Okay. So you’re typing “power washing near me” into Google. Again. Maybe for the third time this week. I get it – you’re trying to figure out what this is gonna cost you. And honestly? That’s smart. Because here’s what nobody’s telling you.
I’ve been running Prime Time Window & Gutter Cleaning since 1996. That’s almost 30 years of power washing houses across Chicagoland. And the pricing game has changed a LOT in 2025. Some of it’s good news. Some… not so much.
But here’s the thing. Most power washing companies won’t tell you the real deal about pricing until you’re already locked in. That’s why I’m writing this. Because you deserve to know what you’re getting into before some guy shows up at your door with a quote that makes your eyes water.
What Nobody Tells You About Power Washing Costs in 2025
Let’s just rip the band-aid off. How much does power washing cost in the Chicago area right now? For a typical house, you’re looking at anywhere from $200 to $800. Yeah, that’s a huge range. And there’s reasons for that.
See, when you search for pressure washing services online, you’ll find companies charging $150. You’ll find others at $1,200. They’re not all doing the same thing. That’s the first secret.
The cheap guys? They’re showing up with a consumer-grade machine from Home Depot. Spraying your house for 45 minutes. Then leaving. No cleaning solutions. No proper technique. Just water and hope. And your house will look… okay. For about two weeks.
The expensive ones might be charging for stuff you don’t even need. Like “concrete sealing” when your driveway doesn’t need it. Or “roof washing services” that your 5-year-old shingles definitely don’t require.
We’re somewhere in the middle. And I’ll tell you exactly why.
Ready to get an honest quote without the sales pitch? Contact us today for pricing that actually makes sense for your home.
The Real Difference Between Pressure Washing and Power Washing (And Why It Matters for Your Wallet)
Alright. So technically, there IS a difference between power washing and pressure washing. Power washing uses heated water. Pressure washing uses cold. That’s it. That’s the difference.
But here’s what matters to you: most exterior cleaning services in Chicago use the terms interchangeably. Because for residential power washing, the temperature difference doesn’t really matter that much. What matters is the PSI (that’s the pressure), the cleaning solutions, and whether the person holding the wand knows what they’re doing.
When we do house washing services in Naperville or Aurora, we adjust our pressure based on what we’re cleaning. Vinyl siding? Lower pressure. Concrete driveway? Crank it up. That’s why soft washing vs pressure washing is such a big deal right now.
Soft washing uses way less pressure and relies on cleaning solutions to do the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for delicate surfaces. And honestly, it’s what you should be using on most of your house’s exterior. But a lot of pressure washing companies don’t bother. They just blast everything at 3,000 PSI and hope nothing breaks.
We’re fully bonded and insured for exactly this reason. Because when someone damages your siding or breaks a window with too much pressure, you need to know they can fix it.
What Actually Goes Into Professional Power Washing Pricing
Let me break down what you’re actually paying for when you hire us (or any legit company).
Equipment and Expertise
Real commercial-grade pressure washing equipment costs thousands. We’re talking $3,000-$8,000 for a good setup. Plus maintenance. Plus insurance for that equipment. Plus gas. Plus cleaning solutions that actually work instead of just making bubbles.
And then there’s experience. I’ve personally trained every person on our team. They know the difference between cleaning composite decking and wood decking. They know how to clean brick without destroying the mortar. That matters.
What Surfaces We’re Actually Cleaning
When you call for driveway cleaning services, you might think that’s all you need. But when we get there, we’ll probably recommend:
- Concrete cleaning and sealing for your driveway (prevents oil stains from setting)
- Patio pressure washing because that’s usually grimy too
- Siding cleaning services since we’re already set up
- Fence power washing if you’ve got one
- Deck cleaning and sealing if it’s looking weathered
Each surface has different pricing. Concrete is cheaper per square foot than wood. Vinyl siding is easier than brick. Stone pavers take forever compared to plain concrete.
Your Home’s Size and Condition
A 1,500 square foot ranch in Schaumburg? That’s gonna cost way less than a 3,500 square foot two-story in Highland Park.
And if your house hasn’t been washed since 2019, it’s gonna take longer than one that was done last year. Algae, mildew, dirt buildup – all that stuff adds time. Which adds cost.
Want to see exactly what your house needs? Check our current specials and save on your first service!
The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions (Until the Bill Arrives)
Here’s where things get sketchy with some companies. They give you a quote over the phone. Then they show up and suddenly there’s all these “extras.”
