Pressure cleaning, also known as pressure washing or power washing, is a highly effective method that uses high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, mould, mildew, oil, chewing gum, graffiti, and loose paint from various surfaces. Operating typically between 1,000–4,000 PSI, it can use cold or hot water depending on the job, making it suitable for driveways, roofs, house exteriors, decks, pavers, commercial façades, and more. There are two main methods: power washing, which uses hot water and high pressure for tough stains like grease and oil, and soft washing, which employs low pressure with biodegradable cleaning solutions to safely clean roofs, painted walls, and delicate surfaces. Pressure cleaning is not just cosmetic—it extends the life of surfaces, protects property investments, and prevents costly repairs. Services cater to residential, commercial, and emergency needs, including graffiti removal, storm cleanup, and urgent oil or gum removal. Pricing varies by surface and complexity, with professional teams providing insured, licensed, and safe operations. Regular pressure cleaning, done correctly, preserves surfaces, enhances curb appeal, and ensures long-lasting cleanliness and protection.

How Pressure Cleaning Works

The process of using high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, oil, chewing gum, graffiti, and other contaminants from surfaces. Professional machines control the water pressure, flow, and sometimes temperature to achieve effective cleaning without damaging surfaces. Follow these processes:

a. Preparation: Clear the area and choose the right machine, nozzle, and water temperature.

b. Application: Start from a safe distance, moving the nozzle steadily across the surface.

c. Adjustment: Adjust distance, pressure, and spray pattern as needed. Soft surfaces require wider angles and lower PSI; hard surfaces can handle narrow, high-pressure streams.

d. Rinse & Finish: After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with water to remove loosened dirt, soap, or chemicals.

The process relies on three main elements: pressure (PSI), flow rate (GPM), and temperature, combined with the right nozzle selection.

1. PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)

PSI measures the force of the water stream. The higher the PSI, the more force is applied to remove dirt.

• 1000–2000 PSI: Used for soft washing, suitable for delicate surfaces like painted wood, vinyl siding, or outdoor furniture. Low pressure prevents surface damage.
  
• 2500–4000 PSI: Used for concrete, brick, and heavy-duty degreasing, where stubborn stains or caked-on grime need aggressive cleaning.
  
• Above 4000 PSI: Rarely used in residential cleaning; typically industrial-grade machines handle extremely tough surfaces like large factories or oil rigs.

2. GPM (Gallons per Minute)

GPM measures how much water flows through the nozzle per minute. While PSI is the force, GPM is the volume.

• Higher GPM = faster cleaning: More water can wash away debris quicker and rinse surfaces more efficiently.
  
• For example, a machine with 3000 PSI but low GPM may remove stains more slowly than a slightly lower PSI machine with higher GPM.
  
• Professional cleaners select machines with the right combination of PSI and GPM to balance speed and surface safety.

3. Temperature

Water temperature can enhance cleaning effectiveness:

• Cold water: Most residential and light commercial jobs use cold water. It is effective for dirt, algae, and mildew.
  
• Hot water or steam (up to 120°C / 248°F): Used for oil, grease, or sanitisation tasks, as heat breaks down stubborn residues that cold water alone cannot.
  
• Using hot water requires specialized pressure washers with heating elements or boilers.

4. Nozzles and Spray Patterns

The nozzle controls the spray angle and intensity. Selecting the right nozzle is critical:

• 0° (Pinpoint / Pencil): Very concentrated and powerful; good for stubborn stains but can damage surfaces if used incorrectly.
  
• 15° (Stripping): Narrow, forceful spray; removes paint, tough grime, or thick moss.
  
• 25° (General): Versatile medium spray for most cleaning tasks like decks, patios, or driveways.
  
• 40° (Delicate / Wide): Gentle, wide spray; ideal for windows, cars, and softer surfaces.
  
• Turbo / Rotary / Specialised heads: Combine spinning action with high-pressure water for aggressive cleaning of hard surfaces without the need for extreme PSI.

Common Surfaces That Benefit from Pressure Cleaning

1. Driveways

Driveways face constant exposure to vehicles, oil spills, dirt, and weather elements. Over time, this leads to stubborn stains, moss, and algae growth. Pressure cleaning not only removes these unsightly marks but also prevents cracks and erosion caused by prolonged moisture retention, ensuring both safety and durability.

2. Roofs

Roofs are highly exposed to rain, sun, wind, and debris, which can lead to mold, moss, algae, and lichen growth. These organisms retain moisture and can damage shingles or tiles, causing leaks or structural issues. Gentle pressure washing or soft washing removes buildup, prolongs roof life, and keeps your home looking pristine.

