Pressure Wash Duration: What to Expect When You Hire a Pro

Ever wondered why one pressure wash job feels like it wraps up in an hour while another drags on all day? The truth is, the length of a pressure wash depends on a handful of simple things. Knowing those factors helps you plan, budget, and avoid surprise delays.

Key Factors That Change the Clock

Surface size and type. A small patio needs far less time than a two‑storey home’s exterior walls. Rough, textured surfaces (like brick or stone) take longer because the water has to work its way into crevices. Smooth surfaces such as concrete or vinyl siding are quicker to clean.

Level of dirt. Light dust or pollen can be blown away in a few minutes. Stubborn oil stains, deep mold, or old paint require multiple passes, pre‑soaks, or special detergents, which add minutes—or even extra hours.

Equipment power. A 3,000‑psi residential unit will clean faster than a low‑pressure garden sprayer, but it also needs a skilled operator to avoid damage. Professional crews often use 3,500‑4,000‑psi machines with adjustable nozzles, which speed up the process without sacrificing safety.

Access and setup. Hard‑to‑reach areas, tight corners, or high fences mean extra ladder work and repositioning the hose. Each reposition can add five to ten minutes.

Weather conditions. Windy days blow water and cleaning agents away, forcing the crew to go slower. Cold temperatures can thicken detergents, meaning they need more time to break down grime.

Typical Time Ranges for Common Jobs

Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet you can use when you call a cleaning company or plan a DIY weekend.

• Driveways and patios (up to 300 sq ft): 30–45 minutes.
• Decks or porches (200‑400 sq ft): 45–60 minutes.
• House exteriors (1,200‑2,000 sq ft): 2–3 hours, depending on stories and windows.
• Large commercial facades (over 5,000 sq ft): 4–6 hours or more.

These numbers assume a professional crew with the right gear. If you’re doing it yourself, add another 30 % for setup, cleaning the equipment, and learning the best nozzle angles.

One more tip: Ask the company for a “time estimate” after they see the site. Most pros will walk around, check the toughest spots, and give you a realistic window. This helps avoid the dreaded “we’ll be done by 5 pm” surprise.

At Dandy Fox Cleaning Services, we always explain how long each job will take before we start. That way you know when to expect the crew back and can plan your day without interruption.

Bottom line: Pressure wash duration isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all number. It’s shaped by surface area, dirt level, equipment, access, and weather. Use the guide above to gauge the time you’ll need, ask for a clear estimate, and you’ll end up with a spotless result without the guesswork.