- $75 for moving patio furniture
- $50 for covering plants (which they should be doing anyway)
- $100 for “difficult access” to your second story
- Another $80 for cleaning gutters while they’re up there (which, okay, gutter cleaning and brightening IS extra work)
At Prime Time, we give you the full price upfront. No surprises. No hidden fees. No “oh by the way” charges when we’re done.
We’ve serviced over 100,000 homes across Chicago and the suburbs since starting in ’96. You don’t get that kind of track record by surprising people with their bills.
How Much Does Pressure Washing Actually Cost by Surface Type
Let’s get specific. Because “how much is power washing” isn’t really the right question. It’s “how much is power washing WHAT?”
Driveway and Sidewalk Cleaning
Average driveway (400-600 sq ft): $150-$250 Large driveway with sidewalks: $300-$500
This is one of the most common services we do in Downers Grove and Wheaton. Your driveway takes a beating. Oil stains, tire marks, dirt, salt residue from winter. It all builds up.
House Siding (Full Exterior)
Small house (1,200-1,800 sq ft): $250-$400 Medium house (1,800-2,500 sq ft): $400-$600 Large house (2,500+ sq ft): $600-$1,000+
The material matters too. Vinyl is easiest. Brick takes longer. Stucco requires special care. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, pressure washing accidents often happen because people use too much pressure on delicate surfaces. We adjust for each home.
Deck and Patio Cleaning
Wood deck: $200-$400 (depending on size and condition) Composite deck: $150-$300 Stone/concrete patio: $150-$350
If you want deck cleaning and sealing, add another $200-$400 for the sealing part. But honestly? It’s worth it. A sealed deck lasts way longer and looks better.
Fence Cleaning
Privacy fence (6ft, 100 linear feet): $200-$350 Chain link fence: $100-$200
Most people don’t think about fence power washing until they see how gross their fence looks compared to their freshly cleaned house. Then they’re like “oh yeah, let’s do that too.”
Roof Cleaning
This one’s tricky. Roof washing services aren’t like the other stuff. You need someone who really knows what they’re doing. Too much pressure and you’re replacing shingles. Too little and you’re wasting money.
Average roof: $400-$800 Large roof with steep pitch: $800-$1,500
We don’t do a ton of roof cleaning because it’s specialized work. But when we do it, we use soft washing techniques. Always. No exceptions.
Want the whole package? Get in touch and we’ll build a custom quote for everything your property needs.
Commercial Pressure Washing vs. Residential – What’s the Price Difference?
So commercial pressure washing is a whole different beast. When we clean storefronts in downtown Chicago or office buildings in Naperville, the pricing structure changes.
Commercial jobs usually include:
- Sidewalk and entryway cleaning (high traffic areas)
- Building facade washing
- Parking lot cleaning
- Dumpster area cleaning (yeah, it’s as gross as it sounds)
- Sometimes graffiti removal services
Commercial rates are typically higher per hour ($150-$300/hour) but we can work outside business hours and we have faster equipment. Plus there’s liability insurance for commercial properties, which costs us more.
For residential power washing, we’re usually there 2-4 hours for a complete job. For commercial, it might be 6-8 hours or spread across multiple visits.
What Time of Year Gets You the Best Prices?
Here’s a pricing secret that’ll save you money. Spring and fall are our busiest seasons. Everyone wants their house cleaned in April before the neighbors come outside. Or in October before winter hits.
That means spring and fall prices are… standard. No discounts. We’re booked solid.
But winter? Summer? Different story. We offer better deals during our slower months. Still do great work. Just trying to keep the crew busy.
In Joliet and Bolingbrook, we can sometimes fit you in same-day during winter. In May? You might be waiting two weeks.
Book off-season if you can. Your wallet will thank you.
The Real Cost of DIY vs. Hiring Pressure Washing Services
Look. You can rent a pressure washer from Home Depot for like $80/day. And some YouTube videos make it look super easy. So why hire anyone?
Let me tell you what happens when you DIY without experience:
The Equipment Rental Costs Add Up
- Pressure washer rental: $80-$120/day
- Cleaning solutions: $30-$50
- Safety equipment: $20-$40
- Extra day because you ran out of time: Another $80-$120
You’re already at $200-$330. And you haven’t started yet.
