Pressure Washing Cost in Raleigh NC: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide

Stewart Esposito
How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost in Raleigh?
Professional pressure washing in Raleigh NC typically costs between $150 and $600, depending on the service. A standard house wash runs $250 to $500, driveway cleaning costs $150 to $300, roof cleaning lands between $350 and $600, and deck restoration falls in the $200 to $400 range. Those numbers cover most single-family homes in the Triangle — from Cary and Apex to Durham and Wake Forest.
Triangle pricing is closely aligned with national averages for exterior cleaning, though our humid subtropical climate means surfaces get dirty faster. High annual humidity, heavy pollen seasons, and red clay runoff create conditions where algae, mildew, and organic staining accumulate more aggressively than in drier regions. That means most Raleigh-area homeowners benefit from annual cleaning rather than the every-two-years schedule you might see recommended elsewhere.
| Service | Starting Price | Average Home | Our Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Washing | $200 | $300-$500 | $250-$500 |
| Roof Cleaning | $300 | $400-$700 | $350-$600 |
| Driveway Cleaning | $100 | $160-$280 | $150-$300 |
| Deck & Patio | $150 | $200-$400 | $200-$400 |
| Gutter Cleaning | $70 | $117-$200 | Contact us |
| Holiday Lights | $200 | $400-$800 | $500-$2,500 |
The table above reflects our pricing alongside market averages we track across the Triangle. We publish our prices because we believe informed customers make better decisions — and because we are confident in the value we deliver. If you are a first-time customer, you automatically receive 10% off your first service.
House Washing Costs
House washing is the most common service we perform, and for good reason — it is the single biggest visual improvement you can make to your home's exterior in a single afternoon. We exclusively use soft washing for house exteriors, which combines low-pressure water (under 1,000 PSI) with professional-grade biodegradable cleaning solutions. Soft washing kills algae, mold, and mildew at the root instead of just blasting surface-level grime, which means results last three to four times longer than pressure washing alone.
| Home Size | Price Range | Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 sq ft | $200-$350 | $0.20-$0.35 |
| 1,500-2,500 sq ft | $300-$500 | $0.20-$0.35 |
| 2,500-3,500 sq ft | $450-$700 | $0.18-$0.28 |
| 3,500+ sq ft | $600-$1,000+ | $0.17-$0.28 |
Several factors influence where your home falls within these ranges:
- →Number of stories — multi-story homes require specialized equipment and additional safety protocols, typically adding 15-25% per story above the first.
- →Siding material — vinyl is the most straightforward, while wood, stucco, and Hardie Board require careful soft-wash-only techniques to avoid damage.
- →Staining severity — heavy green algae or black mold buildup may require pre-treatment and additional dwell time, adding $50-$150 to the base price.
- →Accessibility — landscaping, fencing, or tight lot lines that limit equipment access can add to the final cost.
Learn more about our approach on our house washing services page.
Driveway & Concrete Cleaning Costs
Concrete cleaning is where you will see the most dramatic before-and-after transformation. We use what we call our Quad Kleen process: a four-step method that includes pre-treatment with a degreaser, hot-water pressure washing at the appropriate PSI for the surface, surface cleaning with a commercial flat-surface cleaner for streak-free results, and a final post-treatment rinse. The flat-surface cleaner is the key differentiator — it produces uniform results without the "zebra striping" you get from wand-only cleaning.
| Surface Type | Typical Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 2-Car Driveway | 400-600 sq ft | $150-$250 |
| Large Driveway | 600-1,000 sq ft | $250-$400 |
| Sidewalk | 200-400 sq ft | $75-$150 |
| Patio (concrete) | 200-500 sq ft | $100-$200 |
| Pool Deck | 300-600 sq ft | $150-$250 |
One factor unique to North Carolina: red clay. If your property borders unpaved areas or has grading that channels runoff across concrete, you have probably noticed the signature orange-red staining that is nearly impossible to remove with consumer-grade equipment. Our pre-treatment process targets clay mineral stains specifically, though heavy buildup may add $25 to $75 to the quoted price.
See our full process and recent project photos on the driveway and concrete cleaning page.
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Roof cleaning is a service where hiring the wrong company can cost you thousands. We use exclusively no-pressure soft washing on every roof — period. High-pressure water will strip granules from asphalt shingles, void manufacturer warranties, and shorten roof life by years. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) explicitly recommends low-pressure chemical cleaning as the only approved method for asphalt shingle roofs.
| Roof Size | Price Range | Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Average (1,700 sq ft) | $350-$600 | $0.30-$0.50 |
| Large (2,500+ sq ft) | $500-$900 | $0.25-$0.40 |
Those dark black streaks you see on roofs across the Triangle are caused by Gloeocapsa magma, a cyanobacterium that thrives in the humid Southeast. It is not just cosmetic — the organism feeds on limestone filler in shingles, gradually degrading their structural integrity. Left untreated, it can reduce roof lifespan by 10 or more years. Our soft wash solution eliminates the bacteria completely, and results typically last 3 to 5 years in the Raleigh climate.
