Pressure washing in the UK typically costs about GBP2-GBP4 per square metre. Small areas up to 20 m2 run GBP40-GBP100, a two-car area of 20-50 m2 is GBP100-GBP250, and larger surfaces above 50 m2 run GBP250-GBP500 (averaging near GBP300). Price depends on surface, soiling and access. Figures are indicative for 2026 and attract 20% VAT.
How much does pressure washing cost in the UK?
As a 2026 guide, exterior pressure or jet washing is about GBP2-GBP4 per square metre. By area: up to 20 m2 is GBP40-GBP100, a 20-50 m2 (two-car) area is GBP100-GBP250, and 50 m2-plus is GBP250-GBP500, averaging around GBP300. That covers car parks, forecourts, service yards, loading bays, paths, cladding and building elevations. The rate depends on the surface type, how heavily soiled it is (algae, oil, chewing gum), whether sealing is added afterwards, and access to water and drainage.
What drives the price of pressure washing?
Area is the base, then surface and soiling: oil-stained concrete, algae-covered paving or gum-spotted forecourts take longer than a light rinse. Other drivers are access and safe water and waste-water handling (some sites need contained run-off), whether hot-water or specialist rotary equipment is required, post-clean sealing, and out-of-hours working to avoid disrupting a live site. Large recurring areas such as retail car parks are usually cheaper per m2 than a small one-off.
One-off jet wash or a scheduled exterior clean?
Pressure washing can be a one-off refresh or a scheduled exterior task within a wider commercial cleaning contract - useful for car parks, entrances and yards that need regular attention for safety and appearance. It pairs with window cleaning and exterior building care. See the commercial cleaning prices pillar for how exterior tasks fit the wider budget.
How do the wage floor and VAT affect pressure washing?
Pressure washing is labour and equipment based, resting on the same wage floor - National Living Wage GBP12.71 an hour from April 2026, real Living Wage GBP13.45 UK / GBP14.80 London - plus machine, fuel, water-handling and margin costs. A VAT-registered contractor adds 20% VAT to the per-m2 or per-job price.
How do you get an accurate pressure washing quote?
Because surface and soiling vary, a quick measure and a look at the area sharpen the figure. We assess the surface, agree the scope and return a fixed price, or schedule exterior washing within your monthly contract. Request a fixed quote to start.
Indicative UK pressure washing costs (2026 guide only)
| Area | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per square metre | GBP2 - GBP4 | Surface and soiling dependent |
| Up to 20 m2 | GBP40 - GBP100 | Small area / one-off |
| 20-50 m2 (two-car) | GBP100 - GBP250 | |
| 50 m2+ | GBP250 - GBP500 | Average near GBP300 |