The Damage Risk Is Real
I’ve seen some stuff, man. People who:
- Blasted siding right off their house
- Cracked concrete by holding the wand too close
- Stripped paint off their deck
- Broke windows
- Injured themselves (pressure washers are literally powerful enough to strip flesh)
Your homeowner’s insurance might not cover damage you cause to your own house with a pressure washer. Ask me how I know. (Because customers call us to fix their DIY disasters all the time.)
The Time Investment Is HUGE
Think you’ll knock out your house in 3 hours on Saturday? Try 8-10 hours. For someone who’s never done it before. Plus cleanup. Plus dealing with all the water pooling in your yard.
Or you can call us. We’re there 3-4 hours with a professional crew. Done right the first time. No damage. No injuries. No ruined weekend.
We’re fully bonded and insured. We carry proper commercial liability coverage. If something goes wrong (which it won’t), you’re covered. Can you say that about your DIY job?
Thinking about tackling this yourself? Let us give you a quote first – you might be surprised how affordable professional service actually is.
What Questions to Ask Before Hiring Power Washing Companies
Don’t just hire the first company you find. Ask these questions every time:
1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
This should be a yes. No exceptions. No “well, we’re working on it.” Just yes or no.
2. How long have you been in business?
We’ve been doing this since 1996. That matters. It means we’ve seen every type of house, every weather condition, every problem that can pop up. New companies might be great! But experience counts.
3. What pressure do you use on different surfaces?
If they say “3,000 PSI for everything,” run away. Different surfaces need different pressures. Anyone who doesn’t know that shouldn’t be touching your house.
4. What cleaning solutions do you use?
We use EPA Safer Choice approved solutions when possible. They’re safe for plants, pets, and the environment. Some companies use harsh chemicals that’ll kill your landscaping.
5. Do you offer any guarantees?
We guarantee our work. If you’re not happy, we’ll fix it or refund your money. Period. Not all companies do this.
6. Can I see references or reviews?
Check HomeAdvisor, Google, Yelp, whatever. We’ve got over 1,500 verified reviews. You should be able to find honest feedback about any company you’re considering.
7. What’s included in the quote?
Get it in writing. All of it. What surfaces. What cleaning. What’s extra. No surprises.
Understanding the Cost Difference Between Companies
So you’ve got three quotes. One’s $200. One’s $500. One’s $900. For the same house. What gives?
The $200 Quote
This is usually a guy with a truck and a pressure washer he bought at Costco. Maybe he’s got a helper. Maybe not. He’s going to spray your house with water. That’s probably it. No proper cleaning solutions. No soft washing. No attention to different surfaces.
Your house will look better than it did. For a little while. Then the mildew comes back. Because he didn’t actually kill it.
These quotes are tempting. I get it. But you usually get what you pay for.
The $500 Quote (That’s Usually Us)
This is professional equipment, trained crew, proper cleaning solutions, and insurance. We’re using the right pressure for each surface. We’re treating mildew and algae properly so it doesn’t come back in three weeks. We’re protecting your landscaping and your property.
This is the sweet spot for most homeowners. Professional results without overpaying.
The $900 Quote
Sometimes this is justified. Really big house. Really difficult access. Tons of mildew buildup. Multiple surfaces that need attention.
But sometimes? It’s just inflated. Some national chains charge premium prices because they can. They’ve got overhead. Marketing budgets. Corporate structure. All that costs money. And you’re paying for it.
How to Actually Save Money on Power Washing Services
Here’s how to get the best deal without sacrificing quality:
1. Bundle Services
We do windows, gutters, and power washing. If you book all three, we discount each one. Because we’re already there. Already set up. It’s more efficient for us, so we pass the savings to you.
2. Book Off-Season
I mentioned this before. Winter and summer bookings come with better pricing. We’d rather work at a discount than not work at all.
3. Maintain Regular Cleaning
A house that gets washed every year or two is WAY cheaper to clean than one that hasn’t been touched since 2015. The difference can be $200-$300 in labor costs.
4. Check for Promotions
Our coupons page has current deals. We run specials throughout the year. Sometimes it’s 15% off. Sometimes it’s package deals. Worth checking before you book.
5. Refer Friends and Neighbors
We do neighborhood deals. If three houses on your street book services the same week, everybody saves money. It’s more efficient for us to work one neighborhood than drive all over town.
6. Ask About First-Time Customer Discounts
We offer them. So do most companies. Never hurts to ask.