3. House Exteriors

Exterior walls made of brick, vinyl, stucco, or wood can accumulate dirt, dust, mildew, and pollution stains. Pressure cleaning restores their original color, prevents decay, and eliminates hidden mold that can affect indoor air quality. It’s also an excellent prep step before painting or sealing surfaces.

Read more in detail: Floor Stripping & Sealing.

4. Decks & Patios

Outdoor living spaces like decks and patios often suffer from dirt, grime, algae, and food or drink stains. Pressure cleaning removes slippery moss and mildew, which is essential for safety, especially in wet climates. It also revitalizes the surface, preserving the wood or composite material and extending its life.

5. Pavers

Paver stones in gardens, patios, and walkways can look dull due to dirt, moss, and weeds growing between joints. Pressure cleaning restores the vibrant colors, removes slippery algae, and keeps pathways safe. It also prevents long-term damage like joint erosion and uneven surfaces.

6. Concrete

Concrete surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, and garage floors, can become stained by oil, grease, rust, and dirt. Pressure cleaning effectively restores a clean, smooth finish, reduces slip hazards, and prevents surface degradation caused by chemicals or biological growth.

7. Car Parks

Commercial car parks see heavy traffic, oil spills, litter, and grime buildup. Pressure washing keeps them clean and safe, reducing slip and fall hazards. Clean car parks also improve customer perception and contribute to overall business hygiene and professional appearance.

8. Balconies

Balconies collect dirt, dust, leaves, and bird droppings, which can stain flooring and railings. Regular pressure cleaning prevents mold, algae, and corrosion on metal fixtures, keeping the balcony hygienic and visually appealing while maintaining structural integrity.

9. Commercial Facades

The exterior of commercial buildings is exposed to pollution, graffiti, dust, and weathering. Pressure cleaning removes these contaminants, prevents surface deterioration, and enhances the professional look of the property. It’s often used to prepare surfaces for painting, sealing, or other maintenance.

Overall Benefit:

Pressure cleaning is not just about aesthetics—it prevents long-term damage, ensures safety, and extends the life of materials. From residential driveways to commercial façades, regular cleaning reduces maintenance costs while keeping surfaces safe and visually appealing.

Pressure Cleaning Methods

1. Power Washing (Hot Water High-Pressure)

Best for tough grease, oil stains, commercial kitchens, drive-thrus, and heavy concrete cleaning.

• Uses 80–120°C water + 3000–4000 PSI
• Removes 99% of oil stains without chemicals in most cases
• Ideal for driveways, workshops, and car parks

2. Soft Washing (Low Pressure + Cleaning Chemistry)

The only safe method for roofs, rendered walls, Colorbond, and painted houses.

• 100–300 PSI (garden hose pressure) + biodegradable detergents
• Kills mould, algae, and spider webs at the root (prevents regrowth for 2–4 years)
• Recommended by Roofing Association of Australia and Dulux

3. Chemistry & Safety Standards

We only use Australian-made, biodegradable solutions approved under Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (Safe Work Australia). No bleach or sodium hypochlorite on roofs — we use approved benzalkonium chloride mixes that are safe for plants, pets, and wastewater.

All technicians hold White Cards, Working at Heights, and EWP licences where required.

Surfaces We Clean with Pressure Cleaning

Surface	Best Method	Typical PSI	Avg. Time (single storey house)
Driveway	Power washing	3000–4000	1–2 hours
Roof (tiles/metal)	Soft wash	<300	4–8 hours
House exterior	Soft wash	150–300	4–6 hours
Deck & patio	Soft or medium	1000–2000	2–4 hours
Pavers	Surface cleaner + hot	2500–3500	1–3 hours
Concrete	Turbo nozzle + hot	3500–4000	1–2 hours
Car park	Ride-on surface cleaner	3000+	Varies
Balcony	Soft/manual	<1000	1–2 hours
High-rise facade	Rope access or WFP	1000–3000	Per level

Pressure Cleaning – Who We Serve

1. Residential Pressure Cleaning

Residential clients are homeowners or tenants looking to maintain or restore the appearance and safety of their properties. The focus is on aesthetics, hygiene, and property protection. Services commonly include:

• House Washing: Gentle soft washing of exterior walls, sidings, and facades to remove dirt, algae, mildew, and stains without damaging surfaces. Soft wash is safer for delicate materials like timber, vinyl, and painted surfaces.
  