Additional stories add approximately 10-15% to the base price due to extended hose runs and additional safety requirements. Multi-level rooflines with valleys, dormers, and steep pitches may also affect pricing.
Details on our soft wash roof cleaning process are available on our roof cleaning services page.
Deck & Patio Restoration Costs
There is a significant difference between a basic deck cleaning and a full restoration, and understanding that difference will help you budget appropriately. A basic cleaning removes surface dirt, mildew, and organic staining. Deep cleaning adds a wood brightener step that restores the wood's natural pH and brings back its original color. Full restoration includes cleaning, brightening, and applying a professional-grade stain or sealant that protects the wood for 2 to 4 years.
| Service | Price Range | Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Deck Cleaning | $150-$250 | $0.25-$0.40 |
| Deep Cleaning + Brightening | $250-$400 | $0.35-$0.55 |
| Full Restoration (clean + stain/seal) | $400-$800+ | $0.65-$1.00+ |
We have restored hundreds of decks across the Triangle built from everything from standard pressure-treated pine to high-end exotic hardwoods like ipe and tigerwood. Exotic woods require specialized low-pressure techniques and specific cleaning agents that will not damage the dense grain structure. If you have an exotic hardwood deck, make sure your cleaning company has specific experience with your wood species — the wrong approach can cause irreversible damage.
For homeowners with composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, etc.), cleaning is typically simpler and falls at the lower end of the basic cleaning price range. We adjust our process for every material type.
Browse our deck and patio work on the deck restoration services page.
What Affects Your Final Price
No two properties are identical, which is why published price ranges always have some spread. Here are the factors that move your quote higher or lower within the ranges listed above.
- →Home size and stories — The single biggest cost driver. More square footage means more time, more cleaning solution, and more water. Each additional story adds 15-25% due to safety equipment and extended reach requirements.
- →Siding material — Different materials require different cleaning methods, pressures, and chemical formulations. The table below breaks this down.
- →Staining severity — A home cleaned annually will cost less than one that has not been touched in 5+ years. Heavy biological growth requires pre-treatment and longer dwell times.
- →Accessibility — Narrow side yards, extensive landscaping, steep terrain, or limited water access can increase time on-site and affect pricing.
- →NC climate factors — Our region's high humidity, heavy spring pollen loads, and red clay soil create unique cleaning challenges. Properties surrounded by mature trees or near construction may require additional treatment.
| Siding Material | Price Per Sq Ft | Method Required |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $0.20-$0.40 | Standard pressure or soft wash |
| Brick | $0.15-$0.35 | Pressure wash + pre-treatment |
| Wood/Cedar | $0.30-$0.55 | Soft wash only (under 1,000 PSI) |
| Stucco | $0.30-$0.50 | Soft wash only |
| Hardie Board | $0.25-$0.40 | Soft wash only (max 1,500 PSI) |
If you have Hardie Board (James Hardie fiber cement siding), pay close attention to your contractor's cleaning method. James Hardie's official maintenance guidelines state that pressure should not exceed 1,500 PSI, and many warranty claims have been denied due to improper cleaning. We follow manufacturer specifications for every siding type.
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Get Free Quote →Best Time to Book (Seasonal Pricing)
Timing your booking strategically can save you 10-30% without sacrificing quality. Like most service industries, exterior cleaning has peak and off-peak seasons — and the price difference is real.
| Season | Pricing Impact | Wait Times | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 10-30% discount | Shortest | Budget-conscious homeowners |
| Early Spring (Mar) | Standard pricing | Moderate | Pre-pollen cleaning |
| Peak Pollen (Apr-May) | Premium demand | Longest | Post-pollen cleaning |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Standard | Moderate | General maintenance |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | 10-15% discount | Short | Pre-holiday prep |
Winter is the best-kept secret in the pressure washing industry. Most homeowners assume cleaning is a spring-and-summer activity, but the reality is that professional-grade equipment and solutions work effectively in temperatures above 35°F. Raleigh's mild winters mean we can clean year-round, and you benefit from shorter wait times, more flexible scheduling, and lower prices.
The worst time to call is mid-April through late May. That is when every homeowner in the Triangle looks at their pollen-coated house and calls for a cleaning at the same time. Wait times during peak pollen season can stretch to 2 to 3 weeks. If you know you want a spring cleaning, book in February or early March to lock in your preferred date.
Our recommendation: schedule an annual cleaning in late fall or winter. Your home stays clean through the holidays, you pay less, and you are already on the books before spring rush begins.
