How to start a pressure washing business

Starting a pressure washing business gives you the chance to turn everyday grime into profit. With low startup costs and steady demand, it’s an attractive opportunity for new entrepreneurs ready to get their hands wet.

To succeed, you’ll need more than a pressure washer and a few clients. Building a reliable business requires understanding your market, setting fair prices, and marketing your services effectively. Let’s dive into how to launch your pressure washing business and position it for long-term success.

What is a pressure washing business?

A pressure washing business provides cleaning services using high-powered water sprays to remove dirt, grime, mold, and other buildup from various surfaces. These businesses help homeowners and businesses keep their properties clean and well-maintained, which improves appearance and longevity.

Clients hire pressure washing professionals to save time, protect surfaces, and boost curb appeal. Regular cleanings can also create a safer environment and help businesses maintain a professional image.

How to start a pressure washing business in 9 steps

Getting your pressure washing business off the ground takes planning, persistence, and the right tools. Each decision you make early on can shape how smoothly your business runs. Use this step-by-step guide to start your business on the right foot.

1. Do market research

Before you dive into scrubbing sidewalks and driveways, take time to understand your local market. Market research helps you identify who your ideal customers are, how much they’re willing to pay, and what your competitors are already doing. Start your research by exploring your local area and asking key questions:

Who needs pressure washing services most often? (Homeowners, property managers, business owners?)
What are the most common jobs—driveways, decks, storefronts, parking lots?
How many similar businesses already exist nearby?

To get clear answers, try these research methods:

Online research: Look up competitors’ websites and social media profiles to study pricing, service packages, and reviews.
Surveys or polls: Ask potential customers about their cleaning needs and how frequently they’d hire a professional.
Community boards or directories: Search local listings to spot service gaps or underserved neighborhoods.

When analyzing competitors, pay attention to:

Their most popular services
Pricing strategies and packages
Customer reviews and common complaints
Service areas and response times

Strong research gives you a realistic view of what works, what doesn’t, and how to stand out in a crowded market.

2. Create a business plan

A strong business plan is your roadmap for success. It outlines your goals, defines your audience, and helps you stay focused as your company grows. It’s also useful for securing funding and partnerships. Your business plan should include:

Mission statement: Summarize your company’s purpose and what makes your services unique.
Business goals: Define where you want to be in six months, one year, and five years.
Target audience: Identify who you’re serving—residential homeowners, commercial clients, or both.
Marketing strategy: Outline how you’ll attract new clients through local advertising, word-of-mouth, or online promotions.
Financial projections: Estimate startup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential revenue.

Read this article for more in-depth guidance on how to write a professional business plan.

3. Define your services or offerings

Pressure washing businesses thrive when they focus on clear, consistent services. Before you start advertising, decide what you’ll offer and to whom. Starting small lets you master your process before expanding into more specialized work. Popular service categories to consider include:

Residential cleaning: Driveways, decks, fences, patios, siding, and roofs. Ideal for homeowners looking to boost curb appeal.
Commercial cleaning: Storefronts, parking lots, sidewalks, and building exteriors. Great for property managers and small businesses.
Specialized cleaning: Graffiti removal, fleet washing, and heavy equipment cleaning. These higher-value jobs often require specialized equipment.

Defining your services upfront helps you streamline pricing, equipment purchases, and marketing messages. And it gives customers a clear understanding of what you do best.

4. Set pricing and create a financial plan

Getting your pricing right is one of the trickiest — but most important — parts of running a pressure washing business. Charge too little, and you’ll struggle to grow. Charge too much, and potential customers may look elsewhere. Your pricing strategy should balance fair rates with healthy profit margins.

To calculate your prices:

Estimate job time: Determine how long each service takes, including setup and cleanup.
Add your costs: Factor in materials, fuel, insurance, and equipment maintenance.
Research competitors: Compare local pricing to see where you fit in.
Add your margin: Include a profit percentage that ensures sustainable growth.

For example:

Service	Estimated time	Estimated cost	Price	Profit margin
Driveway cleaning	1 hour	$30	$85	$55
Small storefront cleaning	2 hours	$60	$125	$65

As your business grows, review and adjust pricing regularly. Keep track of income and expenses to spot trends and opportunities for improvement. GoDaddy’s tools make it easy to send invoices and get paid quickly, so your cash flow stays as clean as your clients’ properties.

5. Register your business and handle legal requirements

Now, it’s time to make your business official. Registering your business protects your brand, builds customer trust, and keeps you compliant with local regulations. To do this, you need to:

Choose a business structure: Decide if you’ll operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC. You can learn more about how to start an LLC here, or register your LLC for free through GoDaddy.
Secure required licenses and permits: Check your city or county requirements for pressure washing operations and wastewater disposal. You may need to get permits or licenses before you can open up shop.
Get business insurance: Protect your equipment and cover liability for potential accidents.
Claim your online identity: Buy a domain and create a professional website so customers can easily find and contact you.

