You booked a power washing appointment and cleared your schedule — but now you’re wondering: how long is this going to take? Will it be done before lunch? Or will the crew still be there by dinner?
The answer depends on several key factors — including the size of the area, the type of washing, the equipment used, and even the weather. 🌤️
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when hiring a professional power washing company, and how long typical jobs take.
🏠 1. Surface Area is the #1 Factor
The more square footage, the more time it’ll take — no surprise there. But here are some rough estimates:
- Driveway (2-car width): 30–60 minutes
- Sidewalks + Walkways: 20–45 minutes
- House Siding (1,500–2,000 sq ft): 1.5–3 hours
- Deck or Patio (300–500 sq ft): 1–2 hours
- Roof Soft Washing: 2–4 hours (depending on height and pitch)
- Fence (100–200 linear feet): 1–2 hours
These are just averages. A good company will assess your surfaces and give you a more accurate time estimate in your quote.
🧼 2. Power Washing vs. Soft Washing
Not all power washing is high-pressure blasting. Some surfaces — like vinyl siding, roofs, or painted wood — require soft washing, which takes a bit longer due to:
- Pre-soaking the surface with detergent
- Letting it dwell for 10–15 minutes
- Rinsing with low-pressure water
Soft washing adds time but protects delicate surfaces — and still gets incredible results. 🌿
🧴 3. Cleaning Agents and Prep Work
Many pros use biodegradable cleaning solutions to loosen grime before rinsing. That adds time, too:
- Application: 10–20 minutes
- Dwell time: 15–30 minutes
- Rinse: 10–30 minutes
If you’re getting mold, algae, or rust stains treated, expect the technician to spend extra time scrubbing or repeating certain areas.
🧹 4. Prep and Cleanup Time
A professional crew doesn’t just roll up, spray, and leave. Time is spent:
- Moving furniture or covering outlets
- Protecting plants and landscaping 🌺
- Taping windows or sealing vents
- Final cleanup, rinsing residue, and tidying up equipment
Even on smaller jobs, 30–45 minutes of prep and breakdown is common.
☁️ 5. Weather Conditions Matter
Rain, wind, or extreme heat can slow things down:
- Wet surfaces may require drying
- High winds make spraying less accurate
- Hot weather causes soaps to dry too fast, requiring reapplication
If bad weather is expected, some companies may reschedule to avoid a rushed or subpar job.
🚧 6. Accessibility and Complexity
A flat driveway? Easy. A 3-story home on a hill with a steep roof? Not so much. 🧗
Factors that add time:
- Multiple stories or hard-to-reach areas
- Obstructions (shrubs, fences, furniture)
- Surfaces in poor condition (heavily stained, mildewed, or neglected)
The more challenging the access, the longer it takes.
🧑🔧 7. Solo Tech vs. Crew
A single technician with professional equipment can clean a driveway quickly — but bigger homes often require teams of 2–3 people to speed things up.
Ask how many people will be on the job — it can drastically affect the timeline.
🕒 Typical Job Timeline Examples
| Job Type | Crew Size | Average Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small house (1,500 sq ft) | 1 | 2–3 hours |
| Medium house (2,500 sq ft) | 2 | 2–3 hours |
| Large house (3,500+ sq ft) | 3 | 3–5 hours |
| Driveway + sidewalks | 1 | 1–2 hours |
| Deck + fence combo | 1–2 | 2–4 hours |
✅ Final Thoughts
So, how long does power washing take? Anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day, depending on the size, surface, and complexity of the job.
To avoid surprises:
- Ask for a time estimate in your quote
- Clarify what prep and cleanup are included
- Make sure you’re home (or available) if questions arise
Hiring a professional crew means faster results and no stress — your property will be spotless before you know it. 🧽🏠⏱️