How to Spot Red Flags in Pricing
Not all pressure washing quotes are created equal. The difference between a $99 "whole house special" and a legitimate quote from a certified professional is not just price — it is the difference between protecting your home and potentially damaging it. Here is what to watch for.
Signs a quote is suspiciously low:
- →"$99 whole house wash" ads — At that price, they are either using a garden hose with a nozzle, skipping insurance entirely, or planning to upsell you aggressively on-site. Professional-grade equipment, commercial cleaning solutions, and proper insurance make $99 mathematically impossible for a legitimate operation.
- →No insurance documentation — Any reputable company should provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) on request. General liability coverage should be at minimum $1 million. If they hesitate, walk away.
- →No discussion of cleaning method — A professional should ask about your siding material and explain which method they will use. If they plan to use high pressure on everything, they will damage soft surfaces.
- →Cash only, no contract — Legitimate businesses provide written estimates, accept multiple payment methods, and stand behind their work in writing.
Questions to ask before hiring any pressure washing company:
- →Are you insured? Can I see your Certificate of Insurance?
- →What PSI and cleaning method will you use on my specific surfaces?
- →Do you have references or online reviews I can check?
- →What guarantee do you offer on the results?
- →Do you hold any professional certifications (PWNA, UAMCC)?
On the other end of the spectrum, be wary of quotes that are dramatically higher than the ranges in this guide without a clear justification. A $1,200 quote for a standard 2,000 sq ft vinyl-sided ranch house wash should raise questions. Get at least three quotes for any major service and compare not just price but scope, method, and guarantees.
The Real Cost of NOT Cleaning
Pressure washing is often viewed as a cosmetic expense, but the data tells a different story. Deferred exterior maintenance is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make — and the costs compound over time.
A study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that neglected home exteriors can reduce property value by 7% to 17%. For a median-priced Triangle home at $350,000, that translates to $24,500 to $59,500 in lost equity. The National Association of Realtors consistently ranks exterior cleaning and curb appeal improvements among the highest-ROI maintenance activities, with professional pressure washing delivering an estimated 200% to 500% return on investment when selling.
| Scenario | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular cleaning (annual house wash) | Total: $5,000-$10,000 |
| Regular roof cleaning (every 5 yrs) | Total: $1,500-$3,000 |
| Premature roof replacement (neglect) | $9,500-$47,000 |
| Mold remediation | $1,500-$30,000 |
| Siding repair or replacement | $1,000-$15,000 |
| Property value loss (7-17% of home value) | $24,500-$60,000 |
Beyond property value, there are direct structural costs. Algae on roofing shingles feeds on limestone filler and accelerates granule loss. The average asphalt shingle roof in the Southeast lasts 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance — but that drops to 10 to 15 years without regular cleaning, potentially costing tens of thousands in premature replacement.
Mold and mildew growth is another concern. What starts as cosmetic discoloration can penetrate siding and reach underlying sheathing, leading to interior moisture problems and costly remediation. North Carolina's humidity makes this risk particularly relevant — we see homes where 2 to 3 years of neglect has led to mold penetration that requires siding removal to address.
Finally, manufacturer warranties often require regular maintenance. If you file a warranty claim on your Hardie Board siding, roofing shingles, or deck materials and cannot demonstrate regular cleaning, the claim may be denied. An annual house wash is cheap insurance for protecting your most valuable asset.
Our Pricing & Discounts
We believe pricing should be transparent, so here is a straightforward summary. Our rates are competitive with the Triangle market, and we back every job with a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with the results, we come back and re-clean at no charge.
We offer several ways to save:
- →First-time customer discount — 10% off your first service, applied automatically.
- →Senior discount — 10% off for homeowners 65 and older.
- →Military discount — 10% off for active duty, veterans, and their families.
- →Bundle discount — Book 3 or more services together and save 15% on the total.
- →Annual contract — Sign up for recurring annual cleaning and save 20% every year.
- →Referral bonus — Refer a friend who books a service and you both receive a $25 credit toward your next cleaning.
Every estimate is free and we get back to you as soon as possible. We quote based on an in-person or satellite assessment of your property — never a blind guess over the phone. You will know the exact price before we start, and that price will not change unless we discover something unexpected and discuss it with you first.
We are PWNA-certified, fully insured with $2 million in general liability coverage, and have completed over 3,000 projects across the Raleigh-Durham Triangle since 2012. We are not the cheapest option — and we are not the most expensive. We are the company that shows up on time, does the job right, and makes sure you are satisfied before we leave.
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Stewart Esposito
Owner & Lead Technician
PWNA Certified TechnicianStewart has been running Absolutely Clean Power Washing since 2012, completing over 3,000 projects across the Raleigh-Durham Triangle. PWNA certified with expertise in soft washing, pressure washing, and wood restoration.
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