Are you thinking about hiring a commercial cleaning company for pressure washing? Wondering about the cost? We’ve got you covered! Let’s talk about pressure washing and what factors affect its price.
Pressure washing, also called power washing, is all about using high-pressure water to clean things up. It’s a popular choice for cleaning up dust, dirt, mud, mould, and even peeling paint from surfaces like buildings, vehicles, and machinery.
Because it’s a specialized type of deep cleaning, it tends to cost more than your average cleaning service. This is because it requires special equipment, materials, and trained professionals. However, the exact price can vary depending on where you are and a few other factors. Let’s break down what goes into determining the cost.
Advantages of Professional Pressure Cleaning Services
Renting a basic high-pressure water machine for a day might only cost $40, but you might be surprised by how much time and effort it takes to do it yourself. While pressure washing might appear straightforward, there are numerous factors that professionals consider when performing the task.
In addition to saving you time, professional pressure washers are skilled in using the optimal pressures and techniques for efficient cleaning.
One of the major benefits of hiring a professional service is their ability to safeguard your surfaces. Different surfaces necessitate varying water pressures and cleaning methods. What may effectively clean a dirty concrete driveway could inadvertently strip paint off your house.
Moreover, professionals typically have superior equipment compared to what you can rent. Their tools are tailored to specific tasks, ensuring more effective results.
Pressure cleaning often involves the use of cleaning agents, and DIY attempts can sometimes result in unintended consequences. While your footpath may end up clean, harsh detergents could harm nearby plants or lawns. Professional cleaners are knowledgeable about the appropriate agents for each surface, preventing potential damage to surrounding areas.
Which Parts of My Home Can Benefit from Pressure Cleaning?
Most exterior areas of your home can undergo pressure cleaning, especially those with hard surfaces like concrete or roofing. Here are some common areas where pressure cleaning is popular:
Driveway: This is a common area for pressure cleaning due to the accumulation of dust, tyre marks, and other grime. Professional services often pre-treat driveways to remove oil stains before using pressure washing.
Exterior Walls: Pressure washing is effective for cleaning exterior walls, but it’s essential to hire professionals to ensure the walls are cleaned safely without damage. Rates and methods vary based on the material and size of your home. For soft materials like wood, low-pressure washing is recommended to avoid damage.
Patio: Patios can get dirty from regular use, but pressure cleaning can rejuvenate these entertaining areas. Professional services can handle tough stains like grease and grout buildup.
Roof: Professional pressure cleaning services are highly recommended for roof cleaning due to safety concerns. Wet roofs become slippery, especially when cleaning agents are involved. Only experienced cleaners have the necessary equipment and expertise to clean roofs safely and effectively, whether for general maintenance or mould removal.
What is the Average Pressure Cleaning Cost in Australia?
In Australia, the cost of pressure cleaning varies based on different factors. These include the size and complexity of the job, the rates set by the cleaning company, and where you’re located. Most companies charge either by the square meter or by the hour.
On average, you might expect prices to range from $50 per hour to $350 per 100 square meters.
Here’s a breakdown of what you might typically pay for pressure cleaning in Sydney:
- For areas under 20 square meters, prices could be between $50 to $70, taking 1 to 2 hours.
- If you’re looking at 20 to 50 square meters, expect to pay around $150 to $160 for 2 to 3 hours.
- Areas spanning 50 to 80 square meters may cost between $180 to $200, requiring 3 to 4 hours.
- Larger areas of 80 to 120 square meters might see prices from $200 to $220, with 4 to 5 hours needed.
- And for spaces between 120 to 150 square meters, the cost could range from $300 to $325, taking around 5 to 6 hours.
Cleaning companies base their rates on factors like time, effort, manpower, and materials needed to complete the job. They calculate their expenses and add a profit margin before giving you a quote. Experienced cleaners understand that certain surfaces demand more attention and time, so they adjust their prices accordingly.
Understanding pricing based on square meterage from a commercial cleaning company can be puzzling. You might notice that cleaning 10 square meters costs the same as cleaning 30 square meters. This is because the company factors in travel and setup costs. As the area to clean grows, the cost per square meter decreases.
Some pressure cleaning services offer fixed pricing for specific areas. Here are examples:
- Patio: $150 for 2 to 3 hours
- Small to Medium Driveway: $190 – $350 for 2 to 4 hours
- Roof: $150 – $350 for 3 to 4 hours
- Pool Deck: $180 – $350 for 2 to 4 hours
- Exterior of building: $300+ for 3 to 5 hours
- Large Driveway: $300 – $700 for 4 to 6 hours
Keep in mind that these are average prices for pressure washing. To get an accurate estimate, it’s best to contact a commercial cleaning company in your area.
Factors That Can Impact Pressure Washing Costs
Now that you have an idea of the typical charges for commercial pressure washing, you’re probably curious about what influences these prices. Several factors can cause the cost of commercial pressure cleaning to fluctuate. Let’s explore some of them:
Property size
Commercial cleaners usually price their services per square meter, meaning the larger the property, the higher the pressure cleaning cost. Factories and warehouses, for instance, tend to incur higher expenses due to their extensive size and the level of grime buildup. Commercial pressure washing services extend to various establishments like retail stores, office buildings, shopping centres, and religious institutions.
Property condition
It’s pretty straightforward: the dirtier the area, the more expensive it becomes to pressure wash. Older commercial buildings, especially after the rainy season, are prone to mould and moss growth, leading to discolouration and stains on walls. If the surface is riddled with mildew, stains, mould, and stubborn grime, expect the pressure cleaning charges to be higher.
Type of cleaning products
Commercial cleaners use various cleaning products for pressure washing based on the condition of the property. These cleaning supplies can vary in price and directly affect the overall cost. Many reputed commercial cleaners also provide eco-friendly pressure washing services. Such eco-friendly cleaning supplies tend to cost higher than regular cleaning supplies.
The reputation of the commercial cleaner
Different commercial cleaning companies have varying charges for pressure cleaning. For the best work, you should always go with reputed and well-established cleaning companies with a long record of customer satisfaction and a wide range of services. Big cleaning companies may also be able to handle large jobs capably, thanks to their manpower and equipment.
However, such companies also tend to have the highest charges. Newer or smaller commercial cleaning companies may offer you lower prices, but you may have to compromise on either quality or turnaround time.
What Equipment is Used for Pressure Cleaning?
To effectively carry out pressure cleaning, professionals rely on specific equipment tailored to the task at hand. The equipment used may vary depending on the area being cleaned. For example, cleaning a driveway typically requires:
- High PSI pressure machine, often powered by petrol
- Specialized detergent or cleaning products
- Broom and brush
- Gloves
- Protective sheeting to shield surrounding items and gardens from damage
- Painting tape
- Long garden hose
- Concrete or paver sealer
How Should I Prepare Before a Pressure Cleaning Service?
Before your scheduled pressure cleaning service, it’s essential to prepare the area to be cleaned. Remove any items that could potentially get damaged, such as bicycles, sports equipment, toys, storage containers, and cars. Covering doors and windows with plastic sheeting and tape can prevent them from getting sprayed with water or dirt during the cleaning process, safeguarding the paintwork.
Choosing the Right Professional for Your Job
Ensure that the pressure cleaning service provider is suitable for your needs by asking them the following questions:
- Are you insured?
- Can you provide references?
- Will you provide a written quote for my job?
- When can you start the job?
Additionally, your initial interactions with the business can provide insight into their professionalism and reliability. Prompt and courteous communication, punctuality for appointments, and overall comfort in dealing with them can help you determine if they are the right fit for your project.