• Roof Cleaning: Removal of moss, lichen, and grime to prevent roof deterioration, leaks, and structural damage. This improves both longevity and curb appeal.
  
• Driveway Restoration: High-pressure cleaning to remove oil stains, dirt, and grime from driveways, patios, and paths, restoring them to near-original condition.
  
• Prep for Painting: Cleaning surfaces before repainting ensures better paint adhesion, longer-lasting finishes, and a professional look.

Most popular package: Many residential clients opt for a full exterior soft wash combined with driveway cleaning, starting at $399, as it covers both the visual appeal of the home and key outdoor areas.

2. Commercial & Industrial Pressure Cleaning

Commercial and industrial clients typically have larger properties, higher traffic areas, and stricter compliance needs. These clients benefit from scheduled maintenance, which ensures safety, hygiene, and professional presentation. Services include:

• Strata & Body Corporate: Apartment buildings, townhouses, and shared complexes often need regular cleaning of common areas like pathways, parking lots, walls, and recreational facilities.
  
• Factories & Industrial Sites: Heavy-duty cleaning to remove grease, oil, chemical residues, and dirt buildup from production floors, machinery areas, and exterior walls.
  
• Shopping Centres & Retail Spaces: Maintaining clean exteriors, car parks, and pedestrian areas for safety and customer appeal.
  
• Schools & Councils: Safe, compliant cleaning for playgrounds, sports courts, and public facilities.

Maintenance contracts: Many commercial clients save 15–25% through scheduled contracts, ensuring regular cleaning without disruption to operations and extending the life of their facilities.

Pressure Cleaning Pricing & Rates

Job Type	Average Price Range (inc GST)	Notes
Driveway only (50–100 m²)	$190 – $450	Plain concrete vs exposed aggregate
Single-storey house soft wash	$399 – $749	Includes gutters & exterior walls
Roof cleaning (tile/metal)	$499 – $1,200	Size + pitch dependent
Deck cleaning & oiling	$25 – $45 per m²
Paver cleaning & re-sanding	$12 – $22 per m²
Commercial car park (per m²)	$1.50 – $4.00	Night works extra
Graffiti removal (per m²)	$35 – $95 (emergency call-out +$250)

Conclusion

Pressure cleaning is more than just a cosmetic upgrade — it protects your biggest investments. Regular professional cleaning removes harmful mold, algae, oil, and salt that quietly shorten the life of your roof, driveway, walls, and decks. A single visit can add years of protection, boost your property value instantly, and save you thousands in premature repairs or repainting.

Whether you need a routine residential house wash, a full commercial car park restoration, emergency graffiti removal at 2 a.m., or safe roof cleaning that won’t void your warranty, choosing experienced, fully insured professionals is the only way to guarantee perfect results without risk.

We’ve been Australia’s trusted name in pressure cleaning for over 13 years because we show up on time, quite honestly, clean thoroughly, and stand behind every job with a 100 % satisfaction guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between pressure cleaning and power washing?

Ans. Power washing uses heated water for grease and oil; pressure cleaning can be hot or cold.

2. Is pressure cleaning safe for my roof tiles?

Ans. Only soft washing is safe. High-pressure can break tiles and void warranties (see Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia advisory).

3. How much does it cost to pressure clean a driveway in Australia?

Ans. $190–$450 for a standard double driveway (50–100 m²) depending on staining and access.

4. Can you remove oil stains from concrete?

Ans. Yes — hot water power washing + degreaser removes 95–100% in one visit in most cases.

5. Do you offer emergency graffiti removal?

Ans. Yes, 24/7 same-day response in all capital cities.

6. Will soft washing kill the black streaks on my roof?

Ans. Yes. Our treatment kills Gloeocapsa magma (the bacteria causing streaks) and prevents regrowth for 3–4 years.

7. How often should I have my house washed?

Ans. Coastal areas: every 12–18 months. Inland: every 2–3 years.

8. Do you need to be home when you clean?

Ans. No. We just need clear access and a water tap.

9. Are your chemicals safe for pets and plants?

Ans. Yes — all solutions are biodegradable and rinsed thoroughly.

10. Do you carry public liability insurance?

Ans. Yes — $20 million cover, certificates supplied on request.

11. Can pressure cleaning damage my pavers?

Ans. Only if incorrect pressure/nozzle is used. We use surface cleaners at the correct PSI and re-sand/polymeric sand afterwards.

12. Do you clean high-rise buildings?

Ans. Yes — IRATA-certified rope access and water-fed pole systems up to 20 storeys.