Quick Answer
Pressure washing in Melbourne costs $150–$600 for a standard house, depending on the surface and size. Driveways average $100–$250, decks $150–$350, and full house exterior washes $300–$800. Most Melbourne homeowners book a professional wash every 1–2 years to remove mould, lichen, and built-up grime, especially after winter.
Complete Cost Breakdown
Driveway Pressure Washing
Concrete and exposed aggregate driveways are the most common pressure washing job in Melbourne. Lichen and algae grow quickly in shaded areas, and clay soil tracked in from SE Melbourne’s black soil suburbs leaves stubborn staining.
| Surface / Size | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-car driveway (up to 40m²) | $100–$180 | Standard concrete or exposed aggregate |
| Double-car driveway (40–80m²) | $150–$250 | Most common Melbourne size |
| Long driveway (80–150m²) | $200–$350 | Rural blocks, Pakenham/Officer area |
| Driveway + path combo | $200–$300 | Paths add surface area but little travel time |
| Driveway sealing (after wash) | $150–$400 extra | Penetrating or acrylic sealer; extends clean look 3–5 years |
Deck and Timber Surface Washing
Merbau and hardwood decks in Melbourne accumulate tannin stains and mould quickly through winter. Pressure washing before oiling or staining is essential — oil won’t penetrate a dirty deck, and the job is wasted.
| Surface | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small deck (up to 20m²) | $120–$200 | Standard merbau or treated pine |
| Large deck (20–60m²) | $180–$350 | Often combined with fence wash |
| Composite decking | $100–$200 | Lower pressure required — easier job |
| Deck + oil/stain (combined service) | $400–$900 | Many operators offer combo pricing |
| Timber fence wash | $80–$200 | Per standard suburban fence length |
House Exterior Washing
A full house exterior wash removes cobwebs, mould, lichen, and oxidation from rendered, brick, weatherboard, or fibre cement surfaces. In coastal suburbs like Frankston and Mornington, salt air accelerates surface buildup significantly.
| Service | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-storey house exterior | $300–$500 | Rendered, brick, or weatherboard |
| Double-storey house exterior | $450–$800 | Ladder or elevated equipment required |
| Gutters (exterior flush) | $80–$150 extra | Removes organic buildup from gutter faces |
| Roof (tile or metal) | $300–$700 | Specialised soft-wash technique; steep roofs cost more |
| Rendered wall spot treatment | $100–$200 | Targeted mould or stain removal |
Other Common Services
| Surface | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pool surrounds / pavers (per m²) | $3–$8/m² | Travertine needs low-pressure soft wash |
| Patio or entertaining area | $150–$300 | Depends on size and surface type |
| Retaining walls | $80–$200 | Concrete block or timber sleepers |
| Garage floor (internal) | $100–$200 | Oil stains may need pre-treatment |
| Commercial/rental property | POA | Usually quoted per job with site visit |
What Affects Pressure Washing Costs in Melbourne?
1. Surface Type and Condition
Soft-wash surfaces (painted render, fibrous cement, tiles) require lower pressure and more chemical treatment — adding time and cost. Heavily soiled surfaces with years of buildup take longer and may need multiple passes or a pre-soak treatment.
2. Access and Travel
Operators travelling from inner Melbourne to outer SE suburbs (Pakenham, Officer, Bunyip) may add a travel surcharge of $30–$80. Local operators in Berwick, Cranbourne, and Narre Warren are often cheaper for this reason — use a local tradie where possible.
3. Water Source
Most operators bring their own water tank. If they use your mains connection, expect the water cost to be added to your bill — about $2–$5 per 1,000 litres depending on Melbourne Water rates.
4. Chemical Pre-Treatment
For mould, lichen, and organic growth, a sodium hypochlorite or specialist biodegradable pre-treatment is applied before washing. This adds $40–$100 to the job cost but dramatically improves results and delays regrowth.
5. Equipment Grade
Professional trailer-mounted units (3,000–4,000 PSI, 15–20 L/min) clean far faster and better than hire-shop machines. Avoid operators using domestic machines — the results rarely justify the price.
DIY vs Professional Pressure Washing
| Factor | DIY (Hire Machine) | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | $80–$150 hire + your time | $150–$800 depending on scope |
| Machine pressure | 1,200–2,000 PSI (domestic) | 2,500–4,000 PSI (commercial) |
| Result quality | Good for flat concrete | Better for textured, soft, or large surfaces |
| Risk of surface damage | Higher (user error, wrong tip) | Lower (operator experience) |
| Time for driveway | 3–5 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Chemical pre-treatment | Available but rarely used correctly | Standard inclusion for organic growth |
DIY makes sense for a concrete driveway or small patio you can finish in an afternoon. Hire a professional for roofs, rendered walls, timber decks (wrong pressure damages the grain), or any surface above single-storey height.