6. Set up your operations

Once your business is legally established, you need to organize your daily operations. When every job runs on time, and every customer stays informed, you build the kind of reliability that keeps clients coming back.

During this process, consider:

Scheduling: Use tools like Google Calendar, Jobber, or Square Appointments to book clients, avoid overlaps, and plan travel routes.
Workflow management: Create a checklist for each job that includes setup, cleaning, and cleanup steps to ensure consistency.
Client management: Use customer relationship management (CRM) software like HubSpot or Zoho to track client preferences, service history, and contact details.
Payment processing: Simplify transactions with a POS system or offer convenient mobile payment options via tap-to-pay.

Building efficient systems frees up time to focus on customer satisfaction and growth.

Acquire equipment and supplies

Choosing reliable, high-quality tools can make or break your efficiency and results. While you don’t need top-tier equipment to start, investing in durable gear pays off in the long run. You’ll likely need:

Pressure washer: Look for one with adjustable PSI to handle both delicate and heavy-duty surfaces.
Hoses and nozzles: Durable, kink-resistant hoses and multiple nozzle options help you tackle different cleaning jobs.
Surface cleaner attachments: Ideal for driveways, patios, and large flat areas for a uniform finish.
Water tanks: Useful for mobile jobs when access to water is limited.
Safety gear: Gloves, goggles, non-slip boots, and hearing protection.

If you’re starting small, consumer-grade equipment can help you test the waters without overextending your budget. As your client base grows, upgrade to professional-grade tools that can handle frequent, large-scale projects.

7. Build your brand and online presence

Your brand is how customers recognize and remember you. Many new business owners treat branding as an afterthought, but it should really be a priority. A strong brand identity paired with a solid online presence can make your business look established even when you’re just starting out. Make sure you have:

Logo and colors: Design a custom logo that reflects professionalism and reliability. Choose a consistent color palette for uniforms, vehicles, and marketing materials.
Website: Create a website where customers can learn about your services, view before-and-after photos, and request quotes. GoDaddy’s home services website templates make it easy to launch a professional pressure washing site quickly.
Google Business Profile: Claim your listing so you appear in local searches and map results. Encourage customers to leave reviews to build credibility.
Social media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor to post project photos, share cleaning tips, and connect with local audiences.

Consistency across every touchpoint builds trust and helps clients recognize your business anywhere they see it.

8. Market your business and acquire clients

With your brand in place, it’s time to attract customers. Focus on reaching local audiences and showing real results. Try out these effective marketing methods:

Local advertising: Place flyers in community centers, partner with real estate agents, or run local Google Ads targeting homeowners and property managers.
Social media campaigns: Share videos of your work in action or “before and after” transformations. These visuals perform well and help build credibility.
Referral programs: Encourage happy customers to refer friends and family in exchange for a discount or small reward.
Networking: Connect with landscapers, painters, and property managers for cross-referral opportunities.
Email marketing: Use a business email to send professional updates, promotions, and seasonal reminders.

Track your leads using a spreadsheet or CRM to measure which strategies bring in the most business. Over time, this helps you focus your efforts on the marketing channels that deliver the best return.

9. Track progress and scale your business

Growth doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of consistent tracking and improvement. Monitoring your performance helps you make smart decisions about pricing, staffing, and expansion. Keep an eye on key metrics such as:

Monthly and annual revenue
Number of repeat customers
Job completion time and efficiency
Customer satisfaction ratings and reviews
Marketing ROI (leads, conversions, and cost per acquisition)

Use simple software tools or spreadsheets to log data regularly. As your business grows, consider expanding your service area, hiring additional technicians, or offering new services like roof soft washing or gutter cleaning.

Start your pressure washing business today with GoDaddy

Launching a pressure washing business can open the door to financial independence and hands-on work you can take pride in. The key is to stay organized, consistent, and customer-focused.

If you’re ready to turn your idea into a thriving business, GoDaddy Airo can help you move faster and smarter. From naming your business and designing your logo to building your website and setting up payments, Airo brings all the tools you need together in one place.

Start a pressure washing business FAQ

How much does it cost to start a pressure washing business?

Starting a pressure washing business typically costs between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the equipment and setup you choose. Basic expenses include a pressure washer, hoses, nozzles, cleaning solutions, transportation, insurance, and marketing materials. You can start on the lower end with residential jobs and upgrade to commercial-grade tools as your business grows.

Do I need a license to pressure wash houses?

Requirements vary by location, but most states and cities require a business license to operate legally. Some areas also need environmental permits for wastewater disposal or runoff control. It’s best to check with your local business or environmental agency before starting to ensure you meet all regulations.