FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Pricing, product, and business questions we hear most from pressure washing contractors and homeowners researching quotes.
Pricing
How much does pressure washing cost?
National ranges for common jobs in 2026 are roughly $150 to $350 for a 2,000 sq ft driveway, $250 to $550 for one-story house siding, $250 to $700 for a wood deck restoration, and $400 to $900 for a roof soft wash on a single-story home. Prices vary by region, surface condition, and service type. See /guide/pressure-washing-cost-2026 for the underlying math and regional adjustment table.
How accurate is the WashQuoter calculator?
It produces a defensible starting price using a square-foot method, service-type multiplier, trip charge, and regional adjustment. Defaults come from published contractor rate surveys cross-checked against manufacturer education pages. Real closing prices vary by neighborhood, competition, and how well the contractor sells the job. Every default can be edited before the quote is sent. Full formula on /methodology.
Are your pricing benchmarks endorsed by PWNA?
No. WashQuoter is not affiliated with or endorsed by PWNA, UAMCC, IWCA, OSHA, EPA, or any regulator or trade association. When we describe an association's published guidance, we quote it and link to the source. See /methodology and /sources.
Product
Is WashQuoter free?
Yes. The free tier includes five quotes per month with WashQuoter branding on the quote footer. Pro is $9 per month for unlimited quotes with your own branding and PDF export. Annual is $90 per year, two months free.
Can I use WashQuoter on my phone?
Yes. The calculator and dashboard are responsive and designed for on-site quoting from a phone. Log in from any browser.
How do I download a quote as a PDF?
PDF download is included on the Pro plan. From your dashboard, open the quote, click Download PDF, and it renders in your browser.
How do I cancel my WashQuoter subscription?
Log in, open Settings, click Billing Portal, and cancel there. The portal is Stripe's hosted customer portal. Your Pro features remain active until the end of the paid period.
Running a pressure washing business
Do I need a license to run a pressure washing business?
That depends on your state. Most states do not require a specific pressure washing contractor license, but nearly all require a local business license, and states like California, Florida, and Louisiana require a general contractor license once the job value crosses a dollar threshold. See /guide/pressure-washing-licensing-by-state and always confirm with your state licensing board.
What insurance does a pressure washing business need?
A standard stack is general liability at $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, workers compensation if you have employees (required in most states), commercial auto if you drive a work truck, and inland marine to cover equipment on the truck. Typical annual general liability premiums run $500 to $1,500 for a solo operator. See /guide/pressure-washing-insurance-guide for the detail.
What PPE is required for handling sodium hypochlorite?
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 requires the employer to assess the hazard and provide appropriate PPE. For 10 to 12.5 percent SH used in soft washing, that typically means chemical splash goggles, a face shield when mixing, chemical-resistant gloves rated for hypochlorite, and long sleeves. Consult the SDS for the specific product you buy. See /guide/sodium-hypochlorite-safety-pressure-washing and the CDC NIOSH pocket guide for SH.
Equipment and technique
What is soft washing?
Soft washing applies a diluted sodium hypochlorite (SH) solution at low pressure, typically under 500 PSI, to kill algae, mold, and lichen on siding and roofs. It relies on chemistry to do the work instead of pressure, which is why it is the standard for asphalt shingle roof cleaning and for painted or delicate substrates. See /guide/soft-washing-vs-pressure-washing.
Does higher PSI clean better?
Not on its own. Cleaning power scales with the combination of PSI (pressure) and GPM (flow). On concrete, a 3,000 PSI 4 GPM contractor unit will out-clean a 3,300 PSI 2.5 GPM consumer unit because it moves more water. See /guide/psi-vs-gpm-pressure-washing for the arithmetic and manufacturer specifications.
Editorial
Do you take affiliate commissions from equipment or chemical brands?
No. When our guides name a manufacturer, it is because they publish real specifications we can cite. WashQuoter has no affiliate, referral, or paid-placement relationship with any equipment brand, chemical supplier, or insurance provider.
How often are the guides updated?
Wage and industry data is refreshed when the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a new vintage (typically annually). Licensing tables are reviewed quarterly. Chemistry and equipment references are refreshed when the manufacturer or SDS publisher issues a revision. Every guide shows its Last reviewed date.
How do I report an error in a guide?
Email [email protected] with the page URL and the primary source that contradicts our claim. We investigate every report and fix substantive errors within a business day.
Last reviewed 30 June 2026.