Hiring a pressure washing pro for the first time? Here's exactly what to expect — from the initial quote to the moment they pull away. Knowing the flow makes you a better customer and helps you spot a pro who knows what they're doing vs someone winging it.
Before the job: the quote
A good pressure washing operator can quote most residential jobs without coming out. They'll ask:
- Your address (they'll pull Google Maps satellite)
- What you want cleaned (driveway, siding, deck, roof, gutters)
- Any heavy stains they should know about (oil, rust, heavy moss)
- Access to water + a spigot (yes/no)
They should give you a written quote — text or email — within 24 hours. Verbal "around $300" is fine for a starting point but you should have a number in writing before they show up. Most quotes for typical residential jobs are $200–$600.
Day-of prep (10 minutes of your time)
Most operators don't expect anything from you, but doing these helps:
- Move outdoor furniture, kids' toys, planters off the work area. Pros will help if needed but it's faster if it's done.
- Roll up exterior rugs / doormats.
- Close all windows. Surface cleaning sends a fine mist; you don't want it inside.
- Park cars away from the work area. Overspray on a clean car is annoying.
- Pets indoors. The noise + chemicals + water aren't dog-safe.
- Wet your plants near the work area thoroughly (if soft-wash chemicals are involved). A pro will do this too but extra hydration helps.
When they arrive
A pro will:
- Walk the property with you and confirm what's being cleaned (last chance to add the patio if you want).
- Set up gear — pressure washer, hoses, water tank if needed.
- Pre-soak plants near work areas with fresh water.
- Cover delicate landscaping with tarps if soft wash is happening on siding/roof.
- Start with a small test area to confirm pressure + chemical settings.
If they skip steps 3–5 and just blast away, you're with someone who's going to leave you with damaged plants or stripped paint. Most modern pros are careful — but check.
During the job
Typical times:
- Driveway (2-car): 45–90 minutes
- House washing (siding): 90 min – 2 hours
- Deck: 1–3 hours depending on size
- Roof soft wash: 1.5–3 hours
- Full property package: 4–6 hours
You don't have to be home unless you want to be. Most pros are happy to work while you're at the office.
After: the walkthrough
A pro will:
- Pack up gear neatly
- Rinse debris off walkways + driveway
- Move furniture back where it was
- Walk the work areas with you to confirm satisfaction
- Send a final invoice (or collect payment)
If something looks missed, say so during the walkthrough. Almost every pro will fix it on the spot. After they leave it gets harder.
Drying time + final result
Concrete + brick: looks clean immediately, dries to "fully clean" appearance within 2-4 hours. Some streaking can appear during drying — usually fades.
Wood (deck, fence): looks great wet, can look uneven dry — that's normal. Give it 24-48 hours before judging. Most decks should also be re-sealed within 2-4 weeks of pressure washing for protection.
Vinyl siding: looks immediately clean. If chemicals were used, a faint chemical smell may linger 1-2 hours, then gone.
Roof soft wash: the algae/moss takes 1-3 weeks to fully die back and rinse off in subsequent rains. Don't expect immediate "like-new" — that's a 30-day result.
How much to tip
Optional — most pros don't expect it, but it's appreciated for jobs over $500 or above-and-beyond work. $20–$50 is a normal tip. Or — leave a Google review. Worth more than cash to most operators.
Red flags during/after
- Operator demands cash up front before starting
- Tries to add scope mid-job ("oh you'll definitely want to add the patio for an extra $200")
- Doesn't pre-wet plants and you see wilted greenery later
- Stripes on siding/concrete from inconsistent technique
- Refuses to do a walkthrough at the end
If any of these happen, mention it before paying. Most reputable operators will fix it; the few who won't are the ones the bad reviews are about.
The bottom line
A good pressure wash takes 1-4 hours, looks visibly different in 2-4 hours, and lasts 12-24 months. If your first experience was smooth, get on the operator's annual rebooking list — recurring customers get the best service slots and often a discount.
Find a pressure washing pro in your area with reviews + photos visible upfront.