Signs You Need a Pressure Wash
| Problem | Symptom | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Green algae / lichen on concrete | Slippery surface, green patches | Pressure wash with pre-treatment; reoccurs in 1–3 years |
| Black mould on render | Black streaks from downpipes or eaves | Soft wash with biocide; check gutters for overflow |
| Tannin staining on deck | Dark brown bleed from timber | Wash before oiling; use oxalic acid pre-treatment |
| Salt deposit on coastal surfaces | White efflorescence, paint bubbling | Fresh water rinse + professional wash annually |
| Oil stains on garage floor | Dark patches that spread | Degrease first, then pressure wash — multiple passes needed |
Top 10 Tips and Gotchas
- Start with the lowest pressure. You can always increase — you can’t undo damaged render or stripped timber grain. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
- Soft wash roofs. Never high-pressure a tiled roof — it strips the surface coating and voids manufacturer warranties. Use a specialist soft-wash service.
- Pre-treat mould first. Pressure alone pushes mould spores around; chemical pre-treatment kills the root. Results last 2–3 times longer.
- Keep tips at 30–45cm distance. The closer the tip, the higher the effective pressure. Beginners often hold too close and score concrete surfaces.
- Use the right nozzle. 25-degree (green) for most concrete; 40-degree (white) for painted or soft surfaces; never use a 0-degree (red) on anything except stripping rust.
- Work top to bottom. Always wash from the highest point down so dirty water runs onto uncleaned surfaces, not clean ones.
- Protect garden plants. Even biodegradable cleaning chemicals can damage plants — cover garden beds or rinse them thoroughly after washing.
- Allow proper drying time. Concrete needs 24–48 hours to dry before applying sealers or paints. Timber decks need 48–72 hours before oiling.
- Check neighbours and parked cars. Pressure washing throws debris. Move cars, cover air conditioning units, and warn neighbours if your driveway is close to a boundary.
- Book annually after winter. Melbourne winters deposit organic growth on all outdoor surfaces. An annual spring wash takes 30 minutes and saves hundreds in surface restoration costs.
Local Melbourne Resources
- Bunnings Pressure Washers — domestic electric units from $99, suitable for light driveway work
- Kennards Hire — Pressure Cleaners — petrol and electric hire units, multiple Melbourne locations
- Hipages — Melbourne Pressure Washing — compare quotes from local operators
- ServiceSeeking — Melbourne Pressure Washing — get 3 quotes instantly
- Mitre 10 — Pressure Cleaners — alternative to Bunnings with strong local store network
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I pressure wash my Melbourne driveway?
Most Melbourne driveways benefit from a wash every 1–2 years. Shaded driveways in leafy suburbs like Berwick or Narre Warren may need annual washing due to faster algae and lichen growth. Coastal properties near Frankston or Mornington should wash annually to remove salt deposits.
Can pressure washing damage my concrete driveway?
Yes, if done incorrectly. Using a 0-degree nozzle or holding the lance too close can score, etch, or even chip concrete. Always use a 25-degree tip at 30–45cm distance. Older, softer concrete is more vulnerable — test on a hidden patch first.
Is it worth pressure washing before selling my house?
Absolutely. A clean driveway and exterior can add thousands to perceived property value and costs $150–$400. Real estate agents routinely recommend it as one of the highest-ROI pre-sale tasks. Book 2–4 weeks before photography to allow surfaces to dry and show their best.
Why does algae grow back so quickly on my Melbourne driveway?
Algae and lichen regrow when shade, moisture, and organic matter are present — all common in Melbourne’s southern suburbs. Pre-treating with a biocide before washing kills spores at the root and delays regrowth to 2–3 years rather than 6–12 months. Some operators apply a post-wash inhibitor for even longer protection.
Can I pressure wash my roof myself?
No — high-pressure washing on a tiled roof is strongly discouraged. It strips the protective surface coating from Monier and Boral concrete tiles, accelerates weathering, and voids manufacturer warranties. Use a professional soft-wash service that uses low pressure and biocide chemistry instead.
How long does pressure washing take?
A standard double driveway takes a professional 1–2 hours. A full house exterior wash takes 3–5 hours. Most residential jobs are completed in a single visit. Timber decks take longer as they require a more careful approach and controlled pressure to avoid raising the grain.
Final Thoughts
Pressure washing is one of the best-value maintenance tasks for Melbourne homeowners. A $150–$250 driveway wash annually prevents the need for $800–$2,000 concrete resurfacing down the track. For timber decks, it’s non-negotiable before any oiling or staining — skipping the wash means the oil won’t penetrate and peels within 12 months.
- For concrete driveways under 80m² — DIY hire is fine; budget $80–$150 including chemicals
- For roofs, rendered walls, or two-storey work — always hire a professional
- For timber decks — professional recommended; wrong pressure permanently damages timber grain
- Book annual spring washes after Melbourne winter to stay ahead of mould and algae
- Ask for chemical pre-treatment to be included — it makes a significant difference to how long results last