The Chicago-Specific Factors Affecting Your Power Washing Costs
Living in the Chicago area adds some unique wrinkles to power washing pricing:
Winter Salt and Road Grime
Chicago winters are BRUTAL on homes. Road salt, snow, ice, dirt – it all gets kicked up onto your house and driveway. This buildup requires stronger cleaning solutions and more time. That affects pricing.
Homes in Evanston near the lake get additional salt spray. Homes in Arlington Heights deal with heavy tree coverage. Each area has its own challenges.
Lake Michigan Humidity
The humidity near the lake promotes mold and mildew growth like crazy. Houses in Oak Park or Wilmette often need more intensive cleaning than places further west.
Urban Pollution
If you’re in the city or close-in suburbs, pollution and soot buildup is a real thing. Homes near major highways need more frequent cleaning. This is especially true in neighborhoods like Cicero.
Tree Coverage
Suburbs with mature trees – I’m looking at you, Oak Brook, Glen Ellyn, and Hinsdale – deal with more organic buildup. Pollen, leaves, sap. All that stuff sticks to your house and needs specialized treatment.
Ready to tackle your Chicago home’s specific challenges? Reach out now and we’ll create a custom plan for your property.
What’s Actually Worth the Extra Cost (And What Isn’t)
Let’s talk about upsells. Some are worth it. Some are cash grabs.
WORTH IT:
Deck Sealing After Cleaning – If you’re cleaning a wood deck anyway, sealing it immediately after protects your investment. The deck is clean, the wood is open and ready to absorb the sealer. This is the perfect time. Costs $200-$400 extra but extends your deck’s life by years.
Gutter Cleaning at the Same Time – We’re already there with ladders and equipment. Adding gutter cleaning while we’re doing your house makes total sense. Saves you a second service call later.
Driveway Sealing – For asphalt driveways, sealing after power washing is smart. Protects against weather damage and makes future cleaning easier. Not for concrete though – that’s different.
Wood Fence Staining – Similar to deck sealing. If your fence is wood and you’re cleaning it anyway, staining it while it’s clean is optimal timing.
NOT WORTH IT (Usually):
“Premium” Cleaning Solutions – Some companies charge extra for “special” solutions. Unless your house has specific problems (like serious mold or staining), standard professional-grade cleaners work fine.
Per-Window Pricing for Exterior House Washing – If a company is charging you per window to wash the outside of your house, that’s weird. The whole exterior should be one price.
“Sanitizing” Your Driveway – I’ve seen this upsell. It’s nonsense. Pressure washing cleans your driveway. You don’t need sanitizer on concrete that cars drive on.
Rush Fees in Off-Season – If it’s January and a company wants to charge you extra for “rush service,” find another company. It’s not rush season. They’re just trying to maximize profit.
Why How Much Is Pressure Washing Really Depends on Your Specific Home
I’ve thrown a lot of price ranges at you. That’s because how much does pressure washing cost depends on YOUR house. Not someone else’s.
Two houses on the same street can have wildly different costs. One’s got vinyl siding that’s in decent shape. The other’s got wood siding that hasn’t been cleaned in a decade. One’s got a small concrete patio. The other’s got a massive composite deck.
That’s why companies who give quotes without seeing your property are usually guessing. And guesses lead to surprise charges.
When we come out for an estimate, we look at:
- Square footage of each surface
- Material types (vinyl, wood, brick, stone, etc.)
- Current condition and buildup level
- Accessibility and safety factors
- Any special treatments needed
Then we give you an actual quote. Not a guess. A real number based on your real house.
This is why we always respond to quote requests within an hour. We want to get eyes on your property so we can give you honest pricing.
Additional Services That Make Sense with Power Washing
Since we’re talking about pricing, let’s discuss what else makes sense to bundle:
Window Cleaning
Windows and power washing go together like… well, like clean windows and clean siding. We’ve been doing window washing longer than power washing. Started the company in ’96 with just window services.
When your house exterior is clean, dirty windows stick out. When your windows are clean, dirty siding sticks out. Do both and your whole house looks new.
Gutter Cleaning and Brightening
Gutters get nasty. And if they’re overflowing, that dirty water runs down your freshly cleaned siding. Not ideal.
Gutter cleaning and brightening removes the black streaks on the outside of gutters that make them look old. It’s a finishing touch that makes a huge visual difference.
Seasonal Maintenance Programs
We offer maintenance packages where we come out twice a year – spring and fall. Power wash, clean gutters, wash windows. Regular maintenance is cheaper than letting everything go for years and then trying to fix it.
