Pressure Washing Cost Australia 2026
Pressure washing costs depend on the surface type, area size, and level of grime. Driveways and paths are the most common jobs; whole-house exterior washes offer the most dramatic results.
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National Pricing Overview
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure washing (hourly rate) | $40/hr | $65 | $100 |
| Driveway cleaning (standard) | $100total | $190 | $300 |
| Full house exterior wash | $250total | $420 | $700 |
| Deck / patio cleaning | $80total | $180 | $350 |
| Fence cleaning (per lm) | $5/lm | $10 | $18 |
| Roof cleaning (standard home) | $300total | $500 | $900 |
| Pool surrounds / paving | $100total | $200 | $380 |
| Concrete path / footpath | $60total | $120 | $220 |
| Brick / rendered wall cleaning | $80total | $160 | $300 |
| Soft washing (low-pressure, per hour) | $50/hr | $75 | $120 |
| Commercial building wash | $400total | $800 | $2,000 |
| Mould treatment & wash (full exterior) | $300total | $550 | $900 |
National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.
Pressure washing in Australia costs $40–$100 per hour, or fixed rates per surface: $100–$300 for a driveway, $250–$700 for a full house exterior wash, and $80–$350 for a deck or patio. Pricing depends on surface type, area, and level of grime.
Common pressure washing jobs in Australia include: Driveway cleaning (standard): $100–$300 total · Full house exterior wash: $250–$700 total · Deck / patio cleaning: $80–$350 total. All prices include GST and are based on Australia metro rates, March 2026.
Prices vary by up to 30% depending on job complexity, your suburb within Australia, and the tradie's experience. Always get at least 3 quotes — compare free Australia quotes here.
Pressure Washing Costs by Room and Home Size
Carpet cleaning is usually quoted per room or per square metre. Most companies offer discounted rates for whole-house cleans. Here's what typical jobs cost:
| Job | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single room | $25–$50 | Standard room up to 12m² |
| 2-bedroom home | $120–$220 | 2 bedrooms + hallway + lounge |
| 3-bedroom home | $170–$320 | 3 bedrooms + hallway + lounge |
| 4-bedroom home | $220–$400 | Full house clean |
| End of lease clean (2-bed) | $180–$300 | Includes guarantee for bond return |
| End of lease clean (3-bed) | $250–$400 | Includes guarantee for bond return |
| Stain treatment (per stain) | $20–$50 | Red wine, coffee, pet stains |
| Deodorising treatment | $30–$80 | Pet odour, smoke smell |
| Scotchgard protection | $3–$7 per m² | Stain-resistant coating applied after clean |
| Rug cleaning (per rug) | $30–$80 | Depends on size and material |
End of lease pressure washing is the most common booking type. Most companies offer a bond-back guarantee — they'll return and re-clean for free if the agent isn't satisfied. Always get a receipt specifying the rooms cleaned and the cleaning method, as real estate agents typically require this for bond release.
Steam Cleaning vs Dry Cleaning: Which Method Is Better?
The two main pressure washing methods have different strengths. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right service:
| Factor | Steam (Hot Water Extraction) | Dry Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $25–$50 per room | $30–$60 per room |
| Cleaning depth | Deep — reaches carpet base | Surface to mid-level |
| Drying time | 4–8 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Best for | Deep stains, pet odours, heavily soiled | Regular maintenance, delicate fibres |
| Allergen removal | Excellent — kills dust mites | Good |
| Risk | Over-wetting if done poorly | Chemical residue if not rinsed |
| Bond clean accepted? | Yes — most agents prefer it | Sometimes — check with agent |
Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) is the industry standard and what most real estate agents require for end-of-lease cleans. It provides a deeper clean and better allergen removal. Dry cleaning is faster and uses less water, making it better for delicate carpets or situations where you need the room back quickly. For general home cleaning, steam cleaning every 12–18 months is recommended by carpet manufacturers.
What Affects Pressure Washing Costs in Australia
Surface type
Different surfaces require different pressure settings and cleaning times in Australia. Concrete is straightforward; rendered walls, timber decking, and rendered surfaces need lower pressure and more care.
Area size
Larger driveways, patios, and house exteriors cost more in Australia. For big jobs, ask whether the cleaner is charging hourly or by job — sometimes a fixed price saves money on large areas.
Level of grime
Years of accumulated algae, oil stains, mould, and moss take longer to remove than light surface dirt. A heavily neglected driveway in Australia may need pre-treatment or multiple passes.
Roof cleaning
Roof cleaning ($300–$900 in Australia) requires softer pressure settings and specialist chemicals to avoid damaging tiles. Not all pressure washers are equipped for roof work — always confirm experience.
Soft washing vs pressure washing
Soft washing uses low pressure and specialist detergents for surfaces like house cladding, painted surfaces, and roofs. Pressure washing (high pressure) suits concrete, paving, and brick. Soft washing costs slightly more but prevents surface damage.
Bundling jobs
Combining multiple surfaces in one visit in Australia is cost-effective — the cleaner is already set up and on-site. Driveway + patio + house wash in one visit often attracts a discount.