Power Washing Profit: How Much Money Can You Make?

Key Takeaways

• Typical net profit for a solo power‑washing operator ranges from £25,000 to £45,000 per year after the first 6‑12 months.
• Initial equipment spend is usually £1,200‑£3,500 for a reliable commercial‑grade washer.
• Residential jobs (driveways, patios) generate £80‑£150 per job; commercial contracts (store fronts, warehouses) can bring £500‑£2,000 per project.
• Operating costs (fuel, water, chemicals, insurance) average 30‑35% of revenue, leaving a healthy margin if you price right.
• Effective marketing (local SEO, flyers, referral programmes) can cut the break‑even period from 12 months to 6 months.

Understanding the Money Side of Power Washing

Power washing is a high‑pressure cleaning method that blasts away grime, mould, and oil from hard surfaces using a pressurised water stream. It’s widely used for driveways, decks, garage floors, and commercial façades. Because the service delivers visible results quickly, homeowners and businesses are willing to pay a premium for a spotless finish.

When you ask “Is there money in power washing?” the answer hinges on three variables: market demand, pricing strategy, and cost control. In the UK, especially in coastal towns like Brighton, property owners face salty air and algae build‑up, creating a steady demand for regular clean‑ups.

Startup Costs and Break‑Even Timeline

Getting your power‑washing venture off the ground requires upfront capital for equipment, licences, and insurance. Below is a realistic budget for a one‑person operation in 2025:

1. Pressure washer: £1,200‑£3,500 (commercial‑grade, 3,000‑4,500PSI, 4‑6GPM). See the comparison table later.
2. Water hose, wand set, and safety gear: £150‑£300.
3. Cleaning chemicals (de‑greasers, anti‑mould agents): £80‑£150 per month.
4. Vehicle (van or ute) - if you already own one, factor only fuel and maintenance: £250‑£400 per month.
5. Public liability insurance (required for commercial work): £300‑£600 annually.
6. Business registration and accounting software: £100‑£200.

Total initial outlay usually lands between £2,200 and £4,500. Assuming an average month of 12 residential jobs (£120 each) and two small commercial contracts (£800 each), revenue hits roughly £2,560 per month. Subtracting operating costs (~£900) leaves a net profit of £1,660, meaning you break even in about eight months.

Revenue Streams: Residential vs. Commercial

Residential jobs are quick to schedule and provide steady cash flow. Typical services include:

• Driveway cleaning - £80‑£130.
• Patio or deck restoration - £100‑£150.
• Garden fence & deck washing - £70‑£120.

Commercial contracts bring bigger tickets but require more planning and sometimes crew assistance. Common commercial work:

• Storefront façade - £500‑£1,200.
• Warehouse floor - £1,000‑£2,500.
• Industrial equipment degreasing - £300‑£800.

Because commercial jobs often repeat quarterly, they are the key to scaling profit beyond the £30‑£45k annual range.

Equipment Comparison: Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washers

If you’re just testing the market, an electric unit reduces risk and can still deliver profitable residential work. Once you secure regular commercial contracts, the higher flow and pressure of a gas washer become essential for efficiency.

Pricing Strategies That Protect Your Margin

Many newcomers underprice themselves to win jobs, but that erodes profit fast. Use these rules of thumb:

• Base price = (equipment depreciation per hour+fuel+water+chemicals+insurance) × 1.5.
• Equipment depreciation: a £3,000 washer spread over 5years ≈ £0.33 per hour (assuming 3,000hrs total life).
• Charge a minimum of £80 for a 30‑minute driveway, which covers all variable costs and adds a 30‑40% markup.
• Offer bundled packages (driveway + patio) at a 10% discount - upsells increase average ticket without cutting margin.

Remember to factor in travel time. A 20‑minute drive to a nearby suburb should be billed at a flat £15‑£20, or added to the hourly labour rate.

Marketing Tactics That Fill Your Schedule

Visibility is the biggest growth lever for a power‑washing business. Proven low‑cost tactics include:

1. Local SEO - claim your Google Business profile, add before‑after photos, and encourage happy customers to leave 5‑star reviews.
2. Neighbourhood flyers - a single‑page double‑sided flyer with a QR code to book online can generate 5‑10 new inquiries per month.
3. Partnerships - talk to property management firms and let them know you can handle bulk contracts for estates.
4. Referral discounts - give existing clients a £20 credit for every new customer they refer.
5. Seasonal promos - “Spring Clean Your Driveway” offers drive bookings during the slower winter months.

By combining an online presence with hyper‑local offline outreach, most solo operators fill 80‑90% of their calendar within the first year.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Under‑estimating water usage: A 4GPM machine uses 960L per hour. Check local water‑use regulations and consider a water‑recovery tank to stay compliant.
• Skipping insurance: A single claim can wipe out your earnings. Public liability coverage (minimum £2million) is a non‑negotiable expense.
• Neglecting equipment maintenance: Replace worn O‑rings and check the pump weekly. Preventive care extends life by 30% and reduces downtime.
• Over‑relying on one revenue channel: Diversify by adding deck sealing, graffiti removal, or pressure‑cleaned gutter services.

Real‑World Example: A Brighton Operator’s Journey

Tom started his power‑washing side gig in early 2023 with a £1,800 electric washer. He spent £300 on a van and £250 on insurance. By focusing on residential driveways and using a simple Google Business page, he booked 15 jobs per month in his first six months, earning £1,200 net profit.

In 2024, Tom saved enough to upgrade to a £2,900 gas unit, doubled his average job size, and landed a contract with a local boutique hotel for quarterly façade cleaning (£1,300 per visit). Today, his annual profit sits at £42,000, comfortably above the national average for solo cleaners.

This case shows that with disciplined cost control and strategic upselling, power washing profit can move from a side hustle to a full‑time livelihood.