

Building to Consistent Monthly Income

Month 1: 5 to 10 jobs, $1,000 to $2,000. You’re building experience, getting photos, and working out your equipment setup.

Month 2 to 3: Word of mouth kicks in. Repeat customers call for spring cleaning. Neighbors see results and inquire. You start booking 15 to 20 jobs per month, $2,000 to $4,000.

Month 4+: Google reviews start helping, referral network is growing. Part-time (weekends + occasional evenings) income of $3,000 to $5,000 per month is achievable in most suburban markets.

Scaling if You Want To

A second crew. An employee or subcontractor handles additional jobs while you focus on sales and scheduling. You make margin on their work without trading your personal time. This is how one-person pressure washing businesses turn into real operations doing $10,000+ per month.

But that’s later. Start with your first job. The business builds itself from there as long as the work quality is solid and you show up reliably.

Your First Move

This week: price a used pressure washer on Facebook Marketplace. If you can’t find one in good condition under $300, consider a new entry-level gas unit. Create a simple flyer with your services and starting price. Post it in a local Facebook group and drop 20 to 30 door hangers in your neighborhood on Saturday morning. You’ll likely have a booking by the end of the day.