Why Pressure Washing Is Such a Good Business
Most side hustles have at least one annoying problem. Either the startup costs are high, or the competition is tough, or you need a bunch of experience. Pressure washing sidesteps most of these issues.
Here's why it's different:
- Almost zero skill required — if you can aim a hose, you can do this
- Startup cost is genuinely low (more on this in a sec)
- Demand is super consistent — driveways, sidewalks, and siding get dirty every single year
- It's a repeat business — happy customers call you back every season
- Most people don't want to do it themselves, so they'll pay you
What Equipment Do You Actually Need?
You don't need a professional-grade setup to start. A basic electric pressure washer from Walmart, Home Depot, or Amazon will handle driveways, patios, and sidewalks just fine when you're starting out.
| Item | What It's For | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Electric pressure washer (1700–2000 PSI) | Main tool for most jobs | $100–$180 |
| Extension hose (25–50 ft) | Reaching farther from your vehicle | $20–$40 |
| Surface cleaner attachment | Makes doing flat surfaces way faster | $30–$60 |
| Soap / degreaser | Gets the really stubborn stains | $15–$25 |
| Total | ~$165–$305 |
That's it. Under $300 and you're in business. A lot of people start with just the washer and a hose and add other stuff later as they make money.
Check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for used pressure washers before buying new. You can sometimes find one in great shape for $50–80, which means your whole setup costs even less.
How Much Should You Charge?
Pricing is where a lot of beginners mess up — they charge too little because they're nervous. Don't do that. Here's a realistic guide for what to charge:
| Job Type | Time | What to Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway (standard) | 45–90 min | $80–$150 |
| Driveway (large/long) | 1.5–2.5 hrs | $150–$250 |
| Patio or deck | 1–2 hrs | $100–$200 |
| House siding (1 story) | 2–3 hrs | $150–$300 |
| Fence | 1–2 hrs | $80–$180 |
| Sidewalk / walkway | 30–60 min | $60–$100 |
A lot of people bundle services. Like, "driveway + walkway for $175." People like deals, so bundles can help you book more jobs and spend less time driving around.
How to Find Your First Customers
This is the part that scares people but it's actually easier than you think.
- Tell literally everyone you know. Text your friends, post on your personal Facebook, tell your family. "Hey I started a pressure washing business, know anyone who needs their driveway cleaned?" You'll be surprised how fast this works.
- Post on Nextdoor and Facebook local groups. "Just started pressure washing in [your city] — offering $20 off for first-time customers." This gets real leads fast.
- Knock on doors in nice neighborhoods. Sounds scary but it works. Just say "Hi, I noticed your driveway could use a cleaning — I can do it this weekend for $X." Some people say no, some say yes.
- Make a free Google Business Profile. Set one up at business.google.com with your number and service area. People searching "pressure washing near me" will find you eventually.
- Leave a flyer with happy customers. After a job, ask if you can leave a few flyers to give to neighbors. One job on a street often leads to two or three more.
What Can You Actually Make?
Let's look at some real numbers. Say you do 2 driveways and 1 patio on a Saturday:
- Driveway 1: $120
- Driveway 2: $100
- Patio: $150
- Total: $370 in one day
After supplies (soap, gas, wear on equipment), maybe $340 in your pocket. Do that twice a month and you've made $680 extra, part-time. People who do this full-time on weekdays can easily clear $2,000–5,000 a month depending on how hard they hustle and what market they're in.
The Honest Downsides
It's not all perfect. A few things to know going in:
- It's physical work. You're outside, probably in the heat, and it can be tiring.
- It's seasonal in cold climates. Winter is slow unless you find other services to offer (like dryer vent cleaning).
- You need a vehicle to transport the equipment. Not a dealbreaker, but you need a car or truck.
- Building a reputation takes a little time. Your first month might be slow while you get reviews and referrals going.
Check out our guide to turning $500 into more money or 10 things to flip on Facebook Marketplace.