Not every power washing project is a full-house overhaul. Sometimes, you just need one thing cleaned: your driveway is stained, your patio looks grimy, or your fence has seen better days. So the question is — can you hire a power washing company to clean just one small area?
✅ The short answer: Yes, you can.
But there are a few important things to understand about how small jobs are priced, scheduled, and delivered — so you know exactly what to expect. 🧠💡
🧼 Why You Might Only Need a Small Area Cleaned
There are plenty of situations where a full-blown service isn’t necessary:
- Your front steps are slippery with moss
- A kid’s birthday party is coming up and the patio needs a touch-up
- You had construction done, and now the walkway is covered in dust
- There’s a stubborn oil stain on the driveway
- One side of your house is mildewed, but the rest looks fine
In these cases, it’s totally reasonable to want just a targeted, smaller-scale cleaning — and many power washing companies are happy to accommodate.
💲 How Small Jobs Are Typically Priced
One of the first things to understand is that power washing companies often have a minimum service fee — usually ranging from $100 to $200, depending on the business.
Why? Because even a small job still requires:
- Loading equipment 🛠️
- Driving to your property 🚐
- Setting up hoses, detergents, and safety gear ⛑️
- Performing the work
- Packing everything back up
So even if you’re only asking them to clean a small patio, they’re still putting in almost the same amount of time and effort as they would for a medium-sized job.
That said, here’s a rough idea of typical prices for small-area jobs:
- Driveway (one-car wide): $100–$150
- Small patio or deck: $90–$160
- Fence section: $75–$125
- One exterior wall: $80–$130
- Walkways or stairs: $75–$110
📌 Tip: Combine one or two small items to meet the minimum and get the most value!
📋 What to Ask When Booking a Small Job
To make sure you’re hiring the right pro for a small project, ask questions like:
- Do you have a minimum service charge?
- Are there any additional travel fees for smaller jobs?
- Can I combine a few small areas to meet the minimum?
- What’s your availability for quick turnarounds?
Some companies have slower days and will be glad to take on smaller work when they’re not booked solid. It never hurts to ask!
🤔 Will Every Company Take Small Jobs?
Not always. Larger companies that focus on commercial buildings or full-property services may turn down jobs they consider too small to be worth the travel time.
🧠 That’s why it’s often best to:
- Look for local businesses or solo operators
- Search for companies that advertise “no job too small” or “residential touch-ups”
- Ask your local Facebook groups or community forums for recommendations
💬 You’re more likely to find someone flexible — and affordable — in your local network.
🔄 Are There Any Downsides to Small Jobs?
There can be a few things to keep in mind:
- Per-square-foot pricing is usually higher. Since the base fee is fixed, the cost per square foot can be steeper than if you were doing a larger area.
- You may have to wait. Some companies prioritize larger jobs, so small ones may be scheduled between bigger appointments.
- It may be tempting to DIY. While small, isolated areas seem like good DIY candidates, improper technique can cause damage — especially on wood, siding, or stone. It’s better to hire a pro than to gouge your deck or etch your concrete. 🧯
🧠 Smart Ways to Get More Value Out of a Small Service
If you’re booking a pro for one small area, make the most of the visit:
- Bundle tasks: Ask if they can also clean your front steps, mailbox, or outdoor furniture.
- Get a quote on the spot: If you’re considering other areas down the line, ask them to quote additional sections while they’re there.
- Request maintenance tips: A quick conversation can help you delay future cleanings and care for the freshly washed surface.
🎁 Some power washing companies even offer loyalty discounts or coupons for repeat business — especially if you’re a local homeowner or property manager.
👀 Real-Life Examples of Small Jobs
Here are some small-but-mighty projects professionals often handle:
- A homeowner getting their front porch cleaned before a holiday gathering
- A real estate agent having just the entryway and steps washed before listing photos
- A property manager calling for a spot-clean on a fence where algae developed
- A food truck owner having the parking pad washed before an inspection
- A homeowner wanting the patio only done before spring furniture arrives
In all of these cases, small power washing jobs made a big visual difference — without requiring a full-service appointment.
✅ Final Thoughts
Power washing doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Whether it’s a grime-covered driveway or a mossy stone path, small jobs can be just as impactful — and yes, you can absolutely hire a professional for them. 🧽💪
Just be sure to:
✔️ Ask about minimum charges
✔️ Combine tasks when possible
✔️ Choose a local or flexible service provider
✔️ Book ahead if timing matters
A clean surface — no matter how small — can refresh your curb appeal, improve safety, and boost your pride in your home. Sometimes, a small change really does go a long way. ✨🏠