What to Expect on Service Day
So you’ve booked us. Now what? Here’s what happens:
Before We Arrive
We’ll call the day before to confirm timing. Usually give you a 2-hour window. Like “between 9 and 11” or “between 1 and 3.”
When We Get There
Our truck is marked. Our crew wears uniforms. We’re professional and respectful of your property.
First thing, we’ll do a walk-around with you. Point out any specific concerns. Discuss the plan.
During the Service
We move furniture out of spray zones. Cover plants. Close windows (you’d be surprised how many people forget). Then we start cleaning.
For most houses, we’ll spend 3-4 hours. Bigger properties take longer.
After We’re Done
We do a walk-through with you. Make sure you’re happy with everything. If there’s a spot we missed, we fix it right then. No scheduling a callback.
We clean up completely. Collect all our equipment. Remove any debris. The only evidence we were there is your sparkling clean property.
Payment
We accept cash, check, or card. Payment is due when service is complete and you’re satisfied. We don’t require deposits or upfront payment.
Simple as that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Washing in the Chicago Area
How often should I power wash my house in Chicago?
Most homes benefit from power washing every 1-2 years. The north-facing sides of houses get more mildew and should be cleaned annually. South-facing sides can sometimes go longer. If you’ve got a lot of trees or live near a busy road, annual cleaning makes sense.
Can you power wash in the winter in Chicago?
Yes! As long as temperatures are above 40°F and your water isn’t going to freeze on contact. We work year-round, though obviously spring and fall are busier seasons. Winter power washing actually works great because there’s less pollen and fewer bugs. Plus you’ll get better availability and pricing.
Will power washing damage my siding or windows?
Not if it’s done correctly. That’s why hiring experienced pressure washing services matters. We adjust pressure based on what we’re cleaning. Vinyl siding gets lower pressure than concrete. Windows are avoided or cleaned separately with proper techniques. Improper pressure washing absolutely can cause damage – that’s why our insurance and bonding matter.
How long does power washing last?
For most Chicago homes, a professional power washing will keep your house looking good for 1-2 years. Factors that affect this include: tree coverage, which direction your house faces, proximity to roads, and weather exposure. Houses with proper gutters and drainage tend to stay cleaner longer. The cleaning solutions we use help prevent mildew from returning quickly.
Do I need to be home during the power washing?
Not necessarily. If we’re only doing exterior services (siding, driveway, deck), you don’t need to be there. We just need access to an outdoor water source. Some customers give us gate codes or leave hoses connected. For interior window cleaning or if you want to do a walkthrough, you’d need to be home. We’re flexible and work around your schedule.
Final Thoughts: What You Should Actually Do Next
Look. I’ve thrown a LOT of information at you. Prices, services, what to watch out for, all of it. So what should you actually do?
First, stop searching “how much is power washing” and start thinking about what YOUR house needs. Not what your neighbor paid. Not what some website says the average is. What does YOUR property specifically need?
Second, get at least three quotes. But don’t just pick the cheapest one. Look at what’s included. Check reviews. Verify insurance. Ask questions. A quote that seems too good is usually too good.
Third, consider that this is maintenance, not just cosmetic cleaning. Regular power washing protects your investment. It extends the life of your siding, your deck, your concrete. It prevents damage that costs way more to fix later.
We’ve been serving Chicago and the suburbs since 1996. Almost 30 years. We’re not going anywhere. We don’t use high-pressure sales tactics. We don’t surprise you with extra charges. We just do good work at fair prices.
We’ve cleaned houses in over 100 communities across Chicagoland. From downtown high-rises to suburban homes in St. Charles, Elmhurst, and Glenview. We know Chicago weather. We know Chicago houses. We know what works.
Want to stop guessing and get real answers? Contact Prime Time Window & Gutter Cleaning today. We’ll come out, assess your specific property, and give you honest pricing with no surprises. Most quote requests get responses within the hour. Let’s get your house looking the way it should.
Your home deserves professional care from people who actually know what they’re doing. We’ve been proving that since ’96. Let us show you the difference experience and honesty make.
Prime Time Window & Gutter Cleaning has been providing professional power washing services, pressure washing services, window cleaning, and gutter maintenance to residential and commercial properties throughout the Chicago area since 1996. As one of the most trusted exterior cleaning services in Chicagoland, we’re fully bonded, insured, and committed to customer satisfaction. Contact us today for your free estimate!